46 USC § 5105 - Load line surveys

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t46/s5105"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_legal_evidence"
title: "46 USC § 5105 - Load line surveys"
title_number: 46
title_name: "SHIPPING"
section_number: "5105"
section_name: "Load line surveys"
chapter_number: 51
chapter_name: "LOAD LINES"
part_number: "C"
part_name: "Load Lines of Vessels"
positive_law: true
currency: "119-84"
last_updated: "2026-03-26"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
source_credit: "(Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5101(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1916.)"
---


# § 5105. Load line surveys

**(a)** The Secretary may provide for annual, renewal, and other load line surveys.

**(b)** In conducting a load line survey, the Secretary shall consider whether—

**(1)** the hull and fittings of the vessel—

**(A)** are adequate to protect the vessel from the sea; and

**(B)** meet other requirements the Secretary may prescribe by regulation;

**(2)** the strength of the hull is adequate for all loading conditions;

**(3)** the stability of the vessel is adequate for all loading conditions;

**(4)** the topsides of the vessel are arranged and constructed to allow rapid overboard drainage of deck water in heavy weather; and

**(5)** the topsides of the vessel are adequate in design, arrangement, and equipment to protect crewmembers performing outside tasks necessary for safe operation of the vessel.

---

**Source Credit**: (Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5101(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1916.)

### Historical and Revision Notes

Section 5105 authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide for load line surveys and requires that while conducting a load line survey, the Secretary must consider various strength, stability, design, and construction features of the vessel.