West Virginia § 20-9-1 - 20-9-1. Definitions.

Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 20-9-1 — 20-9-1. Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 20-9-1. 20-9-1. Definitions.

As used in this article:

(1) "ABYC" means the American Boat and Yacht Council;

(2) "Boat dock" means a man-made structure that protrudes into a body of water for the purpose of mooring a boat or for other water-related recreation, including boat liveries, and that is connected to an electrical power source in any manner: Provided, That "boat dock" does not include structures that are privately owned and used exclusively by the owner or the owner's guests for noncommercial purposes;

(3) "Boat dock or marina owner or operator" means any person who:

(A) Has an ownership interest in a boat dock or marina, other than a lienholder; or

(B) Operates a boat dock or marina;

(4) "Ground fault circuit interrupter" means a device that functions to de-energize a circuit, or a portion thereof, within an established period of time when current to ground exceeds a predetermined value that is less than required to operate the over current protective device of the supply circuit;

(5) "Marina" means a dock including a boat dock or basin providing moorings for motorboats and offering supply, repair or other services, including electrical power supply, for remuneration: Provided, That "marina" does not include docks that are privately owned and used exclusively by the owner or the owner's guests for noncommercial purposes;

(6) "Motorboat" means any vessel propelled by an electrical, steam, gas, diesel or other propelled or driven motor, whether or not the motor is the principal source of propulsion, but does not include a vessel with a valid marine document issued by the United States Bureau of Customs or any federal agency that is the successor to the Bureau of Customs;

(7) "Person" means an individual, partnership, firm, corporation, association or other entity; and

(8) "Vessel" means every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water.

Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 20-9-1

What does West Virginia Code § 20-9-1 cover?

Section 20-9-1 ("20-9-1. Definitions.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite West Virginia § 20-9-1?

A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 20-9-1" (West Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of West Virginia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.

How does West Virginia § 20-9-1 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.