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pdf46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR Part 45 (Jan. 13, 2025)
This content is from the eCFR and is authoritative but unofficial.
Title 46 —Shipping
Chapter I —Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
Subchapter E —Load Lines
Part 45 Great Lakes Load Lines
Subpart A General
§ 45.1 Purpose.
§ 45.3 Definitions.
§ 45.5 Seasonal application of load lines.
§ 45.9 Seasonal application of load lines for vessels not marked under this part.
§ 45.11 Issue of load line certificate.
§ 45.13 Form of certificate.
§ 45.15 Exemptions.
Subpart B Load Line Marks
§ 45.31 Deck line.
§ 45.33 Diamond.
§ 45.35 Seasonal load lines.
§ 45.37 Salt water load lines.
§ 45.39 Marking.
Subpart C Freeboards
§ 45.51 Types of ships.
§ 45.53 Summer freeboard.
§ 45.55 Freeboard coefficient.
§ 45.57 Correction: Position of deckline.
§ 45.58 Correction: Short superstructure.
§ 45.59 Definitions for superstructure corrections.
§ 45.61 Correction for superstructures and trunks.
§ 45.63 Correction for sheer.
§ 45.65 Excess sheer limitations.
§ 45.67 Sheer measurement.
§ 45.69 Correction for bow height.
§ 45.71 Midsummer freeboard.
§ 45.73 Winter freeboard.
§ 45.75 Intermediate freeboard.
§ 45.77 Salt water freeboard.
Subpart D Conditions of Assignment
§ 45.101 Purpose.
46 CFR Part 45 (Jan. 13, 2025) (enhanced display)
page 1 of 36
46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
§ 45.103
§ 45.105
§ 45.107
§ 45.109
§ 45.111
§ 45.113
§ 45.115
§ 45.117
§ 45.119
§ 45.121
§ 45.123
§ 45.125
§ 45.127
§ 45.129
§ 45.131
§ 45.133
§ 45.135
§ 45.137
§ 45.139
§ 45.141
§ 45.143
§ 45.145
§ 45.147
§ 45.149
§ 45.151
§ 45.153
§ 45.155
§ 45.157
§ 45.159
Subpart E
§ 45.171
§ 45.173
§ 45.175
§ 45.177
§ 45.179
§ 45.181
§ 45.183
§ 45.185
§ 45.187
46 CFR Part 45 (Jan. 13, 2025)
Structural stress and stability.
Information supplied to the master.
Strength of hull.
Strength of superstructures and deckhouses.
Strength of bulkheads at ends of superstructures.
Access openings in bulkheads at ends of enclosed superstructures.
Bulwarks and guardrails.
Freeing port area: General.
Freeing port area: Changes from standard sheer.
Freeing port area: Changes for trunks and side coamings.
Freeing port area: Changes for bulwark height.
Crew passageways.
Position of structures, openings, and fittings.
Hull fittings: General.
Ventilators.
Air pipes.
Hull openings at or below freeboard deck.
Cargo ports.
Side scuttles.
Manholes and flush scuttles.
Hull openings above freeboard deck.
Hatchway covers.
Hatchway coamings.
Machinery space openings.
Other openings.
Through-hull piping: General.
Inlets and discharge piping: Valves.
Scuppers and gravity drains.
Special conditions of assignment for type A vessels.
Unmanned River Barges on Lake Michigan Routes
Purpose.
Eligible barges.
Applicable routes.
Freeboard requirements.
Cargo limitations.
Load line exemption requirements for the Burns Harbor and Milwaukee routes.
Load line requirements for the St. Joseph and Muskegon routes.
Tow limitations.
Weather limitations.
46 CFR Part 45 (Jan. 13, 2025) (enhanced display)
page 2 of 36
46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
§ 45.191
§ 45.193
§ 45.195
§ 45.197
46 CFR Part 45 (Jan. 13, 2025)
Pre-departure requirements.
Towboat power requirements.
Additional equipment requirements for the Muskegon route.
Operational plan requirements for the Muskegon route.
Appendix A to Part 45
Load Line Certificate Form
PART 45—GREAT LAKES LOAD LINES
Authority: 46 U.S.C. 5104, 5108; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.
Source: CGD 73-49R, 38 FR 12290, May 10, 1973, unless otherwise noted.
Subpart A—General
§ 45.1 Purpose.
This part prescribes requirements for assignment of freeboards, issuance of loadline certificates, and marking of
loadlines for service on the Great Lakes of North America.
[CGD 73-49R, 38 FR 12290, May 10, 1973, as amended by USCG-1998-4442, 63 FR 52190, Sept. 30, 1998]
§ 45.3 Definitions.
As used in this part:
(a) Length (L) means 96 percent of the total length on a waterline at 85 percent of the least moulded depth
measured from the top of the keel or the length from the foreside of the stem to the axis of the rudder
stock on that waterline, if that is greater. In ships designed with a rake of keel the waterline on which this
length is measured must be parallel to the designed waterline.
(b) Perpendiculars means the forward and after perpendiculars at the forward and after ends of the length (L).
The forward perpendicular coincides with the foreside of the stem on the waterline on which the length is
measured.
(c) Amidships means the middle of the length (L).
(d) Breadth unless expressly provided otherwise, means the maximum breadth of the ship, measured
amidships to the moulded line of the frame in a ship with a metal shell and to the outer surface of the hull
in a ship with a shell of any other material.
(e) Moulded Depth means the vertical distance measured amidships from the top of the keel to the top of the
freeboard deck beam at side except that—
(1) In vessels of other than metal construction, the distance is measured from the lower edge of the keel
rabbet;
46 CFR 45.3(e)(1) (enhanced display)
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46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.3(e)(2)
(2) Where the form at the lower part of the midship section is of a hollow character, or where thick
garboards are fitted, the distance is measured from the point where the line of the flat of the bottom
continued inwards cuts the side of the keel;
(3) In ships having rounded gunwales, this distance is measured to the point of intersection of the
moulded lines of the deck and side, the lines extending as though the gunwale were of angular
design; and
(4) Where the freeboard deck is stepped and the raised part of the deck extends over the point at which
the moulded depth is to be determined, the distance is measured to a line of reference extending
from the lower part of the deck along a line parallel with the raised part.
(f) Depth for Freeboard (D) means—
(1) Moulded depth amidships plus the thickness of the stringer plate with no allowance for sheathing;
and
(2) In a vessel having a rounded gunwale with a radius greater than 4 percent of the breadth (B) or
having topsides of unusual form, the depth for freeboard (D) of a vessel having a midship section
with vertical topsides and with the same round of beam and area of topside section equal to that
provided by the actual midship section.
(g) Freeboard means the distance measured vertically downwards amidships from the upper edge of the
deck line to the upper edge of the related load line.
(h) Freeboard Deck means, normally, the uppermost complete deck exposed to weather and sea that has
permanent means of closing all openings in the weather part thereof and below which all openings in the
sides of the ship are fitted with permanent means of watertight closings except that—
(1) In a ship having a discontinuous freeboard deck, the lowest line of the exposed deck and the
continuation of that line parallel to the upper part of the deck is the freeboard deck.
(2) At the option of the owner and subject to the approval of the Commandant a lower deck may be
designated as the freeboard deck, if it is a complete and permanent deck continuous in a fore and
aft direction at least between the machinery space and peak bulkheads and continuous
athwartships;
(3) When this lower deck is stepped the lowest line of the deck and the continuation of that line parallel
to the upper part of the deck is taken as the freeboard deck.
(i)
Superstructure means a deck structure on the freeboard deck, extending from side to side of the ship or
with the side plating not being inboard of the shell plating more than 4 percent of the breadth (B). A raised
quarterdeck is a superstructure.
