Chapter 19.04 Definitions

“Anchorage” means any designated location where vessels or watercraft may anchor or moor.

“Aquatic event” means an organized water event conducted pursuant to a predetermined schedule or plan which shall have been approved by an appropriate governmental unit(s) prior to a commencement of such event.

(Amended by Ordinance No. 180917, effective May 26, 2007.)  “Authorized emergency vessel” means any patrol vessel or watercraft owned and operated by the Bureau of Police and Portland Fire & Rescue of the City, the Sheriff of Multnomah County, the State of Oregon the government of the United States of America, or any other unit having jurisdictions.

A place where a ship lies at anchor or at a wharf.

“City” means Portland.

“Dead ship” means any vessel or watercraft, the present movement of which is dependent entirely upon other vessels or watercraft.

“Dock” means any building or structure used to load cargo onto or unload cargo from vessels, barges, and rafts.

A Line usually established by the Corps of Engineers or Port of Portland to define the limit within which development may occur.

(Amended by Ordinance No. 180917, effective May 26, 2007.)  “Harbor Master” means that person assigned by the Chief of Portland Fire & Rescue to carry out the duties of Harbor Master.  The Chief of Portland Fire & Rescue may assign as many officers as necessary to act as assistants to the Harbor Master in the discharge of his/her duties or to act as Harbor Master during the absence of the appointed Harbor Master.

“Master” means the captain, skipper, pilot, operator, or any person having charge of any vessel.

“Motorboat” means any watercraft 65 feet in length or less which is subject to the ORS 830.005 regulations set out herein.  Motorboat classification OAR 250-10-140.  All motorboats shall be classified according to their length, as follows:

A.  Motorboats under 16’ in length - Class “A”

B.  Motorboats 16’ in length, but less than 26’ -Class “1”

C.  Motorboats 26’ in length, but less than 40’ - Class “2”

D.  Motorboats 40’ in length, but less than 65’ - Class “3”

“Obstruction” means any vessel, watercraft, or any floating matter of any description which cannot comply with the pilot rules and which may in any way blockade, interfere with or endanger any vessel or impede navigation or which cannot comply with the United States Coast Guard “Rules of the Road: International - Inland” Commandant Instruction M16672.2 series.  These rules are hereby made a part of this Title.  Copies are available at Group Portland, United States Coast Guard.  “Obstruction” also includes cribs or piles, shingle bolts, ties, booms of logs or lumber, rafts of logs or lumber, when they are floating loose and not under control, or when they are under control but obstructing any navigable channel.

“Oil” means any substance in liquid or other form, of animal, mineral, or vegetable origin or any compound, distillation or mixture thereof which may prove hazardous or detrimental in any way.

“Owner” means the legal or equitable owner of a vessel or watercraft, or the agent or employee of such owner or any other person lawfully in actual physical possession of a vessel or watercraft.

“Person” means any natural person, firm, copartnership, association, or corporation, whether he/she or it is acting for him/herself or itself or as the clerk, servant, employee, or agent of another; and the singular number includes the plural, and the plural the singular.

A ship’s or boat’s berth between two piers.

“Special area” means that water space designated by special marker buoys or other such indicators for the conduct of activities in accordance with official approval by any appropriate governmental unit or agency, other than normal navigation of vessels and watercraft.

“Towboat” means a vessel or watercraft normally and regularly engaged in pushing or towing other vessels, watercraft, log and lumber rafts and booms, and like objects.

“Vessel” means any contrivance at least 110 feet or more in length overall, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.

“Watercraft” means any contrivance less than 110 feet in length overall, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.