### Question
How is the term vessel of the United States defined?


### Answer
The term **vessel of the United States** is defined in *22 U.S.C. § 1971* as the following:

> any private vessel documented or certificated under the laws of the United States. 

#### Citation:
  - *22 U.S.C. § 1971*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 25-PROTECTION OF VESSELS ON THE HIGH SEAS AND IN TERRITORIAL WATERS OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES**

