"Go boating and get paid"
      
With this in mind, in 1999 I have developed this new and challenging concept, on a very demanding market, Vessel Towing, Salvage & Recovery. The major advantage of this concept is that no money is lost in unnecessary advertising, so far the largest business expense ever along with the insurance. It is based on the oldest economic theory: SUPPLY and DEMAND. I have studied the boat recycling process for years and I have acquired the knowledge and the experience: ON HOW, WHERE and AT WHAT COST?, this concept can be applied as a lucrative and rewarding business. Just remember: Unless you make a living using your vessel:

      "The boat is considered a luxury not a necessity."

Boat manufacturers are producing boats at an alarming rate. Due to 2005 - 2007 Real Estate "jump", the cost of dry storage and slips has increased considerably as most of marinas properties are now waterfront condos . People are abandoning vessels everywhere, unable to pay the high cost monthly payments, fuel, storage or slip fees and the maintenance. The average cost of owning and maintaining a 25' boat, is way over $7500.00 per year.Every marina and storage yard nationwide has numerous long overdue, unpaid accounts. Engines are locked, vessels need dewatering and the fuel has turned to varnish. The vessel is becoming a natural reef, soon to be "protected". Many R.E. Companies and banks are face with a dilemma of abandoned boats on the properties are listing or being foreclosed. Impoundment is the only legal way of disposal as they require a certificate od destruction.Some people are trying to sink them, resulting in arrests and fines from pollution and environmental damage. The numbers of BUI ( Boating while Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs), has become a reality in the boating community and a real issue for law enforcement.

Who you going to call?

Impounding a 70' yacht is a task and a nuisance for the common boat towing companies and the law enforcement. A transit slip for such a large vessel can cost over $350.00 per day. As the normal impound process takes usually 35 to 50 days and towing charges are way over $150.00 per hour, not including legal and attorney fees.

You do the math!

City and county dump yards are now requiring a title and a certificate of destruction in order to dump a boat hull. Engines, fuel, wiring plastic and batteries have to be removed and recycled prior to disposal. Only about 38% of the boat owners have insurance or towing memberships. The cost of new boats has increased considerably and so has the cost of salvage.
Coast Guard has done a tremendous job and they are working hard to improve and educate the public, but let's not forget the basic rule: Coast Guard will not tow recreational vessels unless there is a life-threatening event on board or the vessel is a hazard to navigation. The Coast Guard is here to protect and save your life - not your boat.

If I salvage a boat, I own it Right?

This is a very popular misconception. When a vessel is abandoned and left without intention to return or hope of recovery, the vessel remains the property of her owner. The salvor who finds such a vessel obtains a possessory lien on the vessel but not ownership. You are risking being arrested for stolen property.

If I tow my friend's boat, he owe's me money!

This is part of being a GOOD SAMARITAN, asking for compensation in any form, is breaking the law. You also become responsible for any damage that may occur to the boat during the tow and also any injury caused to the crew.

I sold my boat 8 years ago, why do I have to pay for salvage?

When you transfer ownership, make sure you retain a copy of the signed title or the bill of sale. Unless the buyer registered the vessel, you are responsible if he or she abandons this vessel on public property or lets it drift in the ocean. They end up on a beach of one of the inhabited islands, which are protected by federal law. The cost of removal and fines can far exceed the cost of the vessel. Unlike the automobiles, the ownership changes, but the registration numbers remain the same, unless the vessel is sold out of state.

Is this a tow or a salvage operation? This is a very controversial issue.

The definition of a TOW: ( 12th century Latin - ducere) meaning: to draw or pull along behind. 

 As a general rule, a simple tow involves one tow line and one tow boat. Taking out the crab- trap line cut on your prop, doesn't usually require a scuba diver. Dead engine, a battery jump, out of fuel or an electrical short are the main reasons for an emergency tow. If you are a member of a commercial assistance towing business , this service is usually free of charge. However if the vessel is in distress, hard aground, stranded, on fire, sinking or in eminent danger to the crew, other vessels or the marine environment, the rescue operation is classified as a salvage operation. Special equipment and a great amount of knowledge and experience comes into use. Wreck removal and hazardous waste containment may cost way more than the total loss of the vessel.

