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PUBLIC LAW 92-75-AUG. 10, 1971
[85 STAT.
purpose of this Act to improve boating safety and to foster greater development, use, and enjoyment of all the waters of the United States by encouraging and assisting participation by the several States, the boating industry, and the boating public in development of more comprehensive boating safety programs; by authorizing the establishment of national construction and performance standards for boats and associ^ited equipment; and by creating more flexible regulatory authority concerning the use of boats and equipment. I t is further declared to be the policy of Congress to encourage greater and continuing uniformity of boating laws and regulations as among the several States and the Federal Government, a higher degree of reciprocity and comity among the several jurisdictions, and closer cooperation and assistance between the Federal Government and the several States in developing, administering, and enforcing Federal and State laws and regulations pertaining to boating safety. DEFINITIONS
SEC. 3. As used in this Act, and unless the context otherwise requires— (1) "Boat" means any vessel— (A) manufactured or used primarily for noncommercial use; or (B) leased, rented, or chartered to another for the latter's noncommercial use; or (C) engaged in the carrying of six or fewer passengers. (2) "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. (3) "Undocumented vessel" means a vessel which does not have and is not required to have a valid marine document as a vessel of the United States. (4) "Use" means operate, navigate, or employ. (5) "Passenger" means every person carried on board a vessel other than— (A) the owner or his representative; (B) the operator; (C) bona fide members of the crew engaged in the business of the vessel who have contributed no consideration for their carriage and who are paid for their services; or (D) any guest on board a vessel which is being used exclusively for pleasure purposes who has not contributed any consideration, directly, or indirectly, for his carriage. (6) "Owner" means a person who claims lawful possession of a vessel by virtue of legal title or equitable interest therein which entitles him to such possession. (7) "Manufacturer" means any person engaged in— (A) the manufacture, construction, or assembly of boats or associated equipment; or (B) the manufacture or construction of components for boats and associated equipment to be sold for subsequent assembly; or (C) the importation into the United States for sale of boats, associated equipment, or components thereof.
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