46 CFR § 45.55 - Freeboard coefficient.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s45.55"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 45.55 - Freeboard coefficient."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "45.55"
section_name: "Freeboard coefficient."
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"
---


# 45.55 Freeboard coefficient.

(a) For ships less than 350 feet in length (*L*), the freeboard coefficient is *P*<sub>1</sub> in the formula:

*P*<sub>1</sub>=*P* + *A*[(*L*/*D*)-(*L*/*D*<sub>s</sub>)]

where *P* is a factor, which is a function of the length from table 1 and “A” is a coefficient, which is a function of length (L), from table 2; *L*/*D* is the ratio of the length (*L*) to the depth for freeboard (*D*); *L*/*D*<sub>s</sub> is the ratio of the length (*L*) to a standard depth (*D*<sub>s</sub>) from table 3.

*D* is not to be used as less than that which will give a ration of *L* to *D* that is:

(a) More than 15 when *L* = 400 feet or less, or

(b) More than 21 when *L* = 700 feet or more, with the ratio for intermediate lengths being calculated proportionately.

(b) For ships 350 feet or more in length (*L),* the coefficient “A” is zero and the formula is:

*P*<sub>1</sub>=*P*

where *P* is a factor, which is a function of length from table (1).