(j)
Enclosed superstructure means a superstructure with enclosing bulkheads.
(k) Height of a superstructure means the least vertical height measured at side from the top of the
superstructure deck beams to the top of the freeboard deck beams.
(l)
Length of a superstructure (S) means the mean length of the part of the superstructure which extends to
the sides of the vessel and lies within the length (L).
(m) Flush deck ship means a ship that has no superstructure on the freeboard deck.
(n) Weathertight means that in any sea conditions water will not penetrate into the ship.
46 CFR 45.3(n) (enhanced display)
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46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.3(o)
(o) Watertight means designed to withstand a static head of water.
(p) Exposed positions means exposed to weather and sea.
(q) Intact bulkhead with respect to superstructure means a bulkhead with no openings.
(r) Steel means steel and materials with which structures can be made equivalent to steel with respect to
such parameters as yield strength, total deflection, flexural life, or resistance to galvanic or stress
corrosion.
[CGD 73-49R, 38 FR 12290, May 10, 1973, as amended by USCG-2014-0688, 79 FR 58280, Sept. 29, 2014]
§ 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.
§ 45.9 Seasonal application of load lines for vessels not marked under this part.
(a) For the purposes of the law and regulations prohibiting submergence of load lines (46 U.S.C. 88c; 46 CFR
42.07-10) the marks assigned to vessels holding international load line certificates apply during the
following seasons:
(1) Vessels assigned freeboards as new vessels under the International Load Line Convention, 1966—
(i)
Winter—November 1 through March 31.
(ii) Summer—April 1 through April 30 and October 1 through October 31.
(iii) Tropical—May 1 through September 30;
(2) Vessels assigned freeboards as existing vessels under the International Load Line Convention,
1966—
(i)
Winter—November 1 through March 31;
(ii) Summer—April 1 through April 30 and October 1 through October 31;
(iii) Tropical—September 16 through September 30;
(iv) Tropical Fresh—May 1 through September 15.
(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.
[CGD 73-49R, 38 FR 12290, May 10, 1973, as amended by CGD 76-080, 54 FR 36977, Sept. 6, 1989]
46 CFR 45.9(b) (enhanced display)
page 5 of 36
46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.11
§ 45.11 Issue of load line certificate.
(a) A vessel 79 feet in length and more, and 150 gross tons or over, the keel of which is laid or which has
reached a similar stage of construction after April 14, 1973, must meet the requirements of this part.
(b) Except as prescribed in paragraph (a) of this section, any vessel that meets the requirements in subparts
C and D of this part and the survey requirements in §§ 42.09-15 through 42.09-50 of this subchapter is
entitled to assignment of freeboards and issue of a load line certificate under this part by the
Commandant or his authorized representative.
(c) A vessel, the keel of which was laid or was at a similar stage of construction before April 14, 1973, that
meets the requirements of this part that were in effect before April 14, 1973, and the survey requirements
in §§ 42.09-15 through 42.09-50 of this subchapter is entitled to the assignment of freeboards calculated
under the provisions of this part in effect before April 14, 1973, and to a load line certificate issued under
this part by the Commandant or his authorized representative.
§ 45.13 Form of certificate.
The form of a load line certificate issued under this part is specified in appendix A to this part.
§ 45.15 Exemptions.
(a) The Commandant may exempt a ship from any of the requirements in this part if the chairman of the
board of Steamship Inspections, Department of Transport, Canada, and the Commandant agree that the
sheltered nature or the condition of that voyage make it unreasonable or impracticable to apply
requirements of this part.
(b) The Commandant may exempt a vessel that embodies features of a novel kind from any of the
requirements of this part if those requirements might seriously impede research into the development of
such features and their incorporation in ships. Any such vessel must comply with the safety requirements
that, in the opinion of the Commandant, are adequate for the service for which the vessel is intended and
will insure the overall safety of the vessel. If the Commandant grants an exemption pursuant to this
paragraph he communicates the details of the exemption and the reasons therefor to the chairman of the
board of Steamship Inspections.
(c) A vessel that is not normally engaged on voyages to which this part applies but that, in exceptional
circumstances, is required to undertake a single such voyage between two specific ports may be
exempted by the Commandant from any of the requirements of this part, if the ship complies with safety
requirements that, in the opinion of the Commandant are adequate for the voyage that is to be undertaken
by the vessel.
(d) Unmanned dry cargo river barges carrying non-hazardous cargoes on certain routes on Lake Michigan
may be exempted from load line requirements in accordance with the conditions specified in subpart E of
this part.
[CGD 73-49R, 38 FR 12290, May 10, 1973, as amended by CGD 84-058, 50 FR 19533, May 9, 1985; USCG-1998-4623, 67 FR 19690,
Apr. 23, 2002]
Subpart B—Load Line Marks
46 CFR 45.15(d) (enhanced display)
page 6 of 36
46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.31
§ 45.31 Deck line.
(a) Each vessel must be marked with a deck line on the outer surface of the shell on each side of the vessel
with the upper edge of the line passing through the point where the upper surface of the freeboard deck
intersects the outer surface of the shell or if the summer freeboard is correspondingly adjusted under §
45.57, the deck line may be placed above or below the freeboard deck. Figure 1 illustrates the deck line
markings.
(b) Each deck line must be at least 12-inches long and 1-inch wide.
§ 45.33 Diamond.
(a) Each vessel must be marked with the diamond mark described in figure 2 of § 45.35 amidships below the
upper edge of the deck line on each side with the center of the loadline mark at a distance below the deck
line equal to the summer freeboard assigned under this part.
(b) The width of each line in the loadline mark must be 1 inch.
§ 45.35 Seasonal load lines.
Each vessel must have the summer (S), midsummer (MS), intermediate (I), and winter (W) loadlines for fresh water
freeboards calculated under §§ 45.71 through 45.75 marked in accordance with § 45.39.
46 CFR 45.35 (enhanced display)
page 7 of 36
46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.37
§ 45.37 Salt water load lines.
Each vessel that operates in the salt water of the St. Lawrence River must—
(a) Be marked with the summer (S), midsummer (MS), intermediate (I) and winter (W) load line marks under §
45.77 for salt water; and
(b) Be marked with the letters “FW” above the fresh water marks and the letters “SW” above the salt water
marks as described in figure 2.
§ 45.39 Marking.
(a) The diamond, lines, and letters must be painted in white or yellow on a dark ground or in black on a light
ground and permanently marked on the sides of the vessel.
(b) The upper edge of the line that passes through the center of the diamond must indicate summer
freeboard assigned under § 45.53.
(c) Unless otherwise authorized the seasonal load lines must be horizontal lines extending forward of, and at
right angles to, a vertical line marked at a distance 26 inches forward of the vertical centerline of the
diamond as described in figure 2.
(d) The salt water load lines must be horizontal lines extending abaft the vertical line required by paragraph
(b) of this section as described in figure 2.
46 CFR 45.39(d) (enhanced display)
page 8 of 36
46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.39(e)
(e) The upper edge of each seasonal and salt water load line mark must indicate the minimum freeboard for
that mark.
(f) When two freeboards assigned under this part differ by 2 inches or less, the line for the lesser freeboard
must be omitted and the line for the greater freeboard must be identified with the seasonal letters for
both freeboards.
(g) Seasonal freeboards that are limited by a summer freeboard assigned under § 45.53(c) must not be
marked but the identifying letter must be marked adjacent to the summer mark.
(h) The identity of the authority that assigns the freeboard must be indicated alongside the load line diamond
above the horizontal line that passes through the center of the diamond with two initials approximately
41⁄2 inches high and 3 inches wide.
