### Question
How does the law define public vessel?


### Answer
Under *42 U.S.C. § 6939d*, **public vessel** is defined as:

> a vessel owned or bareboat chartered and operated by the United States, or by a foreign nation, except when the vessel is engaged in commerce

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 6939d*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 82-SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL > SUBCHAPTER III-HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT**

