A ship is like a floating large watercraft made up of several different parts. A ship is a large watercraft that is designed to navigate through the water, typically oceans, seas, and rivers, and transport people or cargo from one place to another.
However, we can’t imagine a ship without its three main parts: The Hull, an engine room and a navigation bridge. Let’s learn more about Ship
Ships come in various sizes and shapes, from small fishing boats and pleasure craft to enormous container ships and oil tankers. They are often powered by engines, although some are propelled by sails or a combination of both. Ships have played a crucial role in human history and continue to be an important means of transportation and commerce around the world.
Why ship is also called a Vessel
The terms “ship” and “vessel” are often used interchangeably, but they can have slightly different connotations depending on the context.
In general, a “ship” is a large, seagoing vessel that is primarily used for transportation of cargo or passengers. Ships are often designed for long-distance travel and are equipped with engines or sails to provide propulsion. They can range in size from small fishing boats to massive container ships or oil tankers.
On the other hand, a “vessel” is a more general term that can refer to any type of watercraft, including ships, boats, barges, or even floating platforms. Vessels can be used for a variety of purposes, such as transportation, recreation, or military operations.
In the context of maritime law, both “ship” and “vessel” are used to refer to any type of watercraft subject to regulations and laws governing navigation and safety at sea. The term “vessel” is often used in legal documents and regulations, while “ship” is used more commonly in everyday language.
Overall, both terms are used to refer to watercraft, but “ship” is typically used to refer to larger seagoing vessels used for commercial transport, while “vessel” is a more general term that can refer to any type of watercraft.
What is Vessel as per Colregs
In the context of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), the term “vessel” refers to any type of watercraft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, including ships, boats, seaplanes, and any other waterborne craft.
The COLREGS are a set of international rules established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to prevent collisions between vessels and ensure safe navigation at sea. These rules apply to all vessels on the high seas and in all navigable waters, including inland waterways, and specify the actions that vessels must take to avoid collisions, such as keeping a proper lookout, maintaining a safe speed, and following specific traffic separation schemes.
So, a vessel can be any waterborne craft that is subject to the COLREGS, and it includes all types of ships, boats, and other floating structures that are capable of being used for transportation on water.