Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(1) "Charges" means charges of a private moorage facility operator for moorage and storage, all other charges owing to or that become owing under a contract between a vessel owner and the private moorage facility operator, or any costs of sale and related legal expenses for implementing RCW 88.26.020.

(2) "Owner" means every natural person, firm, partnership, corporation, association, or organization, or their agent, with actual or apparent authority, who expressly or impliedly contracts for use of a moorage facility.

(3) "Private moorage facility" means any properties or facilities owned or operated by a private moorage facility operator that are capable of use for the moorage or storage of vessels.

(4) "Private moorage facility operator" means every natural person, firm, partnership, corporation, association, organization, or any other legal entity, employee, or their agent, that owns or operates a private moorage facility. Private moorage facility operation does not include a "moorage facility operator" as defined in RCW 53.08.310.

(5) "Transient vessel" means a vessel using a private moorage facility and that belongs to an owner who does not have a moorage agreement with the private moorage facility operator. Transient vessels include, but are not limited to, vessels seeking a harbor or refuge, day use, or overnight use of a private moorage facility on a space-as-available basis. Transient vessels may also include vessels taken into custody under RCW 79.100.040.

(6) "Vessel" means every watercraft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water. "Vessel" includes any trailer used for the transportation of watercraft.

Reviser's note: The definitions in this section have been alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k).

Findings—Intent—2014 c 195: See notes following RCW 79.100.170 and 79.100.180.