46 U.S. Code § 56501 - Definition

In this chapter, the term “essential vessel” means a vessel that is—

(1)

(A) security for a mortgage indebtedness to the United States Government; or

(B) constructed under this subtitle or required by a contract under this subtitle to be operated on a certain essential foreign trade route; and

(2) necessary in the interests of commerce and national defense to be maintained in condition for prompt use.

(Pub. L. 109–304, § 8(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1656.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
56501	46 App.:1242a(a).	June 29, 1940, ch. 442, subdiv. (a), 54 Stat. 684.