The legal concept of ship or vessel is not unique. In fact, it has been recognized that, even in a given jurisdiction, it may be several definitions of the concept for different purposes. Thus, it is a dynamic concept that still faces the challenges of the technological advances present in the maritime industry. Indeed, new types of marine crafts are frequently being used in the so-called offshore operations and it has become a recurring question whether all of said devices would follow the exceptional set of rules reserved in Colombian Commercial Law for the ships. The article then discusses the concept of ship in Colombian law and analyzes its evolution in domestic law. It also provides a study on the implications of said concept in relation to marine craft commonly used in offshore operations. Additionally the article addresses the concept of ship and the progress it has achieved in the United Kingdom and the United States.