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Understanding the Vessel of the United States: Legal Insights and Definitions

Definition & Meaning

The term vessel of the United States refers to specific types of watercraft that are recognized under U.S. law. This includes:

  • Any vessel that is documented according to chapter 121 of title 46 of the United States Code.
  • Any vessel that is numbered under chapter 123 of title 46 and measures less than five net tons.
  • Any vessel that is numbered under chapter 123 and is used solely for recreational purposes.
  • Any vessel that does not have any propulsion machinery and is used exclusively for pleasure.

Table of content

Legal Use & context

The term vessel of the United States is primarily used in maritime law, particularly in contexts related to fisheries management and conservation. It is important for determining the legal status of vessels engaged in fishing activities and for compliance with federal regulations. Understanding this term can help users navigate legal requirements when operating or documenting a vessel.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Here are a couple of examples to illustrate the term:

  • A sailboat that is documented under chapter 121 and used for weekend sailing trips is considered a vessel of the United States.
  • A small fishing boat, measuring less than five net tons and registered under chapter 123, used solely for personal fishing trips, qualifies as a vessel of the United States.

Relevant laws & statutes

The primary legal references for the term vessel of the United States are:

  • 16 USCS § 1802 - Definitions related to fishery conservation.
  • Title 46 of the United States Code, chapters 121 and 123 - Documentation and numbering of vessels.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Documented Vessel A vessel that has been officially registered with the U.S. government. All documented vessels are vessels of the United States, but not all vessels of the United States are documented.
Fishing Vessel A vessel specifically designed for catching fish. All fishing vessels can be vessels of the United States, but not all vessels of the United States are used for fishing.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you own or operate a vessel that may qualify as a vessel of the United States, consider the following steps:

  • Check if your vessel is documented or needs to be numbered under the appropriate chapters of title 46.
  • Ensure compliance with any federal regulations related to fishing or recreational use.
  • Explore US Legal Forms for templates that can assist you in the documentation process.
  • If you're unsure about your vessel's status, consult a legal professional for guidance.

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Quick facts

Attribute Details
Jurisdiction Federal law
Documentation Requirement Required for certain vessels
Use Recreational or fishing

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

The documentation process typically involves submitting an application to the U.S. Coast Guard along with required fees and documentation.

Legal definition list by alphabet

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