### Question
How is the term hovering vessel defined?


### Answer
The term **hovering vessel** is defined in *19 U.S.C. § 1709* as the following:

> any vessel which is found or kept off the coast of the United States within or without the customs waters, if, from the history, conduct, character, or location of the vessel, it is reasonable to believe that such vessel is being used or may be used to introduce or promote or facilitate the introduction or attempted introduction of merchandise into the United States in violation of the laws respecting the revenue

#### Citation:
  - *19 U.S.C. § 1709*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 5-SMUGGLING**

