A number of definitions are provided because of the need to define jurisdictional and applicability limits of various sections to the many types and classes of vessels.

Section 2101(1) defines the type of “associated equipment” that is involved in the use of recreational boats that are subject to Federal regulatory authority. This equipment is subject to a number of controls under federally established construction and performance standards. Radio equipment is exempt from these regulatory controls, since this equipment continues to be regulated by the Federal Communications Commission.

Section 2101(2) defines “barge” as a vessel that is non-self-propelled and that is often pushed ahead, towed alongside, or towed astern on a hawser by a towing vessel. It does not include a vessel that is propelled by sail only.

Section 2101(3) defines “boundary line” for the establishment of jurisdictional parameters for various maritime safety laws. Public Law 96–324, codified at 33 U.S.C. 151, permits the Secretary to establish appropriate identifiable lines dividing inland waters of the U.S. from the high seas for the purpose of determining the applicability of these laws. These laws will now be included within subtitle II of title 46—Shipping. These lines may not be located more than twelve nautical miles seaward of the baseline from which the territorial sea is measured and may differ in position for the purposes of different parts or sections of subtitle II.

Section 2101(4) defines “Coast Guard”.

Section 2101(5) provides that wherever the term “commercial service” is used it is to include all vessels except those that are primarily used for combatant purposes. This is to make sure that vessels that are engaged in the transportation of goods or individuals are subject to the applicable maritime and environmental safety laws, even if they are sovereign controlled vessels.

Section 2101(6) defines “consular officer” as one who has authority to issue visas. Traditionally this person is knowledgeable and familiar with the maritime safety and seamen’s welfare laws.

Section 2101(7) defines “crude oil” because certain equipment requirements like inert gas systems, segregated ballast tanks, crude oil washing systems or special ballast arrangements are applicable only to tank vessels that carry crude oil. Crude oil is still included within the definition of “hazardous material” and “oil”.

Section 2101(8) defines a “crude oil tanker” as one engaged in carrying crude oil. The definition does not include a tank barge since a tanker is defined as a self-propelled tank vessel. See also 2101(38).

Section 2101(9) makes it clear that the term “discharge” when referring to a substance that emanates from a vessel and is related to the marine environmental laws concerning pollution by oil or hazardous substances.

Section 2101(10) defines a “documented vessel” as any vessel of the United States that has been issued a certificate of documentation that might include a register, enrollment, license, or enrollment and license for various trades.

Section 2101(11) lists what is included in the term “fisheries” for the purpose of documentation of vessels and is intended to be all-inclusive of the numerous types of fishing activities.

Section 2101(12) defines “foreign vessel” as any foreign flag or foreign operated vessel that is operated under the jurisdiction or authority of a government other than the United States.

Section 2101(13) defines a “freight vessel” as a motor vessel or any vessel propelled by diesel or other internal combustion engines and that carries freight for hire.

Section 2101(14) defines “hazardous materials” as a broad range of materials that are not only flammable or combustible but are also designated under related maritime safety and environmental laws.

Section 2101(15) defines “marine environment” as an all-inclusive term that was developed to cover land and water areas that could be affected by pollution from all vessels and not only tank vessels.

Section 2101(16) defines “motor vessel” as a vessel propelled by machinery other than steam to make it clear that these vessels are not steam vessels.

Section 2101(17) defines “nautical school vessel” as a vessel that can be a privately owned and operated as well as a publicly owned and operated school vessel.

Section 2101(18) defines “oceanographic research vessel” as a vessel employed in oceanography or limnology research or instruction. It is defined because this type of vessel, while not inspected and certified as such, is subject to a number of special statutory and regulatory requirements.

Section 2101(19) defines “offshore supply vessel” as a class of vessel that is limited by tonnage and its employment in the mineral and oil industry and while so employed it is not a small passenger vessel.

Section 2101(20) defines “oil” to include oil of any type, in any form, or in any mixture. This is the definition that originated with marine environment and pollution laws and continues the definition that was adopted by port and tanker safety laws.

