28.2-109 - Definitions. - Virginia Statutes

§ 28.2-109. Definitions.

As used in this article, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Ballast water" means any water or matter taken on board a vessel tocontrol or maintain trim, draft, stability or stresses of the vessel, withoutregard to the manner in which it is carried.

"Commercial vessel" means a self-propelled ship in commerce of 300 grosstons or more. The term "commercial vessel" does not include a vessel of theUnited States Department of Defense or United States Coast Guard subject tothe requirements of § 1103 of the National Invasive Species Act of 1996, orany vessel of the Armed Forces, as defined in 33 U.S.C. § 1322 (a)(14), thatis subject to the uniform national discharge standards for vessels of theArmed Forces under 33 U.S.C. § 1322 (n).

"Federal guidelines" means the provisions of 33 C.F.R. Part 151, Subpart D,"Ballast Water Management for Control of Nonindigenous Species in Waters ofthe United States."

"Operator" means any person who owns, operates, charters, rents orotherwise exercises control over or responsibility for a vessel.

(2001, c. 312.)