46 CFR § 45.5 - Seasonal application of load lines.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s45.5"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 45.5 - Seasonal application of load lines."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "45.5"
section_name: "Seasonal application of load lines."
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"
---


# 45.5 Seasonal application of load lines.

For the purposes of the law and regulations prohibiting submergence of load lines (46 U.S.C. 88c; 46 CFR 42.07-10), the fresh water and salt water load lines marked under this part apply during the following seasons:

(a) Summer load lines apply April 16 through April 30 and September 16 through September 30.

(b) Except for hopper dredges operating at working freeboards in accordance with subpart C of part 44 of this chapter, the Assigning Authority may not allow for lesser freeboards.

(c) Intermediate load lines apply October 1 through October 31 and April 1 through April 15.

(d) Winter load lines apply November 1 through March 31.