United States Code Title 46 — Shipping

§ 5105. Load line surveys

§ 5105.

Load line surveys

(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.