Definitions — Us Code Code § 10101

Us Code Code § 10101 — Definitions. Reproduced from the official United States Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.

§ 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) a fish processing vessel entered into service before January 1, 1988, and not more than 1,600 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title or entered into service after December 31, 1987, and having not more than 16 individuals on board primarily employed in the preparation of fish or fish products.

(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 560; Pub. L. 98–364, title IV, §402(13), July 17, 1984, 98 Stat. 449; Pub. L. 98–557, §33(d), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2876; Pub. L. 99–640, §10(b)(3), Nov. 10, 1986, 100 Stat. 3550; Pub. L. 104–324, title VII, §736, Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3941.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised sectionSource 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

1996—Par. (4)(B). Pub. L. 104–324 inserted "as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title" after "1,600 gross tons".

1986—Pars. (1), (3). Pub. L. 99–640 struck out "owned by a citizen of the United States" after "vessel".

1984—Par. (4). Pub. L. 98–364, as amended Pub. L. 98–557, added par. (4).

About This Section

46 U.S.C. § 10101 is part of Title 46 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 46 U.S.C. § 10101. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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