Distressed seaman – Seaman engaged under this Act who, by reason of having been discharged or left behind from, or shipwrecked in, any ship at a foreign place is in distress at that place.
Fishing vessel-Means a vessel fitted with mechanical means of propulsion, exclusively engaged in sea fishing for profit.
Foreign-going ship – Ship, not being a home-trade ship, employed between any Indian and foreign ports, or between foreign ports.
Home-trade Ship – Ship of GT ≤ 3000 tons employed between Indian ports, or between Indian port and port in Sri Lanka, Maldives Islands, Malaysia, Singapore or Myanmar.
Indian ship –Ship registered in India.
Master-Any person, except pilot or harbor master, having command or charge of the ship.
Owner-Person to whom the ship or a share in the ship belongs.
Passenger- Any person on board who is not employed in any capacity, and a person who is on board due to a force of circumstances which could not be prevented by the Master or charterer, and a child < 1 year age.
Passenger ship –A ship carrying > 12 passengers.
Sailing vessel – Means any vessel provided with sufficient sail area for navigation by sails alone, whether or not fitted with mechanical means of propulsion, including a rowing boat, but not a pleasure craft.
Sea-going ship – Ship proceeding to the sea beyond inland waters or beyond waters declared to be smooth or partially smooth by the Central government notification.
Seaman – Every person, except a Master, pilot or apprentice, employed as a member of a ship’s crew. It includes the Master in relation to sections 178 to 183 of the Act dealing with the protection of seaman in respect of litigation.