Vessel

Any craft designed for transportation on water, including ships, boats, and other waterborne vehicles.

A vessel is any structure or craft capable of navigating on water. This includes a wide range of watercraft, from small recreational boats to large commercial ships. The term “vessel” is broad and encompasses various types of watercraft, such as yachts, sailboats, motorboats, barges, and even submarines. Vessels can be powered by different means, including sails, engines, or manual propulsion (e.g., rowing). 

The term “vessel” is significant in maritime law and regulations because it defines the rights, responsibilities, and legal obligations of those operating or owning such craft. For example, vessels must adhere to specific navigation rules, safety standards, and environmental regulations. A craft’s classification as a “vessel” also determines its eligibility for registration, licensing, and compliance with international maritime conventions.

The size, purpose, and design of vessels vary greatly, depending on their intended use. Recreational vessels are typically smaller and used for leisure activities like sailing, fishing, or cruising. Commercial vessels are often larger and used to transport goods and passengers or conduct specialised operations such as fishing or offshore drilling. Regardless of size or purpose, all vessels must be seaworthy, meaning they are fit for safe navigation in the waters they are intended to traverse.