46 U.S.C. § 30501

In this chapter: (1) Covered small passenger vessel .— The term “covered small passenger vessel”— (A) means a small passenger vessel, as defined in section 2101, that is— (i) not a wing-in-ground craft; and (ii) carrying— (I) not more than 49 passengers on an overnight domestic voyage; and (II) not more than 150 passengers on any voyage that is not an overnight domestic voyage; and (B) includes any wooden vessel constructed prior to March 11, 1996 , carrying at least 1 passenger for hire. (2) Owner .— The term “owner” includes a charterer that mans, supplies, and navigates a vessel at the charterer’s own expense or by the charterer’s own procurement.