In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires

a. ‘Minister’ means the Minister of Marine and Fisheries ;

b. ‘vessel’ includes every description of ship, boat or craft of any kind, and whether propelled by steam or otherwise, and whether used as a sea-going vessel or on inland waters only ;

c. ‘owner’ means the registered or other owner at the time any wreck, obstruction or obstacle, as is in this Part referred to, was occasioned, and also includes subséquent purchaser. R. S., c. 91, s. 1 ; 60-61 V., c. 23, s. 1.