Section 2101(21) defines the term “passengers” in relation to various types of vessels. Due to the complexity of existing laws with respect to the definitions of “passenger” on various categories of vessels and the need to not make any changes of a substantive nature that could be construed as controversial, four definitions of “passenger” have been included.

Section 2101(22) defines “passenger vessel” as one that is at least 100 gross tons and carries at least one passenger for hire.

Section 2101(23) defines “product carrier” as a tanker that is engaged in carrying oil. This definition when read with the definition of tanker means that it is a self-propelled vessel. A tank barge carrying oil products is a tank vessel but is not subject to the special standards or requirements for a product carrier.

Section 2101(24) defines a “public vessel” as a governmental vessel that is not in commercial service. It should be noted that a sovereign-controlled foreign-flag vessel that is engaged in commercial service is not a public vessel and is subject to maritime safety and environment laws.

Section 2101(25) defines a “recreational vessel” as a class of vessel whose primary purpose is for pleasure. These vessels while not subject to inspection are subject to certain requirements of law to improve boating safety.

Section 2101(26) defines a “recreational vessel manufacturer” as one that is involved with not only the recreational vessels themselves but also with their components or associated equipment.

Section 2101(27), (28), (29), and (30) provides a number of definitions that define the type of instruction, instructor, student, and vessel that is involved in the teaching of sailing.

Section 2101(31) defines “scientific personnel” as individuals engaged in oceanography or limnology because they are specially treated under various maritime safety requirements.

Section 2101(32) defines a “seagoing barge” as a vessel that is at least 100 gross tons making voyages to sea beyond the boundary line.

Section 2101(33) defines a “seagoing motor vessel” as a vessel that must be a motor vessel, as defined in 2101(15), of at least 300 gross tons making voyages to sea beyond the boundary line.

Section 2101(34) defines “Secretary” so that maritime safety and seamen’s welfare jurisdiction remains within the Coast Guard at all times.

Section 2101(35) defines “small passenger vessel” as one that is less than 100 gross tons carrying more than six passengers as defined in section 2101(21).

Section 2101(36) defines “State” as a State, territory or possession of the United States and is used to establish jurisdictional limits for the application of the various maritime safety and environmental safety laws of this subtitle. This definition is further limited by definitions in section 2102 that relate to recreational boating safety and facility improvement programs.

Section 2101(37) defines a “steam vessel” as a vessel propelled by steam. However, steam vessels of not more than 40 feet that are used exclusively for pleasure are not included.

Section 2101(38) defines “tanker” as a self-propelled tank vessel that has been constructed or primarily adapted to carry oil or hazardous material in bulk in the cargo spaces. This vessel is a subclass of tank vessel, which is defined in section 2101(39). This subclass definition is necessary because certain statutory minimum requirements that are consistent with internationally accepted standards are solely applicable to these vessels.

Section 2101(39) defines a “tank vessel” as a vessel carrying oil or hazardous materials in bulk or residue including a tanker as defined in section 2101(38).

Section 2101(40) defines “towing vessel” as a vessel in commercial service that pushes, pulls, or tows alongside and includes what is traditionally known as a tug.

Section 2101(41) defines “undocumented” which, in part, facilitates the classification of vessels that may be numbered by the proper issuing authority in a State.

Section 2101(42) defines an “uninspected passenger vessel” as a vessel carrying six or less passengers.

Section 2101(43) defines an “uninspected vessel” as a vessel not subject to inspection and certification by the Coast Guard under section 3301. Recreational vessels and inland towing vessels are typical uninspected vessels.

Section 2101(44) defines “United States” to establish geographical boundaries for the applicability of the various maritime safety and environmental safety laws of this subtitle. This definition is further limited by definitions in section 2102 that relate to recreational boating safety and facility improvement programs.

Section 2101(45) makes it clear that “vessel” as used in this subtitle has the same meaning as is provided in section 3 of title 1, of the U.S.C.

Section 2101(46) defines “vessel of the United States” as a vessel that is documented or numbered under the laws of the United States. A documented vessel and those vessels that are numbered by a State or Federal authority are afforded the protection of the laws of the United States.

