### Question
What does operator mean?


### Answer
**Operator** has the following meaning in *16 U.S.C. § 973*:

> any person who is in charge of, directs or controls a vessel, including the owner, charterer, and master

#### Citation:
  - *16 U.S.C. § 973*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 16C-SOUTH PACIFIC TUNA FISHING**

