How is a "commercial vessel" defined under the Rules?

A commercial vessel is defined as a vessel primarily used for trading or transporting goods and services. This definition captures the primary purpose of commercial vessels, which is to facilitate commerce, whether that involves moving cargo, providing services, or conducting business at sea.

This classification is crucial because commercial vessels are subject to specific regulations and operational guidelines that differ from those for recreational vessels. By focusing on their primary use, the definition helps to identify the obligations and safety standards that such vessels must adhere to while navigating waters.

The other options do not align with the accepted definition of a commercial vessel. Recreational activities are typically associated with personal use rather than commercial purposes, while vessels under 20 meters in length may or may not be commercial depending on their usage. Similarly, vessels operated by governmental agencies may serve different purposes that do not necessarily fall under the category of commercial shipping or trading.