Section 1 of title 14, referred to in par. (2), was redesignated section 101 of title 14 by Pub. L. 115–282, title I, § 103(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4195, and references to section 1 of title 14 deemed to refer to such redesignated section, see section 123(b)(1) of Pub. L. 115–282, set out as a References to Sections of Title 14 as Redesignated by Pub. L. 115–282 note preceding section 101 of Title 14, Coast Guard.

Presidential Proclamation No. 5928, referred to in par. (23), is set out under section 1331 of Title 43, Public Lands.

2022—Pars. (45) to (56). Pub. L. 117–263 added pars. (45) and (46) and redesignated former pars. (45) to (54) as (47) to (56), respectively.

2018—Pub. L. 115–232 added undesignated par. defining “Commandant” after par. (4), substituted period for semicolon at end of par. (14), and redesignated pars. (1) to (48) as (1) to (54), respectively.

Par. (41). Pub. L. 115–282 designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), inserted “Subject to subparagraph (B),” before “ ‘scientific personnel’ ” and added subpar. (B).

2010—Par. (1)(B). Pub. L. 111–281, § 618, as amended by Pub. L. 111–330, inserted “with the exception of emergency locator beacons for recreational vessels operating beyond 3 nautical miles from the baselines from which the territorial sea of the United States is measured or beyond 3 nautical miles from the coastline of the Great Lakes,” before “does not include”.

Par. (19). Pub. L. 111–281, § 617(a)(1)(A), struck out “of more than 15 gross tons but less than 500 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title” after “means a motor vessel”.

2006—Pars. (2) to (3a). Pub. L. 109–304, § 15(2)(A), struck out pars. (2), (3), and (3a), which defined “barge”, “Boundary Line”, and “citizen of the United States”, respectively. See sections 102, 103, and 104 of this title.

Par. (6). Pub. L. 109–304, § 15(2)(A), struck out par. (6) which read as follows: “ ‘consular officer’ means an officer or employee of the United States Government designated under regulations to grant visas.” See section 105 of this title.

Par. (8a). Pub. L. 109–304, § 15(2)(B), inserted “Prevention” after “Abuse”.

Pars. (10), (10a). Pub. L. 109–304, § 15(2)(A), struck out pars. (10) and (10a) which defined “documented vessel” and “Exclusive Economic Zone”, respectively. See sections 106 and 107 of this title.

Par. (10b). Pub. L. 109–241, § 301(a), added par. (10b).

Par. (12). Pub. L. 109–304, § 15(2)(A), struck out par. (12) which read as follows: “ ‘foreign vessel’ means a vessel of foreign registry or operated under the authority of a country except the United States.” See section 110 of this title.

Par. (17b). Pub. L. 109–304, § 15(2)(A), struck out par. (17b) which read as follows: “ ‘numbered vessel’ means a vessel for which a number has been issued under chapter 123 of this title.” See section 111 of this title.

Par. (18). Pub. L. 109–304, § 15(2)(C), struck out “those” after “including”.

Par. (22)(D). Pub. L. 109–241, § 301(b), added subpar. (D).

Par. (26a). Pub. L. 109–241, § 312(b), added par. (26a).

Par. (34). Pub. L. 109–304, § 15(2)(D), struck out “, except in part H,” before “means” and substituted “Secretary of” for “head of”.

Par. (35)(E). Pub. L. 109–241, § 301(c), added subpar. (E).

Par. (36). Pub. L. 109–304, § 15(2)(A), struck out par. (36) which read as follows: “ ‘State’ means a State of the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the District of Columbia, the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States.” See section 112 of this title.

Par. (41). Pub. L. 109–304, § 15(2)(A), struck out par. (41) which read as follows: “ ‘undocumented’ means not having and not required to have a document issued under chapter 121 of this title.” See section 113 of this title.

Pars. (44) to (46). Pub. L. 109–304, § 15(2)(A), struck out pars. (44) to (46), which defined “United States”, “vessel”, and “vessel of the United States”, respectively. See sections 114, 115, and 116 of this title.