Subpart C—Freeboards
§ 45.51 Types of ships.
(a) For the purpose of this subpart, a type A vessel has—
(1) No cargo ports or similar sideshell openings below the freeboard deck;
(2) Only small freeboard deck openings fitted with watertight gasketed hatch covers of steel;
(3) No dimension of a freeboard deck cargo opening greater than 6 feet and the total area not exceeding
18 ft2; and
(4) No more than two freeboard deck cargo openings to a single cargo space.
(b) For the purposes of this subpart a type B vessel is a vessel that does not meet the requirements in
paragraph (a) of this section.
§ 45.53 Summer freeboard.
(a) Except as required in paragraph (c) of this section, the minimum freeboard in summer for a type A vessel
is F in the following formula modified by the corrections in this subpart:
F (inches) = 10.2 × P1 × D
where P1 is defined in § 45.55 and D is the depth for freeboard in feet.
(b) Except as required in paragraph (c) of this section, the minimum freeboard in summer for a type B vessel
is F in the formula modified by the corrections in this subpart:
F (inches) = 12 × P1 × D
where P1 is defined by § 45.55 and D is the depth for freeboard in feet.
(c) Seasonal freeboards assigned under §§ 45.71 through 45.75 must be calculated on the basis of the
summer freeboard calculated under paragraph (a) or (b) of this section.
(d) If a minimum freeboard is required for a vessel under this part which is greater than that required by
paragraph (a) or (b) of this section because of scantling or subdivision requirements, the summer
freeboard and the seasonal freeboards assigned under this subpart must be no less than that minimum
freeboard, except the midsummer seasonal freeboard may be calculated on the basis of the summer
freeboard assigned under this paragraph.
46 CFR 45.53(d) (enhanced display)
page 9 of 36
46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.53(e)
(e) If a greater than the calculated minimum freeboard is requested by the applicant for the load line
certificate, that greater freeboard may be assigned as the summer freeboard and—
(1) The intermediate and winter seasonal freeboards assigned must be calculated under paragraph (a)
or (b) of this section; and
(2) The midsummer seasonal freeboard must be calculated on the basis of the summer freeboard
assigned under this paragraph.
§ 45.55 Freeboard coefficient.
(a) For ships less than 350 feet in length (L), the freeboard coefficient is P1 in the formula:
P1 =P + A[(L/D)-(L/Ds)]
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/Ds is the ratio of the
length (L) to a standard depth (Ds) 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:
P1 =P
where P is a factor, which is a function of length from table (1).
§ 45.57 Correction: Position of deckline.
(a) Where the depth to the upper edge of the deckline is greater or less than D, the difference between the
depths must be added to or deducted from the freeboard.
(b) When the Commandant or the approved assigning authority approves a location for the deckline that is
above or below the freeboard deck, the minimum summer freeboard must be corrected by—
(1) Adding the difference between the depth and D if the depth is greater than D; and
(2) Subtracting the difference between the depth and D, if the depth is less than D.
(c) Except for the adjustment allowed in paragraph (b) of this section, no freeboard of less than 2 in. may be
assigned.
§ 45.58 Correction: Short superstructure.
The minimum freeboard in summer for a type B vessel that is 79 ft. or more but less than 500 ft. in length and has
enclosed superstructures with an effective length of 25 percent or less of the length of the vessel must be
increased by—
0.03 (500—L) (0.25—E/L) inches
46 CFR 45.58 (enhanced display)
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46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.59
where:
(L) = length of vessel in feet;
(E) = effective length of superstructure in feet as defined in § 45.59.
§ 45.59 Definitions for superstructure corrections.
For the purpose of §§ 45.58 through 45.61—
(a) The standard height of a superstructure (Hs) other than a raised quarter deck and the standard height of a
trunk (Hs) is determined by the formula:
Hs =[6.0 + (L/300)] ft
(b) The length of superstructure (S) is the length of those parts of the superstructure which extends to the
sides of the vessel and that lie within the length (L).
(c) The effective length (E) of a trunk is its length in the ratio of its mean breadth to B.
(d) The effective length (E) of an enclosed superstructure of standard height or greater is its length “S”.
(e) Where the height of an enclosed superstructure or trunk is less than the standard height (Hs),the effective
length (E) is its length reduced in the ratio of its height to Hs.
(f) The effective length (E) of a raised quarter deck of 2⁄3 Hs or greater that has no openings in the front
bulkhead is its length up to a maximum of 0.6L.
(g) The effective length (E) of a raised quarter deck of less than 2⁄3 Hs or that does not have an intact front
bulkhead is its length reduced by the ratio of its height to Hs.
TABLE 12(1)
TABLES OF P VALUES
Length of Ship (feet)
Value of P
80
0.1100
90
0.1136
100
0.1172
110
0.1208
120
0.1244
130
0.1281
140
0.1318
150
0.1355
160
0.1393
170
0.1430
180
0.1468
46 CFR 45.59(g) (enhanced display)
page 11 of 36
46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
Length of Ship (feet)
46 CFR 45.59(g)
Value of P
190
0.1506
200
0.1545
210
0.1583
220
0.1622
230
0.1661
240
0.1700
250
0.1740
260
0.1780
270
0.1820
280
0.1860
290
0.1900
300
0.1941
310
0.1982
320
0.2023
330
0.2065
340
0.2106
350
0.2148
360
0.2190
370
0.2233
380
0.2275
390
0.2318
400
0.2361
410
0.2400
420
0.2437
430
0.2472
440
0.2506
450
0.2537
460
0.2567
470
0.2595
480
0.2621
490
0.2645
500
0.2667
510
0.2688
520
0.2706
530
0.2723
540
0.2738
550
0.2751
560
0.2762
570
0.2772
46 CFR 45.59(g) (enhanced display)
page 12 of 36
46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
Length of Ship (feet)
46 CFR 45.59(g)
Value of P
580
0.2779
590
0.2785
600
0.2788
610
0.2790
620
0.2790
630
0.2789
640
0.2785
650
0.2779
660
0.2772
670
0.2768
680
0.2760
690
0.2751
700
0.2740
710
0.2728
720
0.2715
730
0.2700
740
0.2684
750
0.2667
760
0.2648
770
0.2628
780
0.2607
790
0.2584
800
0.2560
810
0.2532
820
0.2504
830
0.2476
840
0.2448
850
0.2420
860
0.2392
870
0.2364
880
0.2336
890
0.2308
900
0.2280
910
0.2252
920
0.2224
930
0.2196
940
0.2168
950
0.2140
960
0.2112
46 CFR 45.59(g) (enhanced display)
page 13 of 36
46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.59(g)
Length of Ship (feet)
Value of P
970
0.2084
980
0.2056
990
0.2028
1000
0.2000
TABLE 12(2)
VALUES OF “A” FOR USE IN THE EXPRESSION
P1=P + “A” (L/D—L/DS)
Length of Ship (feet)
Value of “A”
80
0.00864
90
0.00806
100
0.00750
110
0.00696
120
0.00644
130
0.00594
140
0.00546
150
0.00500
160
0.00456
170
0.00414
180
0.00374
190
0.00336
200
0.00300
210
0.00266
220
0.00234
230
0.00204
240
0.00176
250
0.00150
260
0.00126
270
0.00104
280
0.00084
290
0.00066
300
0.00050
310
0.00036
320
0.00024
330
0.00014
46 CFR 45.59(g) (enhanced display)
page 14 of 36
46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.59(g)
Length of Ship (feet)
Value of “A”
340
0.00006
350
0.00000
TABLE 12(3)
VALUES OF L/DS
Length of Ship (feet)
Value of L/D5
80
6.50000
90
6.76563
100
7.03125
110
7.29688
120
7.56250
130
7.82813
140
8.09375
150
8.35938
160
8.62500
170
8.89063
180
9.19625
190
9.42188
200
9.68750
210
9.95313
220
10.21875
230
10.48438
240
10.75000
250
11.01563
260
11.28125
270
11.54688
280
11.81250
290
12.07813
300
12.34375
310
12.60938
320
12.87500
330
13.14063
340
13.40625
350
13.67188
360
13.93750
46 CFR 45.59(g) (enhanced display)
page 15 of 36
46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
Length of Ship (feet)
46 CFR 45.59(h)
Value of L/D5
370
14.20313
380
14.46875
390
14.73438
400
15.00000
(h) Superstructures which are not enclosed have no effective length.
