NAICS 483 - Water Transportation

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Key Terms

water transportation inland waterway deep sea shipping coastal transport cargo shipping passenger watercraft maritime logistics vessel charter government contracting military transport port operations barge services ship maintenance intermodal transport maritime security

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Related NAICS Codes for NAICS 483

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What is NAICS 483

NAICS code 483, Water Transportation, covers industries engaged in the transportation of passengers and cargo via watercraft such as ships, barges, and boats. This subsector is divided into two primary industry groups: one focusing on deep sea, coastal, and Great Lakes water transportation, and the other on inland water transportation. Businesses operating under this code provide essential logistics and mobility services that facilitate the movement of goods and people across water routes, playing a critical role in both commercial trade and government operations. Government agencies contract for these services to ensure the efficient, safe, and reliable transport of military equipment, supplies, and personnel, as well as to support infrastructure and disaster response efforts.

Industry Classification for NAICS 483

Industries in the Water Transportation subsector provide water transportation of passengers and cargo using watercraft, such as ships, barges, and boats.

The subsector is composed of two industry groups: (1) one for deep sea, coastal, and Great Lakes water transportation; and (2) one for inland water transportation. This split typically reflects the difference in equipment used.

Scenic and sightseeing water transportation services are not included in this subsector but are included in Subsector 487, Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation. Although these activities use watercraft, they are different from the activities included in water transportation. Water sightseeing does not usually involve place-to-place transportation; the passenger's trip starts and ends at the same location.

Breakdown for NAICS 483

  • Covers transportation of passengers and cargo using watercraft including ships, barges, and boats.
  • Divided into two main groups: deep sea/coastal/Great Lakes and inland water transportation.
  • Excludes scenic and sightseeing water transportation, which falls under a different subsector.
  • Includes both commercial and government-related water transport services.
  • Typical businesses range from small barge operators to large deep sea shipping companies.

Included Activities for NAICS 483

  • Operating vessels for the transport of bulk and containerized cargo across inland waterways.
  • Providing deep sea and coastal shipping services for commercial and government clients.
  • Chartering of barges and boats for specialized cargo and equipment transport.
  • Managing logistics and scheduling for waterborne freight and passenger movements.
  • Performing vessel maintenance and compliance with maritime safety regulations.
  • Supporting military and defense-related transportation missions via watercraft.
  • Coordinating with ports and intermodal transport systems for integrated supply chains.

Business Types for NAICS 483

  • Inland barge and towboat operators
  • Deep sea and coastal shipping companies
  • Maritime logistics service providers
  • Military and government vessel operators
  • Freight and cargo vessel charter companies

Government Buyers for NAICS 483

Government agencies that commonly procure water transportation services include the Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Coast Guard, the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Army Corps of Engineers. These agencies require water transportation services for a variety of purposes such as military logistics, maritime security, infrastructure maintenance, and emergency response. Additionally, agencies involved in environmental monitoring and intermodal transport may also contract these services to facilitate access to remote locations or to transport specialized equipment and personnel.

Contract Types & Procurement for NAICS 483

Contracts awarded under NAICS 483 typically include firm-fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, and indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) agreements. Procurement methods often involve competitive bidding, requests for proposals (RFPs), and sole-source contracts in cases of specialized vessel requirements. Contract values can range widely, from small-scale charters for specific missions to multimillion-dollar contracts for long-term vessel operations and maintenance. Many contracts also incorporate performance-based logistics to ensure operational efficiency and compliance with safety and environmental standards.

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