2002—Par. (17). Pub. L. 107–217 substituted “section 558 of title 40” for “section 13 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1986”.

Par. (35). Pub. L. 107–295, § 419(a), inserted “a wing-in-ground craft, regardless of tonnage, carrying at least one passenger for hire, and” after “ ‘small passenger vessel’ means” in introductory provisions.

Par. (48). Pub. L. 107–295, § 419(b), added par. (48).

1998—Pars. (17a), (17b). Pub. L. 105–383 added par. (17a) and redesignated former par. (17a) as (17b).

1996—Par. (13). Pub. L. 104–324, § 709(1), inserted “as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title” after “15 gross tons”.

Par. (13a). Pub. L. 104–324, § 709(2), inserted “as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title” after “3,500 gross tons”.

Par. (19). Pub. L. 104–324, § 709(3), inserted “as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title” after “500 gross tons”.

Par. (20a). Pub. L. 104–324, § 1104(a)(2), added par. (20a). Former par. (20a) redesignated (20b).

Par. (20b). Pub. L. 104–324, § 1104(a)(1), redesignated par. (20a) as (20b).

Par. (22). Pub. L. 104–324, § 709(4), inserted “as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title” after “100 gross tons”.

Par. (30)(A). Pub. L. 104–324, § 709(5), inserted “as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title” after “500 gross tons”.

Par. (32). Pub. L. 104–324, § 709(6), inserted “as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title” after “100 gross tons”.

Par. (33). Pub. L. 104–324, § 709(7), inserted “as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title” after “300 gross tons”.

Par. (35). Pub. L. 104–324, § 709(8), inserted “as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title” after “100 gross tons”.

Par. (42). Pub. L. 104–324, § 709(9), inserted “as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title” after “100 gross tons” in subpars. (A) and (B).

1994—Par. (14)(C). Pub. L. 103–272 substituted “section 5103(a) of title 49” for “section 104 of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 App. U.S.C. 1803)”.

1993—Par. (5a). Pub. L. 103–206, § 507, added par. (5a).

Par. (19). Pub. L. 103–206, § 508, inserted “individuals in addition to the crew,” after “supplies,” and struck out “and is not a small passenger vessel” after “resources”.

Par. (21). Pub. L. 103–206, § 502, amended par. (21) generally, substituting subpars. (A) to (D) defining “passenger” for former subpars. (A) to (F) defining “passenger”.

Par. (21a). Pub. L. 103–206, § 506, added par. (21a).

Par. (22). Pub. L. 103–206, § 503, amended par. (22) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (22) read as follows: “ ‘passenger vessel’ means a vessel of at least 100 gross tons carrying at least one passenger for hire.”

Par. (30)(B). Pub. L. 103–206, § 509, substituted “more than 6” for “at least 6”.

Par. (35). Pub. L. 103–206, § 504, amended par. (35) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (35) read as follows: “ ‘small passenger vessel’ means a vessel of less than 100 gross tons carrying more than 6 passengers (as defined in clause (21)(B) and (C) of this section).”

Par. (37a). Pub. L. 103–206, § 510, added par. (37a).

Par. (42). Pub. L. 103–206, § 505, amended par. (42) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (42) read as follows: “ ‘uninspected passenger vessel’ means an uninspected vessel carrying not more than 6 passengers.”

1992—Par. (13a). Pub. L. 102–587 added par. (13a).

1990—Par. (8a). Pub. L. 101–380 added par. (8a).

Par. (14)(C). Pub. L. 101–595 substituted “(49 App. U.S.C. 1803)” for “(49 U.S.C. 1803)”.

1989—Par. (17a). Pub. L. 101–225 added par. (17a).

1988—Par. (10a). Pub. L. 100–239 added par. (10a).

Par. (14a). Pub. L. 100–424 added par. (14a).

Par. (34). Pub. L. 100–710, § 104(a)(1), inserted “, except in part H,” before “means”.

