Regulations last checked for updates: Dec 23, 2024

Title 46 - Shipping last revised: Dec 17, 2024
§ 42.50-1 - General.

(a) The provisions of this subpart set forth the requirements for the text of the various load line certificates issued to vessels complying with the applicable requirements in this part. See §§ 42.07-35 and 42.07-40 for requirements regarding load line assigning and issuing authorities. See § 42.07-45 for requirements regarding load line certificates, their text and arrangement.

(b) The 1966 international load line certificate and exemption certificate shall be the same as set forth in this subpart in the model Forms A1, A2, A3, and E1, except for the following authorized variations which shall also apply to model Forms B, C1, C2, and C3:

(1) As indicated in § 42.13-30, the freeboards and load line marks which are not applicable to a specific vessel need not be entered on the certificate issued.

(2) The provisions of Note 3 on the front of the certificate forms (other than Model E1) may be changed to correctly describe the situation applicable to the vessel concerning information and instructions furnished the master about loading and ballasting the vessel to provide a guide as to stability under various conditions and as to avoid unacceptable stresses in the vessel's structure.

(c) In the load line certificate the assigning and issuing authority shall set forth its full official designation; i.e., its legal name, address of home office, and reference to the authorization from the Commandant where an assigning and issuing authority other than the American Bureau of Shipping is designated.

[CGFR 68-126, 34 FR 9017, June 5, 1969]
§ 42.50-5 - International load line certificates.

(a) The various forms of certificates certifying to the correctness of the load line marks assigned under the regulations in this subchapter and/or certain exemptions therefrom for U.S.-flag vessels engaged in foreign voyages, or engaged in coastwise or intercoastal voyages (provided such vessels qualify to engage in foreign voyages without restriction), are A1, A2, A3, and E1. The detailed application of these forms is as specified in § 42.07-45 (e), (f), and (h).

(b) The text and arrangement of the printed portions of Form A1 (printed front and back) are as follows:

International Load Line Certificate (1966) [Form A1]

(Official seal of issuing authority.)

(Certificate No. ______)

Issued under the provisions of the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, under the authority of the Government of the United States of America, and the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard:

By

(Insert full official designation of issuing authority)

and duly authorized for assigning purposes under the provisions of the Convention.

Name of ship Official number or distinctive letters Port of registry Length (L) as defined in Article 2(8) i.e., 46 CFR 42.13-15
Freeboard assigned as: 1A new shipType of ship: 1Type “A”.
An existing ship Type “B”.
Type “B” with reduced freeboard.
Type “B” with increased freeboard.
FREEBOARD FROM DECK LINE LOAD LINE
Tropical____ (inches)(T)____ (inches) above (S).
Summer____ (inches)(S)Upper edge of line at level of center of ring.
Winter____ (inches)(W)____ (inches) below (S).
Winter (North Atlantic)____ (inches)(WNA)____ (inches) below (S).
Allowance for fresh water for all freeboards____ (inches).
(All measurements are to upper edge of the respective horizontal lines)

The upper edge of the deck line from which these freeboards are measured is ____ inches above or below the top of the ____ deck at side; i.e., freeboard 1 deck.

Date of initial or periodical survey ________________

This is to certify that this ship has been surveyed and that the freeboards have been assigned and load lines shown above have been marked in accordance with the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966.

This certificate is valid until ________, 2 subject to annual surveys in accordance with Article 14(1)(c) of the Convention, and endorsement thereof on the reverse side of the certificate.

Issued at __________________ (Place of issue of certificate), ____________________, 19____ (Date of issue)

(Signature of official issuing the certificate) [Seal of issuing authority]

The undersigned declares that he is duly authorized by the said Government to issue this certificate.

(Signature) notes

1. When a ship departs from a port situated on a river or inland waters, deeper loading shall be permitted corresponding to the weight of fuel and all other materials required for consumption between the point of departure and the sea.

2. When a ship is in fresh water of unit density, the appropriate load line may be submerged by the amount of the fresh water allowance shown above. Where the density is other than unity, an allowance shall be made proportional to the difference between 1.025 and the actual density.

3. It is the owner's responsibility to furnish the master with information and instructions for loading and ballasting this vessel to provide guidance as to stability of the vessel under varying conditions of service and to avoid unacceptable stresses in the vessel's structure.

