Title 46, ShippingRelease 119-102
§5105 Load Line Surveys
Title 46 › Subtitle II — Vessels and Seamen › Part C — Load Lines of Vessels › CHAPTER 51 — LOAD LINES › § 5105
Summary
The Secretary can require load line surveys every year, at renewal, or at other times. In a survey the Secretary must check that the hull and fittings protect the ship and meet rules; the hull strength and stability are safe in all loading conditions; and the upper decks drain quickly and protect crew working outside.
Full Legal Text
Title 46, §5105
Shipping, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)The Secretary may provide for annual, renewal, and other load line surveys.
(b)In conducting a load line survey, the Secretary shall consider whether—
(1)the hull and fittings of the vessel—
(A)are adequate to protect the vessel from the sea; and
(B)meet other requirements the Secretary may prescribe by regulation;
(2)the strength of the hull is adequate for all loading conditions;
(3)the stability of the vessel is adequate for all loading conditions;
(4)the topsides of the vessel are arranged and constructed to allow rapid overboard drainage of deck water in heavy weather; and
(5)the topsides of the vessel are adequate in design, arrangement, and equipment to protect crewmembers performing outside tasks necessary for safe operation of the vessel.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section 5105 section 5105 authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide for load line surveys and requires that while conducting a load line survey, the Secretary must consider various strength, stability, design, and
Construction
features of the vessel.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
46 U.S.C. § 5105
Title 46, Shipping
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102