7.6 Seaworthiness Defined is a term used in maritime law to describe a ship's state of being unfit to set sail. It is generally classified into two types: actual seaworthiness and constructive seaworthiness. Actual seaworthiness describes a ship that is unfit due to a defect in its design, construction, or equipment, while constructive seaworthiness is when a ship is not fit for the purpose it was intended for due to the negligence of its crew or the owner. Seaworthiness can also refer to the condition of a ship's cargo. In all cases, it is the responsibility of the ship's owner to ensure that the vessel is seaworthy and fit to sail.