1 The issuing authority is authorized to delete or change words whenever it is inapplicable to a specific vessel and to arrange wording so appropriate word insertions may be made, which accurately describe the facts.

2 At the expiration of this certificate, applicable reissuance should be obtained in accordance with the Load Line Regulations.

(Reverse Side of Certificate) annual surveys

This is to certify that at an annual survey required by Article 14(1)(c) of the Convention, this ship was found to comply with the relevant provisions of the Convention.

PlaceDate
(Signature and seal of issuing authority)
PlaceDate
(Signature and seal of issuing authority)
PlaceDate
(Signature and seal of issuing authority)
PlaceDate
(Signature and seal of issuing authority)
extension of load line certificate
The provisions of the Convention being fully complied with by this ship, the validity of this certificate is, in accordance with Article 19(2) of the Convention, extended until.
PlaceDate
(Signature and seal of issuing authority)
notes

4. The Winter North Atlantic Load Line applies only to vessels of 328 feet in length or less, which enter any part of the North Atlantic Ocean during the winter months as defined by the Load Line Regulations in 46 CFR 42.30-5 and 42.30-35. The periods during which the other seasonal load lines apply in different parts of the world are as stated in the Load Line Regulations in 46 CFR 42.30-5 to 42.30-30, inclusive.

5. The Load Line Certificate will be canceled by the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, if:

(a) The annual surveys have not been carried out within 3 months either way of each anniversary of the certificate date.

(b) The certificate is not endorsed to show that the ship has been surveyed as indicated in (a).

(c) Material alterations have been made to the hull or superstructure of the vessel, such as would necessitate the assignment of an increased freeboard.

(d) The fittings and appliances for the protection of the openings, guardrails, freeing ports, or the means of access to the crew's quarters have not been maintained in as effective a condition as they were when the certificate was issued.

(e) The structural strength of the ship is lowered to such an extent that the ship is unsafe.

6. When this certificate has expired or has been canceled, it must be delivered to the issuing authority.

(c) The text and arrangement of the printed portion of Form A2 shall be identical with the information on the face and reverse sides of Form A1 certificate in paragraph (b) of this section except for the identification of model form, description of the “Freeboard from deck line,” the “Load Line,” and the illustration of load line marks, which shall be as follows:

International Load Line Certificate (1966) [Form A2] * * * * * * *
FREEBOARD FROM DECK LINE LOAD LINE
Tropical
Summer____ (inches)Upper edge of line at level of center of ring.
Winter
Winter—North Atlantic____ (inches)(WNA)Upper edge of line ____ (inches) below upper edge at level of center of ring.
Allowance for fresh water for all freeboards____ (inches).
(All measurements are to upper edge of the respective horizontal lines)

The upper edge of the deck line from which these freeboards are measured is ____ inches above or below the top of the ________ deck at side; i.e., freeboard 1 deck.

* * * * * * *

1 The issuing authority is authorized to delete or change words whenever it is inapplicable to a specific vessel and to arrange wording so appropriate word insertions may be made, which accurately describe the facts.

(d) The text and arrangement of the printed portion of Form A3 shall be identical with the information on the face and reverse sides of Form A1 certificate in paragraph (b) of this section except for the identification of model form, description of the “Freeboard from deck line,” the “Load Line,” and the illustration of load line marks, which shall be as follows:

International Load Line Certificate (1966) [Form A3] * * * * * * *

The timber freeboards given in this certificate are applicable only when this ship carries a timber deck cargo and complies with special requirements of the Load Line Regulations regarding timber deck cargoes.

FREEBOARD FROM DECK LINE LOAD LINE
Tropical____ (inches)(T)____ (inches) above (S).
Summer____ (inches)(S)Upper edge of line at level of center of ring.
Winter____ (inches)(W)____ (inches) below (S).
Winter—North Atlantic____ (inches)(WNA)____ (inches) below (S)
Timber—tropical____ (inches)(LT)____ (inches) above (LS).
Timber—summer____ (inches)(LS)____ (inches) above (S).
Timber—winter____ (inches)(LW)____ (inches) below (LS).
Timber—winter—North Atlantic____ (inches)(LWNA)____ (inches) below (LS).
Allowance for fresh water for all freeboards other than timber____ (inches).
Allowance for fresh water for all timber freeboards____ (inches).
(All measurements are to upper edge of the respective horizontal lines)

The upper edge of the deck line from which these freeboards are measured is ____ inches above or below the top of the ________ deck at side; i.e., freeboard 1 deck.

