In this chapter—
(1) “existing”, when referring to a type of vessel to which this chapter applies, means a vessel that is not a new vessel.
“new”, when referring to a type of vessel to which this chapter applies, means a vessel—
(A) for which the building contract is placed after June 1, 1979;
(B) in the absence of a building contract, the keel of which is laid, or which is at a similar stage of construction, after January 1, 1980;
(C) the delivery of which is after June 1, 1982; or
(D) that has undergone a major conversion under a contract made after June 1, 1979, or construction work that began after January 1, 1980, or was completed after June 1, 1982.
(3) “person” means an individual (even if not a citizen or national of the United States), a corporation, partnership, association, or other entity (even if not organized or existing under the laws of a State), the United States Government, a State or local government, a government of a foreign country, or an entity of one of those governments.
(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 521; Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5102(b)(5), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1927; Pub. L. 100–424, § 8(c)(2), Sept. 9, 1988, 102 Stat. 1593; Pub. L. 115–232, div. C, title XXXV, § 3541(a)(2), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2323.)