33 CFR 156.405: Definitions.

In addition to the definitions specifically stated in this section, the definitions in § 154.105 of this chapter apply to this subpart except definitions for Tank Barge, Tank Ship and Tank Vessel. Definitions specific to this part—

Authorized Classification Society means a recognized classification society that has been delegated the authority to conduct certain functions and certifications on behalf of the Coast Guard.

Flag State means the authority under which a country exercises regulatory control over the commercial vessel which is registered under its flag. This involves the inspection, certification, and issuance of safety and pollution prevention documents.

Marine environment means—

(1) The navigable waters of the United States;

(2) The waters of an area over which the United States asserts exclusive fishery management authority; and

(3) The waters superjacent to the Outer Continental Shelf of the United States.

Oil tanker means a vessel that is constructed or adapted primarily to carry crude oil or products in bulk as cargo. This includes a tank barge, a tankship, and a combination carrier, as well as a vessel that is constructed or adapted primarily to carry noxious liquid substances in bulk as cargo and which also carries crude oil or products in bulk as cargo.

STS Operations means the transfer of oil cargo carried in bulk from one oil tanker to another at sea, when at least one of the oil tankers is of 150 gross tonnage and above.