46 U.S.C. § 53901 — Definitions

1. (1)American vesselThe term “American vessel” includes—
   1. (A)a documented vessel with a registry or coastwise endorsement under chapter 121 of this title;
   2. (B)an undocumented vessel owned or chartered by or made available to the United States Government; and
   3. (C)a tug, barge, or other watercraft (whether or not documented) owned by a citizen of the United States and used in essential water transportation or in the fisheries, except only for sport fishing.
2. (2)CargoThe term “cargo” includes a loaded or empty container on a vessel.
3. (3)Transportation in the waterborne commerce of the united statesThe term “transportation in the waterborne commerce of the United States” includes the operation of a vessel in the fisheries, except only for sport fishing.
4. (4)War risksThe term “war risks” includes, to the extent the Secretary of Transportation determines—
   1. (A)any part of a loss excluded from marine insurance coverage under a “free of capture or seizure” clause or analogous clause; and
   2. (B)any other loss from a hostile act, including confiscation, expropriation, nationalization, or deprivation.