Maritime Transport Act 1994

Liability where 2 or more ships involved

93: Interpretation

You could also call this:

"What special words mean in this law"

When you read this part of the law, some words have special meanings. The word "owner" refers to someone who has a ship or a part of it, and also includes people responsible for the ship's mistakes. This can include people who navigate and manage the ship, even if they do not own it.

The term "salvage services" has the same meaning as in section 84. You can think of "salvage services" as help given to a ship in trouble.

The word "ship" includes all types of vessels, like barges, and even structures that are not yet finished but will be used as ships. It also includes ships used by the New Zealand Defence Force.

When you see "damage or loss caused by the fault of a ship", it means any harm or expenses that happen because of the ship's mistake, and that someone can claim as damages.

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This page was last updated on 25 May 2025

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM336216.

92: Application of this Part, or

"This law applies to all ships in certain situations that the High Court can deal with."

94: Division of loss, or

"Sharing the cost of damage when multiple ships are involved in an accident"

Part 8Liability where 2 or more ships involved

93Interpretation

In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires,—
owner, in relation to a ship at fault, means every person who owns the ship or any interest in the ship; and includes every other person who is responsible for the fault of the ship; and in any case where, by virtue of any charter or demise or for any other reason, the owner is not responsible for the navigation and management of the ship, also includes every person who is responsible for the navigation and management of the ship
salvage services has the same meaning as in section 84
ship means every description of vessel (including barges, lighters, and like vessels) used or intended to be used in navigation, however propelled; and includes any structure (whether completed or not) launched and intended for use as a ship or part of a ship; and also includes any ship used by or set aside for the New Zealand Defence Force.
In this Part, reference to damage or loss caused by the fault of a ship shall be construed as including references to any salvage or other expenses consequent upon that fault recoverable at law by way of damages.

Compare

1952 No 49 s 468
1987 No 184 s 23