* * * * * * *

1 The issuing authority is authorized to delete or change words whenever it is inapplicable to a specific vessel and to arrange wording so appropriate word insertions may be made, which accurately describe the facts.

(e) The text and arrangement of the printed portions of Form E1 are as follows:

International Load Line Exemption Certificate [Form E1]

(Official seal of issuing authority.)

(Certificate No. ____)

Issued under the provisions of the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, under the authority of the Government of the United States of America, and the Commandant U.S. Coast Guard:

By (Insert full official designation of issuing authority)

and duly authorized for assigning and exemption purposes under the provisions of the Convention.

Name of ship Official numbers of distinctive letters Port of registry

This is to certify that the above-mentioned ship is exempted from the provisions of the 1966 Convention, under the authority conferred by Article 6(2), 1 Article 6(4), 1 of the Convention referred to above and that this ship has been surveyed accordingly.

The provisions of the Convention from which the ship is exempted under Article 6(2) are:

The voyage for which exemption is granted under Article 6(4) is:

From: To:

Conditions, if any, on which the exemption is granted under either Article 6(2) or Article 6(4):

This certificate is valid until ________, 2 subject, where appropriate, to annual surveys in accordance with Article 14(1)(c) of the Convention, and endorsement thereof on the reverse side of the certificate.

Issued at

(Place of issue of certificate) (Date of issue) (Signature of official issuing the certificate) [Seal of issuing authority]

The undersigned declares that he is duly authorized by the said Government to issue this certificate.

(Signature)

1 The issuing authority is authorized to delete whichever reference is inapplicable.

2 At the expiration of this certificate, applicable reissuance should be obtained in accordance with the Load Line Regulations, if permitted.

(Reverse side of exemption certificate) annual surveys

This is to certify that this ship continues to comply with the conditions under which this exemption was granted.

PlaceDate
(Signature and seal of issuing authority)
PlaceDate
(Signature and seal of issuing authority)
PlaceDate
(Signature and seal of issuing authority)
PlaceDate
(Signature and seal of issuing authority)
extension of load line certificate

This ship continues to comply with the conditions under which this exemption was granted and the validity of this certificate is, in accordance with Article 19(4)(a) of the Convention, extended until.

PlaceDate
(Signature and seal of issuing authority)
[CGFR 68-60, 33 FR 10070, July 12, 1968, as amended by CGFR 68-126, 34 FR 9017, June 5, 1969]
§ 42.50-10 - Load line certificates for nonadherent foreign flag vessels.

(a) The form of load line certificate certifying to the correctness of the load line marks assigned under the regulations in this subchapter to nonadherent foreign flag vessels as specified in § 42.07-45(e)(2) is:

(1) Form B for general use. The period of validity shall be as expressed in § 42.09-20(c).

(b) The text and arrangement of the printed portion of Form B shall be identical with the information on the face and reverse sides of Form A1 certificate in § 42.50-5(b) except for title of certificate, model form, the first paragraph, and the wording of the certificate for issuance and revalidation, which shall be as follows:

Load Line Certificate (Form B)

(Official seal of issuing authority.)

(Certificate No. ____)

Issued under the authority of the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, United States of America, under the provisions of the Load Line Act of March 2, 1929, as amended (46 U.S.C. 85-85g), and the Load Line Regulations in 46 CFR part 42:

By (Insert full official designation of issuing authority)

and duly authorized for assigning purposes under the provisions of the Load Line Act of March 2, 1929, as amended.

* * * * * * *

This is to certify that this ship has been surveyed and the freeboards have been assigned and load lines shown above have been marked upon the vessel in manner and location as required by the Load Line Regulations of the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, in 46 CFR part 42.

This certificate remains in force until ________, 2 subject to annual revalidation in accordance with the Load Line Regulations, and endorsement thereof on the reverse side of this certificate.

