The Harbor Master may take immediate possession and/or impound and remove any vessel, watercraft, or obstruction when:
A. 
The operator or master of the same reasonably appears incapable of safely operating the same or appears incapable of directing the disposition of the same;
B. 
The operator or master of the same refuses to sign a citation or refuses or neglects to obey an order of the Harbor Master to proceed from or to an area following a citation or in an emergency;
C. 
The operator or master operates a vessel, watercraft, or obstruction in a negligent, reckless, or other manner so as to endanger the safety of others or to unreasonably interfere with the navigation of other watercraft and vessels, and the Harbor Master has cause to believe such operation of the vessel, watercraft, or obstruction would continue unless possession be taken of the same;
D. 
The vessel, watercraft, or obstruction appears unsafe for water transportation; or
E. 
The vessel, watercraft, or obstruction appears abandoned, or is anchored or moored in an area without a required permit, or after expiration, cancellation, or violation of a permit, or in violation of this title without a permit, 24 hours after an order to remove the same has been given by the Harbor Master as provided in Section 4.18.020 hereof; or
F. 
The vessel, watercraft, or obstruction is obstructing a launch ramp area or public pier or has remained at a public facility for 12 hours longer than the maximum mooring or anchoring time;
G. 
The Harbor Master, in removing the same, may use such methods as in his judgment will prevent unnecessary damage to said vessel, watercraft, or obstruction, and/or assign the removal and impounding of the vessel, watercraft, or obstruction to a private corporation.
(Ord. 22868 § 1, 1983-06-07)
In the event possession is taken of any vessel, watercraft, or obstruction as authorized herein, the expenses incurred by the Harbor Master in the removal, towing, impounding, and moorage of the same shall be paid by the owner or other person in charge of such vessel, watercraft, or obstruction. When a vessel, watercraft or obstruction is moored or impounded at a City facility, the Harbor Master may assess a reasonable moorage charge therefor, which shall be paid by the owner or other person in charge of such vessel, watercraft, or obstruction.
(Ord. 22868 § 1, 1983-06-07)
All vessels, watercraft, logs, piling, building materials, scows, houseboats, or any other article of value found adrift in Tacoma Harbor may be taken in charge by the Harbor Master and shall be subject to reclamation by the owner thereof upon payment to the City of any expenses incurred by the City, and, in case of failure to reclaim, may be sold or disposed of according to law.
(Ord. 22868 § 1, 1983-06-07)
When taking possession as authorized herein, the Harbor Master may impound the vessel, watercraft, or obstruction in place by posting the same with one or more signs or notices in conspicuous places stating: “Harbor Master Impound – Keep Off,” and notifying the owner, master, or person in charge of the impounding. The Harbor Master may, in his discretion, appoint as custodian the owner or operator of the facility or property where the vessel is moored or anchored. Upon the posting of such signs, it shall be unlawful for any person to:
A. 
Move, load or unload, rebuild, or enter upon such vessel, watercraft, or obstruction without written permission from the Harbor Master, other than for necessary maintenance and repair to prevent deterioration or sinking of the same;
B. 
Remove, mutilate, destroy, or conceal any notice or sign posted by the Harbor Master pursuant to the provisions of this title.
(Ord. 22868 § 1, 1983-06-07)
The Harbor Master shall not be held responsible for damages incurred as the result of impound of a vessel or watercraft so long as reasonable practices are employed in said operation.
(Ord. 22868 § 1, 1983-06-07)