(i)
When a lower deck is designated as the freeboard deck, that part of the hull which extends above the
freeboard deck is treated as a superstructure so far as concerns the application of the conditions of
assignment and the calculation of freeboard.
(j)
A bridge or poop is enclosed only when access is provided whereby the crew may reach
accommodations, machinery, or other working spaces inside the superstructure by alternative means that
are available at all times when bulkhead openings are closed.
§ 45.61 Correction for superstructures and trunks.
(a) Where the effective length E of superstructures and trunks that meet the requirements of subpart D of this
part is 1.0L, the minimum summer freeboard may be corrected by subtracting 1⁄2Hs.
(b) Where the effective length of superstructures and trunks is less than 1.0L the minimum summer
freeboard may be corrected by subtracting a percentage of one-half of the standard superstructure height
(Hs) determined by the formula:
Percentage = (E/2L) (1 + E/L) × 100
(c) To be eligible for the correction a trunk must—
(1) Be at least as strong and as stiff as a superstructure;
(2) Have no opening in the freeboard deck in way of the trunk, except small access openings;
(3) Have hatchway coamings and covers that meet §§ 45.143 through 45.147;
(4) Provide a permanent working platform fore and aft with guardrails;
(5) Provide fore and aft access between detached trunks and superstructures by permanent gangways;
(6) Be at least 60 percent of the breadth of the ship in way of the trunk; and
(7) Be at least 0.6 L in length, if no superstructure, is provided.
§ 45.63 Correction for sheer.
(a) The minimum summer freeboard must be increased by the deficiency, or may be decreased by the excess
as limited by § 45.65, of sheer calculated from table 4, multiplied by:
0.75—(S/2L)
where S is the total length of enclosed superstructures. Trunks are not included.
46 CFR 45.63(a) (enhanced display)
page 16 of 36
46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.65
§ 45.65 Excess sheer limitations.
The decrease in freeboard allowed in § 45.63 is limited as follows:
SHEER CALCULATION—TABLE 4
Station
Actual ordinate S. M.
Product
After Half:
AP
1
L/6-AP
3
L/3-AP
3
Midship
1 ______________
Sum of Aft Products
After Standard Sheer .2665L + 26.651
______________
Difference: Sum-STD
______________ + Excess/−Deficiency
AFT Sheer: Diff ÷ 8
______________ Excess/Deficiency
Fwd. Half:
FP
1
L/6-FP
3
L/3-FP
3
Midships
1 ______________
Sum of Fwd Products
Fwd Standard Sheer .5330L + 53.301
______________
Difference: Sum-STD
______________ + Excess/−Deficiency
FWD Sheer: Diff ÷ 8
______________ Excess/Deficiency
1
L in Standard Sheer = L or 500 whichever is less.
SHEER SUMMATION
Aft Sheer±
______________
Fwd Sheer±
______________
Net Sheer±
______________
Mean: Net−2
______________ Excess/Deficiency
(a) In vessels having no enclosed superstructure from 0.1 L abaft amidships to 0.1 L forward of amidships,
no decrease is allowed.
46 CFR 45.65(a) (enhanced display)
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46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.65(b)
(b) In vessels having enclosed superstructures amidships less than 0.1 L before and abaft amidships, the
decrease must be reduced by linear interpolation.
(c) If excess sheer exists in the forward half, and the after half is at least 75 percent of standard sheer, the full
decrease is allowed. If the after sheer is between 50 percent and 75 percent of standard sheer an
intermediate decrease, determined by linear interpolation, is allowed for the excess sheer forward. If the
after sheer is 50 percent of standard or less, no decrease is allowed for the excess sheer forward.
(d) Where an enclosed poop or forecastle is of standard height with greater sheer than that of the freeboard
deck, or is greater than standard height, an addition to the sheer of the freeboard deck may be made
using the following formula:
S=vL′/3L
Where
s = sheer credit, to be deducted from the deficiency or added to the excess of sheer.
v = difference between actual and standard height of superstructure at the end ordinate.
L′ = mean enclosed length of poop or forecastle up to a maximum length of 0.5 L.
The superstructure deck must not be less than standard height above this curve at any point. This curve must
be used in determining the sheer profile for forward and after halves of the vessel.
(e) The maximum decreased for excess sheer must be no more than 11⁄2 inches per 100 feet of length.
(f) Where the deck of an enclosed superstructure has at least the same sheer as the exposed freeboard deck,
the sheer of the enclosed portion of the freeboard deck cannot be taken into account.
§ 45.67 Sheer measurement.
(a) The sheer is measured from the freeboard deck at side to a line of reference drawn parallel to the keel
through the sheer line at amidships;
(b) In ships designed with a rake of keel or designed to trim by the stern, the sheer must be measured in
reference to a line drawn through the sheer line at amidships parallel to the design load waterline.
(c) In flush deck ships and in ships with detached superstructures, the sheer must be measured at the
freeboard deck.
(d) In ships with a step or break in the topsides, the sheer must be measured from the equivalent depth
amidships.
(e) In vessels with a superstructure of standard height that extends over the whole length of the freeboard
deck, the sheer must be measured on the superstructure deck. Where the height of superstructure
exceeds the standard, the least difference (Z) between the actual and standard heights must be added to
each end ordinate. Similarly, the intermediate ordinates at distance of 1⁄6 L and 1⁄3 L from each
perpendicular must be increased by 0.444 Z and 0.111 Z respectively.
§ 45.69 Correction for bow height.
(a) The minimum summer freeboard of all manned vessels must be increased by the same amount in inches
as any deficiency which may be shown by the following formulas:
46 CFR 45.69(a) (enhanced display)
page 18 of 36
46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.69(a)(1)
(1) For vessels having a length of not less than 79 feet and not greater than 550 feet,
0.593 L (1.0-L/1640) inches—actual bow height
(2) For vessels having a length greater than 550 feet,
(341.6—0.227 L) inches—actual bow height
(b) Where the bow height is obtained by sheer, the sheer must extend for at least 15 percent of the length of
the vessel measured from the forward perpendicular.
(c) Where the bow height is obtained by a superstructure, the superstructure must be enclosed and extend
from the stem to a point at least 0.06 L abaft the forward perpendicular.
(d) Vessels which, to suit exceptional operational requirements, cannot meet the requirements of paragraph
(c) of this section may be given special consideration by the Commandant.
(e) The bow height is defined as the vertical distance at the forward perpendicular between the waterline
corresponding to the assigned summer freeboard at the designed trim and the top of the exposed deck at
side.
§ 45.71 Midsummer freeboard.
The minimum midsummer freeboard (fms) in inches is obtained by the formula:
fms = f(s) − 0.3Ts
where:
f(s) = summer freeboard in inches
Ts = distance in feet between top of keel and the summer load line.
§ 45.73 Winter freeboard.
The minimum winter freeboard (fw) in inches is obtained by the formula:
fw =f(s) + T s (200)/L
where:
L = length L in feet but not less than 400 feet.
