### Question
What does essential service mean?


### Answer
**Essential service** has the following meaning in *APPENDIX U.S.C. § 1171*:

> the operation of a vessel on a service, route, or line described in section 1121(a) of this Appendix or in bulk cargo carrying service described in section 1121(b) of this Appendix

#### Citation:
  - *APPENDIX U.S.C. § 1171*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 24A-MERCHANT MARINE ACT, 1928 > SUBCHAPTER VI-VESSEL OPERATING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS > Part A-Operating-Differential Subsidy Program**

