§ 1281. Definitions

As used in this subchapter—
(a) The term “American vessels” includes any vessel registered, enrolled, or licensed under the laws of the United States and any undocumented vessel owned or chartered by or made available to the United States or any department or agency thereof and any tug or barge or other watercraft (documented or undocumented) owned by a citizen of the United States used in essential water transportation or in the fishing trade or industry, except watercraft used exclusively in or for sport fishing.
(b) The term “transportation in the water-borne commerce of the United States” includes the operation of vessels in the fishing trade or industry, except watercraft used exclusively in or for sport fishing.
(c) The term “war risks” includes to such extent as the Secretary may determine—
(1) all or any part of any loss that is excluded from marine insurance coverage under a “free of capture or seizure” clause, or under analogous clauses; and
(2) other losses from hostile acts, including confiscation, expropriation, nationalization, or deprivation.
(d) The term “citizen of the United States” includes corporations, partnerships, and associations existing, authorized, or organized under the laws of the United States or any State, district, Territory, or possession thereof.
(e) The term “Secretary” shall mean the Secretary of Transportation.