§ 45.75 Intermediate freeboard.
The minimum intermediate freeboard (fI) in inches is obtained by the formula:
fI =f(s) + T s(100)/L
where:
46 CFR 45.75 (enhanced display)
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46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.77
L = length L in feet but not less than 400 feet.
§ 45.77 Salt water freeboard.
(a) The salt water addition in inches to freeboard applicable to each fresh water mark is obtained by the
formula:
Addition=Δ/41T
where:
Δ = displacement in fresh water, in tons of 2,240 pounds, at the summer load waterline.
T = tons per inch immersion, of 2,240 pounds, in fresh water at the summer load waterline.
(b) When the displacement at the summer load waterline cannot be certified, the addition in inches to the
minimum freeboard in fresh water may be obtained by multiplying 0.25 by the summer draught in feet
measured from the top of the keel to the center of the load line diamond.
Subpart D—Conditions of Assignment
§ 45.101 Purpose.
This subpart prescribes conditions that a vessel must meet to be eligible for assignment of a loadline under this
part.
§ 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.
§ 45.105 Information supplied to the master.
Unless otherwise authorized by the Commandant, the vessel must have onboard, in a form approved by the
Commandant, sufficient information.
(a) To enable the master to load and ballast the vessel in a manner that avoids unacceptable stresses in the
vessel's structure; and
(b) To guide the master as to the stability of the ship under varying conditions of service.
§ 45.107 Strength of hull.
The general structural strength of the hull must be sufficient for the draught corresponding to the freeboard
assigned and must be approved by the Commandant. Ships built and maintained in conformity with the
requirements of a classification society may be recognized by the Commandant as possessing adequate strength.
46 CFR 45.107 (enhanced display)
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46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.109
§ 45.109 Strength of superstructures and deckhouses.
Each superstructure or deckhouse used for accommodations of the crew must be approved by the Commandant or
the approved assigning authority with regard to general strength and weathertightness. The Commandant may use
the requirements of the assigning authority as a guide.
§ 45.111 Strength of bulkheads at ends of superstructures.
Bulkheads at ends of enclosed superstructures must have sufficient strength to withstand impact of boarding seas.
§ 45.113 Access openings in bulkheads at ends of enclosed superstructures.
(a) Access openings in bulkheads at ends of enclosed superstructures must have doors of steel or material
as strong as steel that are permanently attached to the bulkhead and framed, stiffened, and fitted so that
the bulkhead and door are as strong as the bulkhead and weather tight when closed.
(b) The means for securing the doors weathertight must be permanently attached to the doors or bulkheads
and arranged so that the doors can be secured weathertight from both sides of the bulkhead.
(c) Access openings in bulkheads at ends of enclosed superstructures must have sills that are at least 12
inches above the deck.
§ 45.115 Bulwarks and guardrails.
(a) The exposed parts of freeboard and superstructures decks and deckhouses on the freeboard deck must
have guardrails or bulwarks that are at least 36 inches high above the deck.
(b) Guardrails must have at least three courses with no more than a 9-inch opening below the lowest course
and no more than 15 inches between other courses. If the sheer strake projection is at least 8 inches
above the deck, a guardrail may have two courses with no more than 15 inches between courses.
(c) In way of trunks at least half the protection required by paragraph (a) of this section must be in the form
of open rails.
§ 45.117 Freeing port area: General.
(a) Where bulwarks on the weather portions of freeboard or superstructure decks form wells, the bulwarks
must have the area prescribed in this section and §§ 45.119 and 45.121 for rapidly freeing and draining
the decks of water.
(b) Except as required in §§ 45.119 and 45.121 the minimum freeing port area in square feet on each side of
the ship for each well on the freeboard deck and on the raised quarterdeck must be at least as great as A
in the following formulas:
(1) Where the length of bulwark (l) in the well is 66 feet or less, A = 7.6 + 0.115 (l)
(2) Where (l) exceeds 66 feet, A = 0.23 (l)
but (l) need in no case be taken as greater than 0.7L.
(c) In ships having erections on deck that are open at either or both ends, provision for freeing the space
within such erections must be approved by the Commandant or the assigning authority.
(d) The lower edges of the freeing ports must be as near the deck as practicable. Two-thirds of the freeing
port area required must be provided in the half of the well nearest the lowest point of the sheer curve.
46 CFR 45.117(d) (enhanced display)
page 21 of 36
46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.117(e)
(e) All freeing port openings in the bulwarks must be protected by rails or bars spaced approximately 9
inches. If shutters are fitted to freeing ports, ample clearance must be provided to prevent jamming.
Hinges must have pins or bearings of noncorrodible material. If shutters are fitted with securing
appliances, these appliances must be of approved construction.
(f) The minimum freeing port area for each well on superstructure decks must be one-half of the area
required by paragraph (b) of this section.
[CGD 73-49R, 38 FR 12290, May 10, 1973, as amended by USCG-2014-0688, 79 FR 58280, Sept. 29, 2014]
§ 45.119 Freeing port area: Changes from standard sheer.
The freeing port area required by § 45.117(b) must be multiplied by the factor in the following table 5 if the sheer
differs from the standard sheer defined in § 45.63. table 4.
TABLE 5
FREEING PORT AREA: SHEER CORRECTION.
Ratio of sums of actual sheer ord./std. sheer ord. Greater
than:
Multiplier for area required by §
45.117(b)
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.00
0.9
1.05
0.8
1.10
0.7
1.15
0.6
1.20
0.5
1.25
0.4
1.30
0.3
1.35
0.2
1.40
0.1
1.45
No sheer
1.50
46 CFR 45.119 (enhanced display)
page 22 of 36
46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.121
§ 45.121 Freeing port area: Changes for trunks and side coamings.
If a vessel has a trunk and does not meet the requirements of § 45.61 or has continuous or substantially continuous
hatchway side coamings between detached superstructures, the minimum area of the freeing port openings must
be obtained from the following table:
Breadth of hatchway or trunk in relation to
the breadth of ship
Area of freeing ports in relation to the total area of
the bulwarks (percent)
40 percent or less
20
75 percent or more
10
The area of freeing ports at intermediate breadths must be obtained by linear interpolation.
§ 45.123 Freeing port area: Changes for bulwark height.
(a) For the purposes of freeing port area only, bulwark height is considered standard at 24 in for ships 240 ft
in length and less; and 48 in for ships 480 ft in length or greater. The standard bulwark height for ships of
intermediate length is obtained by direct interpolation.
(b) If the bulwark is more than standard height, the area required by § 45.117 must be increased by 0.04
square feet per foot (ft2/ft) of length of well for each foot difference in height.
(c) For ships greater than 480 ft in length that have an average bulwark height less than 3 ft, the area required
by § 45.117 may be decreased by 0.04 ft2/ft of length for each foot difference in height.
§ 45.125 Crew passageways.
The vessel must have means for protection of the crew from boarding seas such as life lines, gangways, and
underdeck passages to facilitate passing between their quarters and machinery spaces and other spaces essential
to the operation of the ship.
§ 45.127 Position of structures, openings, and fittings.
For the purposes of this part—
(a) Position 1 means in an exposed position on—
(1) The freeboard deck or a raised quarter deck;
(2) A superstructure deck or a trunk deck and forward of a point 1⁄4 L from the forward perpendicular; or
(3) A trunk deck whose height is less than Hs.
(b) Position 2 means—
(1) On a superstructure deck aft of a point 1⁄4 L abaft the forward perpendicular; or
(2) On a superstructure and trunk combination, that is Hs or more n height, aft or a point 1⁄4 L abaft the
forward perpendicular.
46 CFR 45.127(b)(2) (enhanced display)
page 23 of 36
46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.129
§ 45.129 Hull fittings: General.
