§ 46-22-2. Definitions.

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

(1) €œDirector€ means the director of the department of environmental management.

(2) €œMotorboat€ means any vessel whether or not the vessel is propelled by machinery. For purposes of this chapter, motorboat shall not include houseboats as defined in § 44-5-25.1, canoes, and rowboats twelve feet (12€²) in length or less.

(3) €œOperate€ means to navigate or otherwise use a motorboat or a vessel.

(4) €œOwner€ means a person, other than a lien holder, having the property in or title to a motorboat. The term includes a person entitled to the use or possession of a motorboat subject to an interest in another person, reserved, or created by agreement and securing payment or performance of an obligation, but the term excludes a lessee under a lease not intended as security.

(5) €œPerson€ means an individual, partnership, firm, corporation, association, or other entity.

(6) €œPersonal watercraft€ means a small class A vessel less than sixteen feet (16€²) in length which uses an outboard motor or an inboard motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive power; and which is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on, or being towed behind the vessel, rather than the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside of the vessel.

(7) €œVessel€ means every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.

(8) €œWaters of this state€ means any waters within the territorial limits of this state, and the marginal sea adjacent to this state and the high seas when navigated as a part of a journey or ride to or from the shore of this state.