33 CFR § 177.03 - Definitions.
As used in this part:
(a) [Reserved]
(b) Boat means any vessel—
(1) Manufactured or used primarily for noncommercial use;
(2) Leased, rented, or chartered to another for the latter's noncommercial use; or
(3) Operated as an uninspected passenger vessel subject to the requirements of 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter C.
(c) Coast Guard Boarding Officer means a commissioned, warrant, or petty officer of the Coast Guard having authority to board any vessel under the Act of August 4, 1949, 63 Stat. 502, as amended (14 U.S.C. 522).
(d) Operator means the person who is in control or in charge of a boat while it is in use.
(e) Use means operate, navigate, or employ.
(f) 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.