California Code, Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 773.2

(a) “For-hire vessel” means a for-hire vessel as defined in Section 4661 of the Public Utilities Code, irrespective of the number of passengers carried.

(b) “Charter boat” means a for-hire vessel operating on navigable water of the state in the coastal zone, as defined in Section 30103 of the Public Resources Code, whether or not the vessel is licensed by the state.  However, “charter boat” does not include any boat operating solely within a harbor, as defined in Section 34, or any boat licensed for point-to-point service while operating within the scope of that license.

(c) “Operator” means a person owning, controlling, operating, or managing a for-hire vessel.

(d) “Charterer” means a person who receives compensation for contracting with an operator to transport three or more passengers.

(e) “Coast Guard” means the United States Coast Guard.

(f) “Life preserver” means a life preserver approved and certified by the Coast Guard and capable of providing at least 90 percent of factory-rated flotation capacity.

(g) “Person” means any individual, firm, partnership, for-profit corporation, nonprofit corporation, limited liability company, company, association, joint stock association, trustee, receiver, assignee, or other similar entity or representative.