33 CFR 177.03 – Definitions
As used in this part:
(a) [Reserved]
(b) Boat means any vessel—
(1) Manufactured or used primarily for noncommercial use;
(2) Leased, rented, or chartered to another for the latter’s noncommercial use; or
(3) Operated as an uninspected passenger vessel subject to the requirements of 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter C.
(c) Coast Guard Boarding Officer means a commissioned, warrant, or petty officer of the Coast Guard having authority to board any vessel under the Act of August 4, 1949, 63 Stat. 502, as amended (14 U.S.C. § 522).
(d) Operator means the person who is in control or in charge of a boat while it is in use.
(e) Use means operate, navigate, or employ.
(f) Vessel includes every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water.