What does the cryptic crossword clue "Existing quality in a vessel at sea (9)" mean?

The definition is "Existing quality". The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of IN + A + VESSEL = ALIVENESS; definition: "Existing quality" The answer is ALIVENESS.

Existing quality in a vessel at sea (9)

Guardian Cryptic #23644 | 29 Across | 2005-12-22 flower

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