### Question
How does VESSEL OPERATING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS define contractor?


### Answer
Under *APPENDIX U.S.C. § 1187c*, **contractor** is defined as:

> an owner or operator of a vessel that enters into an operating agreement for the vessel with the Secretary of Transportation under section 1187a of this Appendix

#### Citation:
  - *APPENDIX U.S.C. § 1187c*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 24A-MERCHANT MARINE ACT, 1928 > SUBCHAPTER VI-VESSEL OPERATING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS > Part B-Maritime Security Fleet Program**

