12:7A-16. Seizure of vessels

a. If any marine equipment, numbered vessel, or documented vessel is seized, levied upon, or attached and taken into possession, actually or constructively, by virtue of judicial process issued by a court of competent jurisdiction in this State, or by virtue of a State or federal statute, the person from whom possession of the marine equipment, numbered vessel, or documented vessel was taken, and without prejudice to his rights in the premises, shall surrender the title papers or certificate of ownership, certificate of number or other marine documents to the director upon written notice or demand from the director. The officer or person so seizing and taking possession of such marine equipment, numbered vessel, or documented vessel shall file with the director a notice in writing giving a full description of such items as prescribed by regulation, and the name and address of the person from whom taken, and shall attach a copy of the process or statutory or other authority to the notice. If the marine equipment, numbered vessel, or documented vessel is sold in pursuance thereof, the officer so selling it shall execute and deliver to the purchaser at the sale an application for certificate of ownership, if this certificate is required under P.L.1984, c. 152 (C. 12:7A-1 et seq.), in the same form and manner as provided in this act, which shall also contain the name and address of the person from whom the marine equipment, numbered vessel, or documented vessel was taken. A copy of the process or statutory or other authority under which the marine equipment, numbered vessel, or documented vessel is sold and a copy of the notice of sale, which notice of sale shall contain a description of the marine equipment, numbered vessel, or documented vessel as required by this act, shall be attached thereto. If the sale is held by a bailiff or attorney in fact for a lienor, the lienor shall also execute the application for certificate of ownership, if this certificate is required under P.L.1984, c. 152. The director, upon new application to him by the purchaser at the sale, shall file and record the purchase of the marine equipment as provided in this act.

b. The director shall provide by regulation for procedures regarding marine equipment or documented vessels forfeited to the State.

L. 1984, c. 152, s.16; amended by L. 1987, c. 138, s. 7.