Derelict/Abandoned Vessels

A mast sticking out of the water. A deckhouse exposed at low tide. An old runabout lying on its side on the bank. Boats abandoned by their owners come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing remains the same: These derelicts take time, money and effort to remove, and the costs are often borne by the boating public. A small runabout might cost as much as $1,200 dollars to haul away and break up at a landfill. A 30-footer might cost three times that. Add another $6,000 if it’s sunk and needs to be raised as well. Local governments often must pay for derelict removal out of already under-funded waterway improvement accounts. Many states have made grants available to reimburse some or most of the costs, but funding for these programs is inconsistent. The owner is ultimately responsible for the vessel and any ensuing damage it does to the sea, any reef, or dock. If the vessel sinks or otherwise obstructs navigable waterways, the Coast Guard will demand removal. If you don't remove it, the Coast Guard will do it for you, sending you the bill and a fine, and it won't be cheap!

What is a B.U.I.?

If you drink and drive, you will be arrested and charged with DUI and your car will be impounded. The same law applies to boaters. Boating while Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs nationwide. The Coast Guard and Fish & Wildlife also enforces a federal law that prohibits BUI. This law pertains to ALL boats (from canoes and rowboats to the largest ships) and includes foreign vessels that operate in U.S. waters, as well as U.S. vessels on the high seas. 

Neptune Towing & Recovery, Inc., is a Tampa Bay based marine towing, salvage
and recovery company operating in the state of Florida and Caribbean.
 

Founded in 1999, under the previous name of Seasurplus.com, Neptune has grown steadily, earning a solid reputation for total commitment to serving the maritime industry's emergency response needs. Jan. 2000 we moved to our new location on Salt Creek, St. Pete. Our office, the storage facilities and our docks being at the same location greatly reduce the response time. We added a fast response vessel to the fleet, being capable of accessing very shallow waters. By 2001, the demand for our services had spread county and statewide, working on the east and west coast of Florida. As a result, we started this web site,and provided our customers with a 24 hour emergency life response.    In October 2001, we formed our Emergency Disaster Team to help with much needed help relief for Belize from the devastation of Hurricane Iris. This volunteer program work was a life time experience a very rewarding.In March 2002, at the request of U.S. Bank, we removed and disposed 72 derelict vessels from a boat yard in Clearwater, Florida The challenge was preventing or minimizing further damage to the environment. 42 fuel tanks, 38 junk engines and 92 batteries had to be removed before disposal. We recycled 300 gallons of oil, over 600 gallons of old fuel, 140 trailer tires, 112 batteries and four large dumpsters full of debris. The right equipment, knowledgeable personnel, and following the rules and regulations of the local and federal laws, made our life easier and allowed successful completion of the contract in only 30 days. Between 2002 and 2005, we had responded to over 600 emergency calls, salvaged 41 vessels, recover 18 stolen boats and removed over 180 derelicts and wrecks. We have worked with, and responded to all emergency calls from law enforcement and the U.S. Coast Guard.In 2005 Neptune had purchased Tampa Bay Rescue and added two more towing vessels to the fleet and two experienced captains. We also purchased new dewatering pumps, new flotation devices and brand new navigation equipment.Chartered by film production, we supplied vessels and licensed personnel for the filming of Repo Man,
   
Trading Spaces and facilitated the production of four TV documentaries in Mexico, Belize and Dominican Republic. We towed-away 112 derelict and abandoned vessels and police impounds. In the summer of 2005, we performed extensive county-wide RED TIDE clean up. We contained and removed over 20 tons of dead fish and sea-life. In May 2006 Neptune added a new VHF tower antenna for longer range and better reception. Our network was upgraded to a fast 24 hour DMV database access, a state of the art charting system and our vessels had been equipped with new DSC VHF Radios. February 2007 We are now the official vessel towing company for the City of Saint Petersburg and a two year contract was awarded to us. Amazingly for a quiet year with no hurricanes, we salvaged 22 vessels and disposed of 38 derelicts.  In 2008 We open a Pilot Office at Salt Creek Marina. 2009/2010 We are now celebrating 10 years of providing valuable service to the boating industry,
Law Enforcement and the U.S Coast Guard.

We are proud of our flawless job record and our accident and drug free work place. Our dedicated staff
is committed to provide the same fast response and professionalism for years to come.

 2011 We are the Official Law Enforcement Impound / Salvage Contractor for Tampa Bay. We are glad to be back to our original business location. We added new face, painted the buildings,remodel the office and the shop.
 We purchased a large forklift and a backhoe, being able to demolish two 30' boats per week.
 New diving equipment, new dewatering pumps and floating bags make's our job easier and our response
time faster. Our office has a new computer, a new surveillance system and a commercial VHF antenna.
2012 Future plans includes the opening of a new concept of BOAT RENTAL & CHARTER in one of our
 most turist destination in St. Petersburg.

The greatest love of my life is The Sea."

I learned to respect and appreciate it, and I will never take for granted.

Being on and around the water gives me peace of mind and fulfillment.

Capt. Doni