46 U.S.C. § 3701: Definitions

In this chapter—(1) “existing”, when referring to a type of vessel to which this chapter applies, means a vessel that is not a new vessel. (2) “new”, when referring to a type of vessel to which this chapter applies, means a vessel—(A) for which the building contract is placed after June 1, 1979; (B) in the absence of a building contract, the keel of which is laid, or which is at a similar stage of construction, after January 1, 1980; (C) the delivery of which is after June 1, 1982; or (D) that has undergone a major conversion under a contract made after June 1, 1979, or construction work that began after January 1, 1980, or was completed after June 1, 1982. (3) “person” means an individual (even if not a citizen or national of the United States), a corporation, partnership, association, or other entity (even if not organized or existing under the laws of a State), the United States Government, a State or local government, a government of a foreign country, or an entity of one of those governments.