Title 46ShippingRelease 119-73not60

§5105 Load Line Surveys

Title 46 › Subtitle Subtitle II— Vessels and Seamen › Part C— Load Lines of Vessels › Chapter 51— LOAD LINES › § 5105

Last updated Apr 5, 2026|Official source

Summary

The Secretary may arrange annual, renewal, and other load-line inspections of vessels. In those inspections the Secretary must check five things: that the hull and fittings protect the ship from the sea and meet any rules; that the hull is strong enough for all loading conditions; that the ship is stable for all loading; that the upper decks drain water quickly in bad weather; and that the upper parts are designed and equipped to 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 46Shipping

Last Updated

Apr 5, 2026

Release point: 119-73not60