Definitions — Us Code Code § 3701
Us Code Code § 3701 — Definitions. Reproduced from the official United States Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.
§ 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 June 1, 1979;
(B) in the absence of a building contract, the keel of which is laid, or which is at a similar stage of construction, after January 1, 1980;
(C) the delivery of which is after June 1, 1982; or
(D) that has undergone a major conversion under a contract made after June 1, 1979, or construction work that began after January 1, 1980, or was completed after June 1, 1982.
(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. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 521; Pub. L. 99–509, title V, §5102(b)(5), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1927; Pub. L. 100–424, §8(c)(2), Sept. 9, 1988, 102 Stat. 1593; Pub. L. 115–232, div. C, title XXXV, §3541(a)(2), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2323.)
| 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
2018—Pars. (2) to (4). Pub. L. 115–232 redesignated pars. (3) and (4) as (2) and (3), respectively.
1988—Par. (2). Pub. L. 100–424 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."
1986—Pars. (5), (6). Pub. L. 99–509 struck out par. (5) defining "State" as including Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in addition to its meaning under section 2101(36) of this title, and struck out par. (6) defining "United States" as including the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in addition to its meaning under section 2101(44) of this title.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Chapter effective Apr. 15, 1984, see section 2(g)(1) of Pub. L. 98–89, set out as a note under section 3101 of this title.
About This Section
46 U.S.C. § 3701 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. § 3701. 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.
How to Read This Statute
Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.
Using This Page
This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.