A closer look
A hovercraft is technically a massive fan riding on a cushion of air. It does not touch the water, and it can drive seamlessly onto a beach. Yet, international maritime law looked at this flying mattress and aggressively categorized it as a ship. Hovercraft operators need marine licenses, follow maritime traffic lanes, and adhere to boating regulations. It’s the ultimate bureaucratic gaslighting of a vehicle that is clearly an aircraft.