Hull fittings must be securely mounted in the hull so as to avoid increases in hull stresses and must be protected
from local damage caused by movement of equipment or cargo.
§ 45.131 Ventilators.
(a) Ventilators passing through superstructures other than enclosed superstructures must have coamings of
steel or equivalent material at the freeboard deck.
(b) Ventilators in position 1 must have coamings at least 30 in. above the deck and ventilators in position 2
must have coamings at least 24 in. above the deck. The Commandant or the assigning authority may also
require coamings in other exposed positions.
(c) Ventilators in position 1 or 2 to spaces below freeboard decks or decks of enclosed superstructures or
trunks must have coamings of steel permanently connected to the deck and any ventilator coaming that
is more than 36 in. high must be specially supported.
(d) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section ventilator openings must have weathertight closing
appliances that are permanently attached or, where approved by the Commandant or the assigning
authority conveniently stowed near the ventilators to which they are to be fitted.
(e) Ventilators in position 1, the coamings of which extend to more than 12.5 ft above the deck, and in
position 2, the coamings of which extend to more than 6 ft above the deck, need not have closing
appliances unless specifically required by the Commandant.
§ 45.133 Air pipes.
(a) Where an air pipe to any tank extends above the freeboard or superstructure deck—
(1) The exposed part of the air pipe must be made of steel and of sufficient thickness to avoid breaking
from impact of boarding seas.
(2) The air pipe must have a permanently attached means of closing its opening; and
(3) The height from the deck to any point where water may obtain access below deck must be at least
30 in above the freeboard deck, 24 in above raised quarter decks, and 12 in above other
superstructure decks.
(b) If the height required in paragraph (a) of this section interferes with working the ship, the Commandant
may approve a lower height after considering the closing arrangements.
§ 45.135 Hull openings at or below freeboard deck.
Closures for hull openings at or below the freeboard deck must be as strong as the structure to which they are
attached and must be watertight.
§ 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—
46 CFR 45.137(b) (enhanced display)
page 24 of 36
46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.137(b)(1)
(1) No more than the minimum necessary for working the ship; and
(2) Approved by the Commandant.
§ 45.139 Side scuttles.
(a) The sill of each side scuttle must be above a line that is drawn parallel to the freeboard deck at side
having its lowest point 2.5 percent of the breadth or 20 in above the summer load waterline, whichever is
higher.
(b) Except as provided for in paragraph (c) of this section, each side scuttle to a space below the freeboard
deck, or to a space within an enclosed superstructure, must have a hinged inside deadlight which is
designed so that it can be secured watertight over the side scuttle.
(c) A side scuttle of a superstructure end bulkhead door, companionway door, or deckhouse door may have a
portable inside deadlight which is designed so that it can be:
(1) Secured watertight over the side scuttle; and
(2) Stowed inside the superstructure, companionway, or deckhouse when not in use, in a readily
accessible location on or adjacent to the door.
[CGD 73-49R, 38 FR 12290, May 10, 1973, as amended by CCGD 80-116, 46 FR 56788, Nov. 19, 1981]
§ 45.141 Manholes and flush scuttles.
Manholes and flush scuttles in position 1 or 2 or within any superstructure other than an enclosed superstructure
must have permanently attached covers, unless the cover is secured by closely spaced bolts around its entire
perimeter.
§ 45.143 Hull openings above freeboard deck.
Closures for openings above the freeboard deck must be as strong as the structure to which they are attached and
must be weathertight.
§ 45.145 Hatchway covers.
(a) Hatchways in position 1 and 2 must have weathertight hatch covers with gaskets and clamping devices.
(b) The maximum ultimate strength of the hatchway cover material must be at least 4.25 times the maximum
stress in the structure calculated with the following assumed loads:
(1) For ships 350 ft or more in length, at least 250 lb/ft2 in position 1 and 200 lb/ft2 in position 2.
(2) For ships less than 350 ft in length, at least AL in the following formula:
(i)
Position 1:
AL = 200 + C
where C = 50(L−79)/271
(ii) Position 2:
Al = 150 + C
46 CFR 45.145(b)(2)(ii) (enhanced display)
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46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.145(c)
(c) Hatchway covers must be so designed as to limit the deflection to not more than 0.0028 times the span
under the loads described in paragraph (b) of this section and the thickness of mild steel plating forming
the tops of covers must be at least 1 percent of the spacing of stiffeners or 0.24 in, whichever is greater.
§ 45.147 Hatchway coamings.
(a) Except where the Commandant determines that the safety of the vessel will not be impaired in any sea
condition, each hatchway must have a coaming that is at least—
(1) 18 inches in position 1; and
(2) 12 inches in position 2.
(b) Each hatchway coaming required by this section must be made of steel or equivalent material.
(c) The height of these coamings may be reduced or omitted if the Commandant is satisfied that safety of
the ship is not thereby impaired in any sea conditions.
§ 45.149 Machinery space openings.
(a) Machinery space openings in position 1 or 2 must be framed and enclosed by steel casings, and where
the casings are not protected by other structures that meet the requirements of § 45.109, their strength
must be approved by the Commandant or the assigning authority.
(b) Access openings in casings required by paragraph (a) of this section must have doors complying with the
requirements of § 45.113. Other openings in such casings shall be fitted with equivalent covers,
permanently attached.
(c) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, coamings of any funnel or machinery space ventilator
that must be kept open for the essential operations of the ship must—
(1) In position 1, extend at least 12.5 ft above the deck; and
(2) In position 2, extend at least 6 ft above the deck.
(d) The Commandant may approve a lesser height for protected coamings.
(e) Coamings of any fiddley or skylight over a machinery space opening in the freeboard or superstructure
deck or the top of a deckhouse on the freeboard deck, must have covers of steel permanently attached
and capable of being secured weathertight.
§ 45.151 Other openings.
Each opening other than hatchways, machinery space openings, manholes, or flush scuttles—
(a) In freeboard decks, must be protected by an enclosed superstructure or by a deckhouse or companionway
that is equal in strength and weathertightness to an enclosed superstructure; or
(b) In exposed superstructure decks or in the top of a deckhouse on freeboard decks that gives access to a
space below the freeboard deck or a space within an enclosed superstructure, must be protected by a
deckhouse or companionway.
§ 45.153 Through-hull piping: General.
(a) All through-hull pipes required by this subpart must be made of steel or material equivalent to the hull in
strength and fatigue resistance.
46 CFR 45.153(a) (enhanced display)
page 26 of 36
46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.153(b)
(b) All valves used as shell fittings and all shell fittings on which such valves are mounted must be made of
steel, or bronze or other ductile material approved by the Commandant.
§ 45.155 Inlets and discharge piping: Valves.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section each pipe that discharges overboard through
the hull of the ship must have—
(1) An automatic nonreturn valve with a positive means for closing; or
(2) Two automatic nonreturn valves with the inboard valve accessible for examination in service.
(b) The means for operating a valve described by paragraph (a)(1) of this section must be readily accessible
and have indicators that show when the valve is not closed.
(c) If the pipe discharges from a space that is not manned or does not have continuous bilge water
monitoring, a valve described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section must be operable above the freeboard
deck.
(d) Each pipe that discharges from a space within an enclosed superstructure or deckhouse may have at
least one accessible automatic nonreturn valve if the space is regularly visited by the crew.
(e) Through-hull piping systems in machinery spaces may have valves with positive means for closing at the
shell if the controls are readily accessible and have indicators showing when the valves are not closed
(nonreturn valves are not required).
§ 45.157 Scuppers and gravity drains.
