navigable waters
"Navigable waters" are essential for transportation and commerce, and their regulation ensures safe and efficient passage for vessels.
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Definition
B2Geography
(general)Bodies of water that are deep and wide enough for ships and boats to travel through.
Example
- The river is considered navigable waters because large ships can travel through it.
C1Law
(technical, US)Waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide and/or used for interstate or foreign commerce, including those that can be made navigable with improvements.
Example
- The court ruled that the lake falls under the definition of navigable waters, making it subject to federal regulations.