Legal Definitions - seagoing vessel

A seagoing vessel is a ship, brig, sloop, or any other craft that can navigate on water. It is used or capable of being used to transport passengers, cargo, or equipment from one place to another across navigable waters. To qualify as a vessel under the Jones Act, the structure's purpose must be to some reasonable degree to transport passengers, cargo, or equipment from place to place across navigable waters.

• A cargo ship that transports goods across the ocean is a seagoing vessel.
• A cruise ship that carries passengers on a vacation is a seagoing vessel.
• A fishing boat that does not carry passengers for hire is not considered a seagoing vessel.

The examples illustrate that a seagoing vessel is any watercraft that is designed or used for transporting cargo or people on navigable waters. It excludes pleasure yachts, tugs and towboats, fishing boats, and other vessels that do not carry passengers for hire.