Issued at ________________________ (Place of issue of certificate), ____________________, 19____ (Date of issue)

(Signature of official issuing the certificate) [Seal of issuing

authority]

* * * * * * *

2 Expiration date is not to exceed 5 years from original date of issue of this certificate. At expiration applicable reissuance of this certificate should be obtained in accordance with the Load Line Regulations.

* * * * * * * (Reverse Side of Certificate) annual revalidation of certificate

This is to certify that the provisions of the Load Line Regulations of the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, are fully complied with by the condition of this ship on the dates indicated, and in each case this certificate is revalidated for a 1 year interval as follows:

(1) Until
PlaceDate
(Signature and seal of issuing authority)
(1) Until
PlaceDate
(Signature and seal of issuing authority)
(1) Until
PlaceDate
(Signature and seal of issuing authority)
(1) Until
PlaceDate
(Signature and seal of issuing authority)
[CGFR 68-126, 34 FR 9017, June 5, 1969]
§ 42.50-15 - Coastwise load line certificates for U.S.-flag vessels.

(a) The forms of the coastwise load line certificate, other than for special service which are provided for in part 44 of this subchapter, certifying to the correctness of the load line marks assigned under the regulations in this part are C1, C2 and C3. The detailed application of these forms is as specified in § 42.07-45(e).

(b) Space shall be provided on the face of each of the coastwise load line certificates so that there may be entered thereon a record of the restrictions applicable to the vessel, if any.

(c) The text and arrangement of the printed portions of Form C1 are as follows:

Coastwise Load Line Certificate [Form C1]

(Official seal of issuing authority.)

(Certificate No. ____)

Issued under the authority of the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, under the provisions of the Coastwise Load Line Act, 1935, as amended (46 U.S.C. 88-88g), and the Load Line Regulations in 46 CFR part 42:

By (Insert full official designation of issuing authority)

and duly authorized for assigning purposes under the provisions of this law for vessels engaging in coastwise and/or intercoastal voyages.

Name of ship Official number or distinctive letters Port or registry Length (L) as defined in 46 CFR 42.13-15
Freeboard assigned as: 1A new ship.Type of ship: 1Type “A”.
An existing ship.Type “B”.
Type “B” with reduced freeboard.
Type “B” with increased freeboard.
freeboard from deck lineload line
Tropical____ (inches)(T)____ (inches) above (S).
Summer____ (inches)(S)____ Upper edge of line at level of center of ring.
Winter____ (inches)(W)____ (inches) below (S).
Allowance for fresh water for all freeboards____ (inches)
(All measurements are to upper edge of the respective horizontal lines)

The upper edge of the deck line from which these freeboards are measured is ____ inches above or below the top of the ________ deck at side; i.e., freeboard 1 deck.

* * * * * * * Date of initial or periodical survey

The following is a record of the restrictions applicable to the above named ship:

(List restrictions. If none, insert “None.”)

This is to certify that this ship has been surveyed and that the freeboards have been assigned and load lines shown above have been marked in accordance with the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, Coastwise Load Line Regulations in 46 CFR parts 42 to 46, inclusive as applicable.

This certificate remains in force until ________, 2 subject to annual surveys in accordance with applicable Load Line Regulations, and endorsement thereof on the reverse side of the certificate.

Issued at (Place of issue of certificate) (Date of issue) By (Signature of official issuing the certificate) [Seal of issuing authority] notes

1. When a ship departs from a port situated on a river or inland waters, deeper loading shall be permitted corresponding to the weight of fuel and all other materials required for consumption between the point of departure and the sea.

2. When a ship is in fresh water of unit density the appropriate load line may be submerged by the amount of the fresh water allowance shown above. Where the density is other than unity, an allowance shall be made proportional to the difference between 1.025 and the actual density.

3. It is the owner's responsibility to furnish the master with information and instructions for loading and ballasting this vessel to provide guidance as to stability of the vessel under varying conditions of service and to avoid unacceptable stresses in the vessel's structure.

1 The issuing authority is authorized to delete or change words inapplicable to a specific vessel and to arrange wording so appropriate word insertions may be made, which accurately describe the facts.

2 At the expiration of this certificate, applicable reissuance should be obtained in accordance with the Load Line Regulations.

