Hi just a question to ask: is a charter vessel considered a tool of trade? Eg, tool [noun] from Merriam-Webster] something [ as a instrument or apparatus ] used in the performing an operation or necessary in the practice of a vocation or profession eg [ a scholars books are his tools of trade. From dictionary.com, tool is the machine itself anything used as a means of accomplishing a task or purpose. therefore the question is can a bailiff seize a charter vessel to sell. I am sure tools of trade of owner/operator are not to be seized by debt collectors. Therefore, to seize a vessel would be against the law and above his authority. Is this right or not?