Scuppers and gravity deck drains from spaces above the freeboard deck that penetrate the shell below a line 24″ or
.05B above the summer loadline, whichever is greater, must have an automatic nonreturn valve. This valve may be
omitted if the piping is of thickness not less than extra heavy pipe.
§ 45.159 Special conditions of assignment for type A vessels.
The lower freeboards allowed for type A vessels allow water on deck for greater percentages of time. Therefore the
following additional requirements must be met to qualify for type A freeboards:
(a) Machinery casings must be protected by an enclosed superstructure or deckhouse unless intact
bulkheads are used on all sides on the freeboard deck.
(b) Exposed machinery casings may be fitted with weathertight doors providing they lead to a space or
passageway as strong as an enclosed superstructure from which a second interior weathertight door is
provided for access to the engine room.
(c) Hatchways on the exposed freeboard or forecastle decks must be provided with watertight covers of
steel.
(d) Unless a separate fore and aft access is provided below the freeboard deck, a permanent fore and aft
gangway must be fitted at the superstructure deck level between poop and all other deckhouses used in
the essential operation of the vessel.
(e) Type “A” vessels must be fitted with open rails for at least half the length of the exposed parts of the
weather deck. Where superstructures are connected by trunks, open rails must be fitted for the whole
length of the exposed parts of the freeboard deck.
46 CFR 45.159(e) (enhanced display)
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46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.171
Subpart E—Unmanned River Barges on Lake Michigan Routes
Source: USCG-1998-4623, 67 FR 19690, Apr. 23, 2002, unless otherwise noted.
§ 45.171 Purpose.
(a) This subpart establishes a special load line regime under which certain unmanned, river-service, dry-cargo
barges may be exempted from the normal Great Lakes load line requirements while operating on certain
Lake Michigan routes. Depending upon the route, the barge may only need a limited service domestic
voyage load line, or may be conditionally exempted from load line assignment.
(b) Except as provided in this subpart, barges operating on Lake Michigan must have either an international
load line assignment issued in accordance with the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, as
amended, or a Great Lakes load line assignment issued in accordance with the requirements of this part.
(c) The requirements of this subpart are summarized in table 45.171:
46 CFR 45.171(c) (enhanced display)
page 28 of 36
46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.173
[USCG-1998-4623, 67 FR 19690, Apr. 23, 2002, as amended at 75 FR 70601, Nov. 18, 2010; 75 FR 78928, Dec. 17, 2010; 76 FR
32326, June 6, 2011]
§ 45.173 Eligible barges.
Only barges meeting the following requirements are eligible for the special load line regime under this subpart:
(a) Unmanned, river service, dry-cargo barges;
(b) Barges that have been designed and built to at least the minimum scantlings of the American Bureau of
Shipping River Rules which were in effect at the time of construction;
(c) Barges with a length-to-depth ratio less than 22;
(d) Barges on the Milwaukee route must not be more than 10 years old; and
46 CFR 45.173(d) (enhanced display)
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Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.173(e)
(e) All weathertight and watertight closures (dogs, gaskets, covers, etc.) must be in proper working condition.
[USCG-1998-4623, 67 FR 19690, Apr. 23, 2002, as amended at 75 FR 70603, Nov. 18, 2010]
§ 45.175 Applicable routes.
This subpart applies to the following routes, including intermediate ports, on Lake Michigan, between Calumet
Harbor, IL, and—
(a) Milwaukee, WI (the “Milwaukee route”);
(b) Burns Harbor, IN (the “Burns Harbor route”);
(c) St. Joseph, MI (the “St. Joseph route”); and
(d) Muskegon, MI (the “Muskegon route”).
[USCG-1998-4623, 75 FR 70604, Nov. 18, 2010]
§ 45.177 Freeboard requirements.
(a) All barges must have a minimum freeboard of 24 inches (610 mm).
(b) Additionally, open hopper barges must have a combined freeboard plus cargo box coaming height of at
least 54 inches (1,372 mm).
§ 45.179 Cargo limitations.
(a) Only dry cargoes may be carried. Liquid cargoes, even in drums or tank containers, may not be carried.
(b) Hazardous materials, as defined in part 148 of this chapter and 49 CFR chapter 1, subchapter C, may not
be carried.
§ 45.181 Load line exemption requirements for the Burns Harbor and Milwaukee routes.
Barges operating on the Burns Harbor and Milwaukee routes may be conditionally exempted from load line
assignment provided that the following requirements are met:
(a) Registration. Before the barge's first voyage onto Lake Michigan, the owner or operator must register the
barge in writing with the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Unit Chicago, 555A Plainfield Road,
Willowbrook, IL, 60527. The registration may be faxed to MSU Chicago in advance at (630) 986-2120, with
the original following by mail. The registration may be in any form, but must be signed by the owner or
operator. No load line exemption certificate will be returned. However, the registration will be kept on file.
(b) The registration must include the following information:
(1) Barge name and official documentation number;
(2) Owner and operator (points-of-contact, company addresses and telephone numbers);
(3) Service route (Milwaukee and/or Burns Harbor);
(4) Design type (covered/uncovered hopper, deck, etc.);
(5) External dimensions;
46 CFR 45.181(b)(5) (enhanced display)
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Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.181(b)(6)
(6) Types of cargo; and
(7) Place built and original delivery date.
(c) The registration must include a statement certifying that:
(1) The barge has been designed and built to at least the minimum scantlings of the ABS River Rules
which were in effect at the time of construction; and
(2) The owner or operator agrees to maintain the barge in serviceable condition and comply with the
applicable provisions of 46 CFR part 45, subpart E.
(d) Expiration. Registration is valid only until the earliest of the following events:
(1) The tenth anniversary of the delivery date (for barges on the Milwaukee route),
(2) The barge no longer is fit for this service (due to damage), or
(3) The barge changes ownership or operators (registration is not transferable to new owners or
operators; the barge must be re-registered if it is to continue in Lake Michigan service).
(e) Notification. The owner or operator of an exempted barge must notify the OCMI of the transfer of
ownership or change of operator, withdrawal from Lake Michigan service (due to damage, age, or other
circumstances), or other disposition of the barge.
[USCG-1998-4623, 67 FR 19690, Apr. 23, 2002, as amended by USCG-2006-25556, 72 FR 36330, July 2, 2007; 75 FR 70604, Nov. 18,
2010]
§ 45.183 Load line requirements for the St. Joseph and Muskegon routes.
(a) Load line certificate.
(1) The load line issued under this subpart must be a limited-service, domestic-voyage load line.
(2) Except as provided under paragraph (b)(2)(vi) of this section, the term of the certificate is 5 years.
(3) The load line certificate is valid for the St. Joseph and Muskegon routes, and intermediate ports.
However, operators must comply with the route-specific requirements on the certificate.
(4) The freeboard assignment, operational limitations, and towboat requirements of this subpart must
appear on the certificate.
(b) Conditions of assignment.
(1) An initial load line survey under § 42.09-25 of this chapter and subsequent annual surveys under §
42.09-40 of this chapter are required.
(2) At the request of the barge owner, the initial load line survey may be conducted with the barge afloat
if the following conditions are met:
(i)
The barge is less than 10 years old;
(ii) The draft during the survey does not exceed 15 inches (380 millimeters);
(iii) The barge is empty and thoroughly cleaned of all debris, excessive rust, scale, mud, and water.
All internal structure must be accessible for inspection;
46 CFR 45.183(b)(2)(iii) (enhanced display)
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Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.183(b)(2)(iv)
(iv) Gaugings are taken to the extent necessary to verify that the scantlings are in accordance with
approved drawings;
(v) The hull plating (bottom and sides) and stiffeners below the light waterline are closely
examined internally. If the surveyor determines that sufficient cause exists, the surveyor may
require that the barge be drydocked or hauled out and further external examination conducted;
and
(vi) The initial load line certificate is to be issued for a term of 5 years or until the barge reaches 10
years of age, whichever occurs first. Once this certificate expires, the barge must be drydocked
or hauled out and fully examined internally and externally.
