United States Code
USC most recently checked for updates: Jun 09, 2025
§ 53901.
Definitions
In this chapter:
(1)
The term “American vessel” includes—
(A)
a documented vessel with a registry or coastwise endorsement under chapter 121 of this title;
(B)
an undocumented vessel owned or chartered by or made available to the United States Government; and
(C)
a tug, barge, or other watercraft (whether or not documented) owned by a citizen of the United States and used in essential water transportation or in the fisheries, except only for sport fishing.
(2)
The term “cargo” includes a loaded or empty container on a vessel.
(3)
The term “transportation in the waterborne commerce of the United States” includes the operation of a vessel in the fisheries, except only for sport fishing.
(4)
The term “war risks” includes, to the extent the Secretary of Transportation determines—
(A)
any part of a loss excluded from marine insurance coverage under a “free of capture or seizure” clause or analogous clause; and
(B)
any other loss from a hostile act, including confiscation, expropriation, nationalization, or deprivation.
cite as: 46 USC 53901
