46 CFR § 45.103 - Structural stress and stability.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s45.103"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 45.103 - Structural stress and stability."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "45.103"
section_name: "Structural stress and stability."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "E"
subchapter_name: "LOAD LINES"
part_number: "45"
part_name: "GREAT LAKES LOAD LINES"
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. 5104, 5108; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1."
regulatory_source: "CGD 73-49R, 38 FR 12290, May 10, 1973, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "45"
---


# 45.103 Structural stress and stability.

(a) The nature and stowage of the cargo, ballast, and other variable weights must be such as to make the vessel stable and avoid unacceptable structural stress.

(b) The vessel must meet all applicable stability and subdivision requirements of this chapter.