FAR 47.501—Definitions.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 47.501 provides the definitions used in Subpart 47.5, which governs the use of U.S.-flag vessels in federal transportation and related shipping requirements. This section identifies the vessel categories that matter for compliance and preference determinations, including dry bulk carriers, dry cargo liners, foreign-flag vessels, Government vessels, privately owned U.S.-flag commercial vessels, tankers, and the meaning of the term U.S.-flag vessel when used by itself. In practice, these definitions determine how a contracting officer, transportation official, or contractor classifies a vessel for cargo movement, chartering, and statutory shipping preference purposes. The distinctions are important because the same vessel may be treated differently depending on registry, ownership, operation, charter status, and the type of cargo carried. The section exists to remove ambiguity in maritime procurement and transportation decisions, especially where U.S.-flag preference rules, Government carriage, and foreign-flag use may affect cost, availability, and compliance. For contractors and agencies, the practical significance is that vessel classification can change which shipping options are permissible and whether a proposed movement satisfies federal requirements.
Key Rules
Dry bulk carrier definition
A dry bulk carrier is a vessel used primarily to carry shipload lots of homogeneous, unmarked, nonliquid cargo such as grain, coal, cement, and lumber. The key features are bulk shipment, uniform cargo, and cargo that is not individually marked.
Dry cargo liner definition
A dry cargo liner is a vessel used to carry heterogeneous, marked cargoes in parcel lots. These vessels may also carry other cargo, including part cargoes of dry bulk items and, when equipped with deep tanks, bulk liquids such as petroleum and vegetable oils.
Foreign-flag vessel definition
A foreign-flag vessel is any vessel of foreign registry, including a vessel owned by a U.S. citizen if it is registered in a country other than the United States. Registry, not ownership alone, controls this classification.
Government vessel definition
A Government vessel is a vessel owned by the U.S. Government and operated directly by the Government or by an agent or contractor for the Government. The term also includes a privately owned U.S.-flag vessel under bareboat charter to the Government.
Privately owned U.S.-flag commercial vessel definition
This term covers a vessel registered and operated under U.S. law, used in U.S. commercial trade, and owned and operated by U.S. citizens. It also includes a vessel under voyage or time charter to the Government, and a Government-owned vessel under bareboat charter to and operated by U.S. citizens.
Tanker definition
A tanker is a vessel used primarily to carry bulk liquid cargoes such as petroleum products, vegetable oils, and molasses. The primary use of the vessel, not incidental carriage, determines whether it is a tanker.
U.S.-flag vessel shorthand meaning
When used by itself, U.S.-flag vessel means either a Government vessel or a privately owned U.S.-flag commercial vessel. This shorthand is important because later provisions may rely on the broader umbrella term rather than naming each category separately.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Classify vessels correctly when applying Subpart 47.5 requirements, determine whether a proposed vessel qualifies as U.S.-flag or foreign-flag, and ensure shipping decisions align with the applicable preference or carriage rules.
Transportation/Shipping Official
Use these definitions to evaluate cargo type, vessel registry, ownership, and charter status before approving or arranging transportation. Confirm that the vessel category matches the movement requirements and documentation.
Contractor
Identify the correct vessel type when proposing or arranging shipment, disclose registry, ownership, and charter details accurately, and avoid using an ineligible vessel where U.S.-flag carriage is required.
Vessel Owner/Operator
Provide accurate information on registry, ownership, operation, and charter arrangements so the Government can determine the vessel’s status under these definitions.
Agency
Apply these definitions consistently across transportation actions and ensure internal procedures and solicitations reflect the correct vessel classifications and related compliance requirements.
Practical Implications
These definitions control whether a vessel counts as U.S.-flag, foreign-flag, Government-owned, or privately owned commercial, which can directly affect shipping eligibility and preference compliance.
Registry and charter status matter as much as ownership. A U.S. citizen-owned vessel may still be foreign-flag if registered abroad, and a Government-owned vessel may qualify differently depending on who operates it and under what charter.
Cargo type matters for vessel classification. Misidentifying a dry bulk carrier as a dry cargo liner, or a tanker as another vessel type, can lead to incorrect shipping assumptions and compliance errors.
The shorthand term U.S.-flag vessel is broader than many users expect. It includes both Government vessels and privately owned U.S.-flag commercial vessels, so readers should check the context before assuming a narrower meaning.
A common pitfall is relying on ownership alone. For FAR purposes, registry, operation, and charter arrangement can be decisive, so documentation should be reviewed carefully before approving a shipment.
Official Regulatory Text
As used in this subpart- Dry bulk carrier means a vessel used primarily for the carriage of shipload lots of homogeneous unmarked nonliquid cargoes such as grain, coal, cement, and lumber. Dry cargo liner means a vessel used for the carriage of heterogeneous marked cargoes in parcel lots. However, any cargo may be carried in these vessels, including part cargoes of dry bulk items or, when carried in deep tanks, bulk liquids such as petroleum and vegetable oils. Foreign-flag vessel means any vessel of foreign registry including vessels owned by U.S. citizens but registered in a nation other than the United States. Government vessel means a vessel owned by the U.S. Government and operated directly by the Government or for the Government by an agent or contractor, including a privately owned U.S.-flag vessel under bareboat charter to the Government. Privately owned U.S.-flag commercial vessel means a vessel- (1) Registered and operated under the laws of the United States, (2) Used in commercial trade of the United States, (3) Owned and operated by U.S. citizens, including a vessel under voyage or time charter to the Government, and (4) A Government-owned vessel under bareboat charter to, and operated by, U.S. citizens. Tanker means a vessel used primarily for the carriage of bulk liquid cargoes such as liquid petroleum products, vegetable oils, and molasses. U.S.-flag vessel when used independently means either a Government vessel or a privately owned U.S.-flag commercial vessel.