46 CFR § 45.137 - Cargo ports.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s45.137"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 45.137 - Cargo ports."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "45.137"
section_name: "Cargo ports."
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"
---


# 45.137 Cargo ports.

(a) Unless otherwise authorized by the Commandant, the lower edge of any opening for cargo, personnel, machinery access, or similar opening in the side of a ship must be above a line that is drawn parallel to the freeboard deck at side and has as its lowest point the upper edge of the uppermost loadline.

(b) The number of cargo ports in the sides of a ship must be—

(1) No more than the minimum necessary for working the ship; and

(2) Approved by the Commandant.