LIGHTERS, commerce. Small vessels employed in loading and unloading larger 
vessels. 
     2. The owners of lighters are liable, like other common carriers for 
hire; it is a term of the contract on the part of the carrier or lighterman, 
implied by law, that his vessel is tight and fit for the purpose or 
employments for which he offers and holds it forth to the public; it is the 
immediate foundation and substratum of the contract that it is so: the law 
presumes a promise to that effect on the part of the carrier without actual 
proof, and every principle of sound policy and public convenience requires 
it should be so. 5 East, 428; Abbott on Sh. 225; 1 Marsh. on Ins. 254; Park 
on Ins. 23; Wesk. on Ins. 328.