46 CFR § 42.11-5 - Applications for load line assignments, surveys, and certificates for U.S.-flag vessels.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s42.11-5"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 42.11-5 - Applications for load line assignments, surveys, and certificates for U.S.-flag vessels."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "42.11-5"
section_name: "Applications for load line assignments, surveys, and certificates for U.S.-flag vessels."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "E"
subchapter_name: "LOAD LINES"
part_number: "42"
part_name: "DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VOYAGES BY SEA"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "46 U.S.C. 5101-5116; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4; section 42.01-5 also issued under the authority of 44 U.S.C. 3507."
cfr_part: "42"
---


# 42.11-5 Applications for load line assignments, surveys, and certificates for U.S.-flag vessels.

(a) Normally, the owner, master, or agent of a vessel shall apply in writing, on a timely basis, to the American Bureau of Shipping for the assignment, survey, and certification of load lines. When nonconcurrent, a separate application shall be made for each function desired and submitted on a timely basis. The mailing address of the home office of American Bureau of Shipping is ABS Plaza, 16855 Northchase Drive, Houston, TX 77060.

(b) After the Commandant has approved a recognized classification society as a load line assigning and issuing authority for a vessel, as described in a written request of the shipowner, the owner shall apply in writing, on a timely basis, direct to the approved assigning and issuing authority for the assignment, survey, and certification of load lines. When nonconcurrent, a separate application shall be made to such authority for each function desired, and submitted on a timely basis.

[CGFR 68-60, 33 FR 10057, July 12, 1968, as amended by CGFR 68-126, 34 FR 9013, June 5, 1969; CGD 96-041, 61 FR 50727, Sept. 27, 1996; USCG-2000-7790, 65 FR 58459, Sept. 29, 2000]