New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
Title 9 - EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
Subtitle I - Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Chapter V - Marine And Recreational Vehicles
Subchapter A - Motorboats
Part 444 - Registration of Vessels and Reports of Accidents
Section 444.1 - Definitions

(a) Person includes an individual, society, club, firm, partnership, corporation, or association of persons, and the singular number shall include the plural.

(b) Owner means the person who claims lawful possession of a vessel by virtue of legal title or equitable interest therein which entitles him to such possession.

(c) 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 water.

(d) Public vessel shall mean and include every vessel which is propelled in whole or in part by mechanical power and is used or operated for commercial purposes on the navigable waters of the State, that is either carrying passengers, carrying freight, towing, or for any other use; for which a compensation is received either directly or where provided as an accommodation, advantage, facility or privilege at any place of public accommodation, resort or amusement.

(e) Pleasure vessel includes every vessel not within the classification of public vessel.

(f) Accident shall mean any casualty involving a vessel or vessels, including but not limited to collision, capsizing, foundering, fire, explosion, disappearance of a vessel other than by theft, or disappearance of any person from on board under circumstances which indicate the possibility of death or injury.

(g) Reportable accident shall mean any accident involving loss of life, personal injury, any property damage in excess of $100, disappearance of a vessel other than by theft, or disappearance of any person from on board under circumstances which indicate the possibility of death or injury.