US Code

Public Law 119-83 (04/13/2026)

46 U.S.C. § 10101

Definitions

In this part—
(1)
“master” means the individual having command of a vessel.
(2)
“owner” means the person to whom the vessel belongs.
(3)
“seaman” means an individual (except scientific personnel, a sailing school instructor, or a sailing school student) engaged or employed in any capacity on board a vessel.
(4)
“fishing vessel” includes—
(A)
a fish tender vessel; or
(B)
section 14502 of this titlesection 14302 of this titlesection 14104 of this title a fish processing vessel entered into service before , and not more than 1,600 gross tons as measured under , or an alternate tonnage measured under as prescribed by the Secretary under or entered into service after , and having not more than 16 individuals on board primarily employed in the preparation of fish or fish products.

Pub. L. 98–8997 Stat. 560 Pub. L. 98–364, title IV, § 402(13)98 Stat. 449 Pub. L. 98–557, § 33(d)98 Stat. 2876 Pub. L. 99–640, § 10(b)(3)100 Stat. 3550 Pub. L. 104–324, title VII, § 736110 Stat. 3941 (, , ; , , ; , , ; , , ; , , .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)

10101

46:713

Section 10101 defines the terms master, seaman, and owner as they apply to merchant seamen’s protection and relief.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 104–324section 14502 of this titlesection 14302 of this titlesection 14104 of this title1996—Par. (4)(B). inserted “as measured under , or an alternate tonnage measured under as prescribed by the Secretary under ” after “1,600 gross tons”.

Pub. L. 99–6401986—Pars. (1), (3). struck out “owned by a citizen of the United States” after “vessel”.

Pub. L. 98–364Pub. L. 98–5571984—Par. (4). , as amended , added par. (4).