This law establishes the name of the legal rules governing harbors and navigation as the Harbors and Navigation Code.

This section explains that if the rules in this code are mostly the same as current laws about the same topic, they should be seen as updates to and continuations of existing laws, not completely new laws.

Anyone who is currently holding an office when this new code comes into effect will keep their job if that office still exists under the new code. They will continue serving in their role as they did before.

This law section states that if a legal action or proceeding started before the new code became effective, or if a right had already been established, these situations won't be changed by the new code. However, any further steps in these cases should try to follow the new code's procedures as much as they can.

This section states that unless there’s a specific reason not to, the definitions, construction rules, and general provisions outlined will be used to interpret the code.

This section explains that when a public officer is given certain powers or responsibilities, they can allow a deputy or another legally authorized person to carry out those powers or duties unless a specific law says otherwise.

This section defines 'writing' as any recorded message that can be understood by looking at it. It also states that if any notice, report, statement, or record is needed or allowed by this code, it must be in writing and in English, unless there's a specific exception.

If a law mentions any part of this code or other state laws, that mention includes any changes or new parts added in the future.

This section defines terms used in the code. "Section" refers to a part of this code, unless another law is mentioned. "Subdivision" refers to a part within a specific section, unless another section is specifically cited.

This rule means that when interpreting legal documents, references to actions in the present tense can also apply to those actions if they happened in the past or will happen in the future.

This section means that when the law uses masculine words, it also applies to feminine and gender-neutral words. So, it's not just talking about men; it's inclusive of all genders.

This law clarifies that when California legal language mentions a 'spouse,' it also means a 'registered domestic partner,' ensuring equal treatment under the law.

This law states that in legal documents, if something is mentioned in singular form, it also applies to the plural, and vice versa. This means that a term referring to one item can also mean multiple items, and a term referring to multiple items can also mean just one item in legal contexts.

This law clarifies that when you come across the term "county" in this context, it also covers both individual cities and combined city-counties.

This law section states that when the term "city" is used, it also includes "city and county" combined. So, in any legal contexts, if you see "city," it means both individually or jointly with the county.

This legal section clarifies the meaning of two words often used in laws. "Shall" means you must do something, while "may" means you have the option to do it but it's not required.

This section explains that in the context of this law, whenever someone refers to an 'oath,' it also covers affirmations. This means both sworn oaths and solemn affirmations are considered equivalent.

In California, if someone can't write their signature, they can use a mark instead. A witness must write the person's name next to the mark and also sign their own name nearby. However, for the signed mark to be recognized as official or used in a sworn statement, it needs to be witnessed and signed by two people.

This law defines the term "person" to include not just individual people but also entities like firms, associations, organizations, partnerships, limited liability companies, business trusts, corporations, and companies.

This law defines a 'vessel' as any kind of ship or boat, including steamboats, steamships, canal boats, barges, and sailing vessels. Essentially, it covers any structure that can move from place to place to transport goods or people.

This law defines a "steam vessel" as any type of watercraft that is driven by machinery.

The term “wharf” in this context is not limited to just one type of structure; it also includes piers, quays, and landings. So, whenever you see 'wharf,' it refers to these other structures too.

This law defines the term "goods" to mean wares or merchandise.

This section says that if a part of this code is found to be invalid for some people or situations, the rest of the code still stands and can continue to be applied to others.