Boating and Maritime Glossary

Bareboat charter: An arrangement whose legal classification depends on the actual transfer of possession and control, not only its title. See the bareboat hub for the related questions.
Sea trial: An on-water assessment used to investigate a vessel’s operation and performance within an agreed scope.
Marine survey: A professional assessment of a vessel within the surveyor’s agreed scope and exclusions.
Escrow: An arrangement in which a third party holds funds under agreed conditions. The holder and release terms matter.
Sea service: Documented vessel service used as evidence for a credential application, subject to the applicable official requirements.
Employing broker: A Florida yacht brokerage license category with responsibilities distinct from salesperson status. Consult DBPR and the statute.
Float plan: Trip information left with a trusted person, including how to respond if the vessel is overdue.
Draft: The depth of water a vessel draws, relevant to route and berth suitability.
Tonnage: A vessel measurement that depends on the system used; it is not interchangeable with length.
Livery: A term used in Florida rental regulation. Applicability should be checked against the actual rental activity.