Title 33, Navigation and Navigable WatersRelease 119-110

§3407 Definitions

Title 33 › CHAPTER 47 — OCEAN EXPLORATION › SUBCHAPTER I — EXPLORATION › § 3407

Last updated Sep 23, 2026|Official source

Summary

Defines three kinds of ocean study work. Characterization is collecting and explaining detailed data about a specific area (sea floor, under it, or the water column and features like currents) to help research, protect the environment, manage resources, set policy, or support missions. Exploration is a first, multi‑science look at unknown or little‑known areas to assess physical, chemical, geological, biological, archaeological, or other features. Mapping is collecting data to show sea‑floor depth, shape, bottom type, sediments, geology, and bottom life.

Full Legal Text

Title 33, §3407

Navigation and Navigable Waters, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

In this subchapter:

(1)Characterization

The terms “characterization”, “characterize”, and “characterizing” mean activities that provide comprehensive data and interpretations for a specific area of interest of the sea floor, sub-bottom, water column, or hydrologic features, such as water masses and currents, in direct support of specific research, environmental protection, resource management, policymaking, or applied mission objectives.

(2)Exploration

The term “exploration”, “explore”, and “exploring” means activities that provide—

(A)a multidisciplinary view of an unknown or poorly understood area of the sea floor, sub-bottom, or water column; and

(B)an initial assessment of the physical, chemical, geological, biological, archaeological, or other characteristics of such an area.

(3)Mapping

The terms “map” and “mapping” mean activities that provide comprehensive data and information needed to understand sea floor characteristics, including depth, topography, bottom type, sediment composition and distribution, underlying geologic structure, and benthic flora and fauna.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

33 U.S.C. § 3407

Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters

Last Updated

Sep 23, 2026

Release point: 119-110