essential vessel
Defined in 1 dictionary — U.S. Code
United States Code
46 U.S.C. § 56501 — in this chapter
In this chapter, the term “essential vessel” means a vessel that is—
(1) (A) security for a mortgage indebtedness to the United States Government; or
(B) constructed under this subtitle or required by a contract under this subtitle to be operated on a certain essential foreign trade route; and
(2) necessary in the interests of commerce and national defense to be maintained in condition for prompt use.