A barge is a kind of cargo-carrying vessel designed to transport passengers or goods through rivers or canals. Normally, these shipping vessels are long, flat-bottomed boats that do not have a self-propelling mechanism. A barge needs to be pulled by tow or a tug boat.

Are barges considered vessels?

It is easy to recognize cargo ships, barges, tugboats, fishing boats, and cruise ships as vessels that fit this description. ... Traditionally, vehicles such as cargo ships and crew boats have satisfied the vessel requirement, and in some cases, special purpose vessels may satisfy the requirement as well.

What is the difference between a vessel and a barge?

Key Difference – Barge vs Vessel

Barge and vessel are two nautical terms that are often used interchangeably. Vessel is a generic term that is used to refer to any water craft of considerable size. Barge is a long, large, flat-bottomed boat that is used to transport goods on inland waterways.