Vessel Definitions

Different forms of water vessels are defined by various terms in both state and federal law. The following general definitions may help you while you consider taking legal action after a major boat accident or cruise ship incident.

• "Vessel" or "Watercraft"means every description of watercraft, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, except a seaplane on the water, innertube, air mattress or similar device, and boats used for concession rides in artificial bodies of water designed and used exclusively for such concessions.
• "Motorboat" means any vessel propelled by machinery, whether or not such machinery is the principal source of propulsion.
• "Personal Watercraft" means a vessel that uses an inboard motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motor power and that is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel, rather than the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel, and includes vessels that are similar in appearance and operation but are powered by an outboard or propeller driven motor.
• "Specialty Prop-craft" means a vessel that is similar in appearance and operation to a personal watercraft but that is powered by an outboard or propeller driven motor.
• "Sailboat" means any watercraft propelled by sail or canvas, including sailboards.
• "Operate" means to navigate or otherwise use a motorboat or vessel.
• "Competent" means capable of assisting a skier in case of injury or accident.
• "Underway" applies to a vessel or watercraft at all times except when it is moored at a dock or anchorage area.
• "Use" applies to all vessels on the waters of a State,whether moored or underway.
• "Waters of this State" means any water within the jurisdiction of a state.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury or death as the result of an accident involving a watercraft, call VanDerGinst Law at 1-866-843-7367 or click here for a FREE online case evaluation. The initial consultation is free of charge. If we agree to handle your injury case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if, and when, there is a money recovery for you. In many cases a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. So please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.