Since the Act does not define ``vessel'' it is appropriate to apply
the difinition of ``vessel'' as set forth in the United States Code (1
U.S.C. 3). The Code defines ``vessel'' as including ``every description
of watercraft or other artificial contrivance used, or capable of being
used, as a means of transportation on water''. But the Federal Boating
Act of 1958, (under which the U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for
numbering vessels) and the Documentation Regulations administered by the
Bureau of Customs, utilize this basic definition, with the addition of
specific exclusions for ``seaplanes'' and ``aircraft'' (46 U.S.C. 527;
19 CFR 3.1(a)).
