For the purposes of this chapter—
(1) “vessel” means every description of watercraft, including nondisplacement craft and seaplanes, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water; and
(2) “high seas” means all parts of the sea that are not included in the territorial sea or in the internal waters of any nation.
(Pub. L. 95–75, § 2, July 27, 1977, 91 Stat. 308.)