(Reverse side of Coastwise Load Line Certificate) annual surveys

This is to certify that this ship has been surveyed on the dates indicated to determine in each case whether this certificate should remain in force for an additional 1 year and the survey has been completed to my satisfaction.

(1)
Signature of SurveyorPlaceDate
(2)
Signature of SurveyorPlaceDate
(3)
Signature of SurveyorPlaceDate
(4)
Signature of SurveyorPlaceDate
extension of load line certificate

The provisions of the Coastwise Load Line Regulations of the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, being fully complied with by this ship, this certificate is extended under the authority of 46 CFR 42.07-45 and 42.09-15 until.

PlaceDate
(Name of issuing authority and signature of Surveyor)
notes

4. The periods and areas during which the seasonal load lines apply are as stated in the Load Line Regulations in 46 CFR subpart 42.30, as appropriate.

5. This Coastwise Load Line Certificate will be canceled by the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, if:

(a) The annual surveys have not been carried out within three months either way of each anniversary of the certificate date.

(b) The certificate is not endorsed to show that the ship has been surveyed as indicated in (a).

(c) Material alterations have been made to the hull or superstructure of the vessel, such as would necessitate the assignment of an increased freeboard.

(d) The fittings and appliances for the protection of the openings, guardrails, freeing ports, or the means of access to the crew's quarters have not been maintained in as effective a condition as they were when the certificate was issued.

(e) The structural strength of the ship is lowered to such an extent that the ship is unsafe.

6. When this certificate has expired or has been canceled, it must be delivered to the issuing authority.

* * * * * * *

(d) The text and arrangement of the printed portion of Form C2 shall be identical with the information on the face and reverse sides of Form C1 certificate in paragraph (c) of this section except for the identification of model form, description of the “Freeboard from deck line”, the “Load Line”, and the illustration of load line marks, which shall be as follows:

Coastwise Load Line Certificate [Form C2] * * * * * * *
freeboard from deck line load line
Tropical
Summer
Winter
____ (inches)
......do
......do
Upper edge of line at level center of ring.
Do.
Allowance for fresh water for all freeboards____ (inches).
(All measurements are to upper edge of the respective horizontal lines)

The upper edge of the deck line from which these freeboards are measured is ____ inches above or below the top of the ________ deck at side; i.e., freeboard 1 deck.

* * * * * * *

(e) The text and arrangement of the printed portion of Form C3 shall be identical with the information on the face and reverse sides of Form C1 certificate in paragraph (c) of this section except for the identification of model form, description of the “Freeboard from deck line,” the “Load Line,” and the illustration of load line marks, which shall be as follows:

Coastwise Load Line Certificate [Form C3] * * * * * * *

The timber freeboards given in this certificate are applicable only when this ship carries a timber deck cargo and complies with the special requirements of the Load Line Regulations regarding timber deck cargoes.

freeboard from deck line load line load line
Tropical____ (inches)(T)____ (inches) above (S).
Summer____ (inches)(S)Upper edge of line at level of center of ring.
Winter____ (inches)(W)____ (inches) below (S).
Timber—tropical____ (inches)(LT)____ (inches) above (LS).
Timber—summer____ (inches)(LS)____ (inches) above (S).
Timber—winter____ (inches)(LW)____ (inches) below (LS).
Allowance for fresh water for all freeboards other than timber____ (inches).
Allowance for fresh water for all timber freeboards____ (inches).
(All measurements are to upper edge of the respective horizontal lines)

The upper edge of the deck line from which these freeboards are measured is ____ inches above or below the top of the ________ deck at side; i.e., freeboard 1 deck.

* * * * * * *

1 The issuing authority is authorized to delete or change words inapplicable to a specific vessel and to arrange wording so appropriate word insertions may be made, which accurately describe the facts.

[CGFR 68-60, 33 FR 10073, July 12, 1968, as amended by CGFR 68-126, 34 FR 9018, June 5, 1969; USCG-2014-0688, 79 FR 58280, Sept. 29, 2014]
authority: 46 U.S.C. 5101-5116; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1; section 42.01-5 also issued under the authority of 44 U.S.C. 3507.
cite as: 46 CFR 42.50-15