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


### Answer
The term **escort vessel** is defined in *APPENDIX U.S.C. § 316a* as the following:

> any vessel that is assigned and dedicated to assist another vessel, whether or not tethered to that vessel, solely as a safety precaution to assist in controlling the speed or course of the assisted vessel in the event of a steering or propulsion equipment failure, or any other similar emergency circumstance, or in restricted waters where additional assistance in maneuvering the vessel is required to ensure its safe operation

#### Citation:
  - *APPENDIX U.S.C. § 316a*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 12-REGULATION OF VESSELS IN DOMESTIC COMMERCE**