Par. (46). Pub. L. 100–710, § 104(a)(2), inserted “or titled under the law of a State” before period at end.

1986—Par. (11b). Pub. L. 99–640, § 10(b)(1), inserted “freezing,”.

Par. (14)(C). Pub. L. 99–307, § 1(1), substituted “Materials” for “Material”.

Par. (15a). Pub. L. 99–640, § 11(a), added par. (15a).

Par. (17). Pub. L. 99–640, § 13(d), inserted “or an educational institution under section 13 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1986”.

Par. (20a). Pub. L. 99–509, § 5102(b)(1)(A), added par. (20a).

Par. (21)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 99–307, § 1(2)(A), inserted “or other individual engaged in the business of the vessel who has not contributed consideration for carriage on board the vessel” after “crewmember”.

Par. (21)(B). Pub. L. 99–307, § 1(2)(D), struck out “or a sailing school vessel,” after “passenger vessel”.

Par. (21)(B)(v) to (vii). Pub. L. 99–307, § 1(2)(B), added cls. (v) and (vi) and struck out former cls. (v) to (vii) which read as follows:

“(v) a guest on board a vessel that is being operated only for pleasure, or a guest on board a sailing school vessel, who has not contributed consideration for carriage on board;

“(vi) an individual on board a towing vessel of at least 50 gross tons who has not contributed consideration for carriage on board; or

“(vii) a sailing school instructor or sailing school student.”

Par. (21)(F). Pub. L. 99–307, § 1(2)(C), added subpar. (F).

Par. (30)(D). Pub. L. 99–514 substituted “Internal Revenue Code of 1986” for “Internal Revenue Code of 1954”.

Par. (47). Pub. L. 99–509, § 5102(b)(1)(B), added par. (47).

1984—Par. (3a). Pub. L. 98–454 added par. (3a).

Par. (11). Pub. L. 98–364, § 402(1)(A), substituted “ ‘fish’ means finfish, mollusks, crustaceans, and all other forms of marine animal and plant lift, except marine mammals and birds” for “ ‘fisheries’ includes planting, cultivating, catching, taking, or harvesting fish, shellfish, marine animals, pearls, shells, or marine vegetation at a place in the fishery conservation zone established by section 101 of the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 1811)”, which is now covered in section 12101 of this title.

Pars. (11a) to (11c). Pub. L. 98–364, § 402(1)(B), added pars. (11a) to (11c).

Par. (21)(B). Pub. L. 98–557, § 34(a)(1), inserted reference to a sailing school vessel in provisions preceding cl. (i).

Par. (21)(E). Pub. L. 98–364, § 402(1)(C), added subpar. (E).

Par. (27). Pub. L. 98–557, § 34(a)(2), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A) and added subpar. (B).

Pub. L. 111–330, § 1, Dec. 22, 2010, 124 Stat. 3569, provided that the amendment made by section 1(9) is effective with the enactment of Pub. L. 111–281.

Pub. L. 102–587, title V, § 5208(c), (d), Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 5076, provided that:

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–380 applicable to incidents occurring after Aug. 18, 1990, see section 1020 of Pub. L. 101–380, set out as an Effective Date note under section 2701 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters.

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–710 effective Jan. 1, 1989, with certain exceptions and qualifications, see section 107 of Pub. L. 100–710, set out as an Effective Date note under section 31301 of this title.

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXIV [LXXXIV], § 8402, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4720, provided that:

Pub. L. 103–206, title III, § 321, Dec. 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 2427, provided that:

Pub. L. 103–206, title V, § 513, Dec. 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 2443, provided that:

Pub. L. 102–587, title V, § 5209, Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 5076, as amended by Pub. L. 105–383, title IV, § 422, Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3439; Pub. L. 111–281, title VI, § 617(a)(1)(B), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2972, provided that:

Pub. L. 115–265, title II, § 203, Oct. 11, 2018, 132 Stat. 3745, provided that: “In this title [see section 201 of Pub. L. 115–265, set out as a Short Title of 2018 Amendment note under section 101 of this title]: