US Code

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

46 U.S.C. § 3701

Definitions

In this chapter—
(1)
“existing”, when referring to a type of vessel to which this chapter applies, means a vessel that is not a new vessel.
(2)
“new”, when referring to a type of vessel to which this chapter applies, means a vessel—
(A)
for which the building contract is placed after ;
(B)
in the absence of a building contract, the keel of which is laid, or which is at a similar stage of construction, after ;
(C)
the delivery of which is after ; or
(D)
that has undergone a major conversion under a contract made after , or construction work that began after , or was completed after .
(3)
“person” means an individual (even if not a citizen or national of the United States), a corporation, partnership, association, or other entity (even if not organized or existing under the laws of a State), the United States Government, a State or local government, a government of a foreign country, or an entity of one of those governments.

Pub. L. 98–8997 Stat. 521 Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5102(b)(5)100 Stat. 1927 Pub. L. 100–424, § 8(c)(2)102 Stat. 1593 Pub. L. 115–232, div. C, title XXXV, § 3541(a)(2)132 Stat. 2323 (, , ; , , ; , , ; , , .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)

3701(1)

46:391a(2)(R)

3701(2)

46:391a(2)(P)

3701(3)

46:391a(2)(Q)

3701(4)

46:391a(2)(F)

3701(5)

46:391a(2)(J)

3701(6)

46:391a(2)(K)

Section 3701 contains definitions that are of a special nature with limited applicability to this chapter.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 115–2322018—Pars. (2) to (4). redesignated pars. (3) and (4) as (2) and (3), respectively.

Pub. L. 100–4241988—Par. (2). struck out par. (2) which read as follows: “ ‘major conversion’ means a conversion of an existing vessel that substantially changes the dimensions or carrying capacity of the vessel or changes the type of vessel or substantially prolongs its life or that otherwise so changes the vessel that it is essentially a new vessel, as decided by the Secretary.”

Pub. L. 99–509section 2101(36) of this titlesection 2101(44) of this title1986—Pars. (5), (6). struck out par. (5) defining “State” as including Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in addition to its meaning under , and struck out par. (6) defining “United States” as including the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in addition to its meaning under .

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

section 2(g)(1) of Pub. L. 98–89section 3101 of this titleChapter effective , see , set out as a note under .