VESSEL OWNER

Any person who owns that vessel in whole or in part; any charterer of the vessel, whether bare boat, time, or voyage; any person who acts in the capacity of a charterer, including, but not limited to, parties to a management agreement, operating agreement, or any similar agreement that bestows control over the destination, function, or operation of the vessel; or any agent designated as such by a person described in this definition. US Department of Commerce (1996).