[USCG-1998-4623, 67 FR 19690, Apr. 23, 2002, as amended at 75 FR 70604, Nov. 18, 2010]
§ 45.185 Tow limitations.
(a) Barges must not be manned.
(b) No more than a total of three barges per tow may operate on the Milwaukee, St. Joseph, and Muskegon
routes. A mixed tow of load-lined and exempted barges is still limited to three barges on those routes.
(c) Tows must not be more than 5 nautical miles from shore.
[USCG-1998-4623, 67 FR 19690, Apr. 23, 2002, as amended at 75 FR 70604, Nov. 18, 2010]
§ 45.187 Weather limitations.
(a) Tows on the Burns Harbor route must operate during fair weather conditions only.
(b) The weather limits (ice conditions, wave height, and sustained winds) for the Milwaukee, St. Joseph, and
Muskegon routes are specified in § 45.171, table 45.171.
(c) If weather conditions are expected to exceed these limits at any time during the voyage, the tow must not
leave harbor or, if already underway, must proceed to the nearest appropriate harbor of safe refuge.
[USCG-1998-4623, 76 FR 32327, June 6, 2011]
§ 45.191 Pre-departure requirements.
Before beginning each voyage, the towing vessel master must conduct the following:
(a) Weather forecast. Determine the marine weather forecast along the planned route, and contact the dock
operator at the destination port to get an update on local weather conditions.
(b) Inspection. Inspect each barge of the tow to ensure that they meet the following requirements:
(1) A valid load line certificate, if required, is on board;
(2) The barge is not loaded deeper than permitted;
(3) The deck and side shell plating are free of visible holes, fractures, or serious indentations, as well as
damage that would be considered in excess of normal wear;
(4) The cargo box side and end coamings are watertight;
46 CFR 45.191(b)(4) (enhanced display)
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Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.191(b)(5)
(5) All hatch and manhole dogs are in working condition, and all covers are closed and secured
watertight;
(6) All voids are free of excess water; and
(7) Precautions have been taken to prevent shifting of cargo.
(c) Verifications. On voyages north of St. Joseph, the towing vessel master must contact a mooring/docking
facility in St. Joseph, Holland, Grand Haven, and Muskegon to verify that sufficient space is available to
accommodate the tow. The tow cannot venture onto Lake Michigan without confirmed space available.
(d) Log entries. Before getting underway, the towing vessel master must note in the logbook that the predeparture barge inspections, verification of mooring/docking space availability, and weather forecast
checks were performed, and record the freeboards of each barge.
[USCG-1998-4623, 67 FR 19690, Apr. 23, 2002, as amended at 75 FR 70604, Nov. 18, 2010; 75 FR 78928, Dec. 17, 2010; 76 FR
32327, June 6, 2011]
§ 45.193 Towboat power requirements.
The towing vessel must meet the following requirements:
(a) General. The towing vessel must have adequate horsepower (HP) to handle the tow, but not less than the
amount specified for the routes below.
(b) Milwaukee and St. Joseph routes: a minimum of 1,000 HP.
(c) Muskegon route: a minimum of 1,500 HP.
[USCG-1998-4623, 67 FR 19690, Apr. 23, 2002, as amended at 75 FR 70604, Nov. 18, 2010]
§ 45.195 Additional equipment requirements for the Muskegon route.
Towboats on the Muskegon route must meet these additional equipment requirements:
(a) Communication equipment. Two independent voice communication systems in operable condition, such
as Very High Frequency (VHF) radio, radiotelephone, or cellular phone. At least two persons aboard the
vessel must be capable of using the communication systems.
(b) Cutting gear. Equipment that can quickly cut the towline at the towing vessel. The cutting gear must be in
operable condition and appropriate for the type of towline being used, such as wire, polypropylene, or
nylon. At least two persons aboard the vessel must be capable of using the cutting gear.
§ 45.197 Operational plan requirements for the Muskegon route.
Towing vessels on the Muskegon route must have on board an operational plan that is available for ready reference
by the master. The plan must include the following:
(a) The cargo limitations, the general operational requirements, and the special operational requirements of
this subpart.
(b) A list of mooring and docking facilities (with phone numbers) in St. Joseph, Holland, Grand Haven, and
Muskegon, that can accommodate the tow.
46 CFR 45.197(b) (enhanced display)
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Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR 45.197(c)
(c) A list of towing firms (with phone numbers) that have the capability to render assistance to the tow, if
required.
(d) Guidelines for possible emergency situations, such as barge handling under adverse weather conditions,
and other emergency procedures.
[USCG-1998-4623, 67 FR 19690, Apr. 23, 2002, as amended at 75 FR 70604, Nov. 18, 2010]
Appendix A to Part 45—Load Line Certificate Form
great lakes load line certificate
No. ______
Issued under the authority of the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, United States of America, under the provisions of
the Act of August 27, 1935, as amended to establish load lines on the Great Lakes of North America and the Load
Line regulations in force on ____________________________, 19____, By ________________________, duly authorized by the
Commandant to issue said load line certificate.
Ship
Certificate No.
Official No
Length (LBP)
Gross tonnage
Port of registry
Type of Ship:
TYPE “A”
TYPE “B”
TYPE “B” with increased freeboard
FREEBOARD FROM DECK LINE
Midsummer
46 CFR 45.197(d) (enhanced display)
MS
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Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR Appendix-A-to-Part-45(1)
Summer
S
Intermediate
I
Winter
W
load line
above S
Upper edge of line through center of diamond
below S
below S
Increase for salt water for all freeboards ____ inches.
The upper edge of the deck line from which these freeboards are measured is ____ inches above or below the top of
the ________ deck at side.
This is to certify that this ship has been surveyed and the freeboards and load lines shown above have been found
to be correctly marked upon the vessel in manner and location as provided by the load line regulations of the
Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, applicable to the Great Lakes.
This certificate[1] remains in force until ______________. Issued at __________ on the ______________ day of
__________________, 19____. (Here follows the signature, seal, if any, and the name of the authority issuing the
certificate.)
notes
(1) In accordance with the Great Lakes Load Line Regulations the diamond and lines must be permanently
marked. The “MS” loadline shall be assigned only to those particular vessels that qualify under the
regulations.
(2) The “SW” marks need only be assigned to Great Lakes vessels loading in salt water of the St. Lawrence
River west of a straight line from Cap de Rosiers to West Point Anticosti Island, and west of a line along
longitude 63 degrees west from Anticosti Island to the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. In such
cases these limits shall be indicated on the certificate.
(3) The load line assignment given by this certificate necessarily assumes that the nature and stowage of
cargo, ballast, etc., are such as to secure sufficient stability for the vessel. Accordingly, it is the owner's
responsibility to furnish the Master of the vessel with stability information and instructions when this is
necessary to maintenance of sufficient stability.
(On the reverse side of the load line certificate, or on a separate sheet, attached and forming part of the certificate,
provision is to be made for annual inspection and renewal endorsements.)
[1]
Upon the expiration of the certificate, renewal must be obtained as provided by the Great Lakes Load Line
Regulations and the certificate so endorsed.
46 CFR Appendix-A-to-Part-45(3) (enhanced display)
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46 CFR Part 45 (up to date as of 1/13/2025)
Great Lakes Load Lines
46 CFR Appendix-A-to-Part-45(3) (enhanced display)
46 CFR Appendix-A-to-Part-45(3)
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| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
| File Created | 0000-00-00 |