What Are the Different Types of Commercial Vessels?
Commercial vessels are as varied as the jobs they are required to do. Let's start with the major categories, which break down even further into specific subcategories.
Tugs
A tug boat is a vessel designed to push or pull other vessels to another location or maneuver them into position.
Barges
Barges are vessels that are designed to be loaded either on top or inside of it to carry a product to a location. Most barges are either pushed or pulled by tugs, but some are also self-propelled.
Crew Boats
Crew boats are designed to carry personnel (crew) to other locations. In many cases crew boats also have large back decks that can accommodate deck cargos. They are the virtual sea-going taxis.
Supply Boats
Supply boats are designed to carry both large amounts of deck cargo, also having internal tanks for various liquid products to oil field rigs. These are known as the sea-going trucks.
Fishing Vessels
Fishing vessels are vessels designed to accomplish various fishing activities. These vessels are widely varied in size and type depending on their intended fishery.
Patrol - Security Vessels
Patrol-Security vessels are vessels designed for patrolling the coast in an enforcement of regulations activity, where security vessels are usually used in harbor activities to enforce closures or to keep unwanted vessels a safe distance from a location or a ship.
Passenger Vessels
Passenger vessels are used in a wide array of purposes, from small sightseeing vessels to cruise ships, with their primary function being to accommodate passengers.
Cargo Vessels
Cargo vessels are ships used in the transporting of various types of cargos all over the world.
Today's article takes a look at Fishing Vessel subcategories — a far-from-inclusive list, but one that gives a bit of insight into the different types of fishing vessels, with a highlight on long liners. Learn more about Long Liners here.
- Shrimpers
- Draggers
- Long Liners
- Snapper-Grouper
- Seiners
- Catcher-Processors
- Crabbers
- Lobster Boats
- Gill Netters
Article by Steve Kokinos