Which type of vessel typically has sovereign immunity?

Sovereign immunity refers to the legal doctrine that protects sovereign entities, such as government ships, from being sued in foreign courts or being subject to certain legal processes. This concept is primarily applicable to vessels that are owned or operated by a government, which includes US governmental and war vessels. These vessels are typically engaged in government-related functions, such as national defense or law enforcement, and therefore enjoy immunity from various legal actions to ensure the unhindered conduct of their operations in international waters and foreign ports.

In contrast, recreational vessels, foreign commercial vessels, and vessels without a flag do not have this level of protection under international law. Recreational vessels are privately owned and operated and do not function as representatives of a government. Foreign commercial vessels are engaged in trade and commerce but do not carry the immunity that government ships do. Lastly, vessels without a flag, which may also be referred to as stateless vessels, can face unique legal challenges and are often not protected under the same doctrines applicable to flag-bearing governmental vessels. Thus, US governmental and war vessels are the clear examples of vessels that typically possess sovereign immunity.