[Title 46 CFR 45]
[Code of Federal Regulations (annual edition) - October 1, 2006 Edition]
[Title 46 - SHIPPING]
[Chapter I - COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED)]
[Subchapter E - LOAD LINES]
[Part 45 - GREAT LAKES LOAD LINES]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


46SHIPPING22006-10-012006-10-01falseGREAT LAKES LOAD LINES45PART 45SHIPPINGCOAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED)LOAD LINES
PART 45_GREAT LAKES LOAD LINES--Table of Contents




                            Subpart A_General

Sec.
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.
45.103 Structural stress and stability.
45.105 Information supplied to the master.
45.107 Strength of hull.
45.109 Strength of superstructures and deckhouses.
45.111 Strength of bulkheads at ends of superstructures.
45.113 Access openings in bulkheads at ends of enclosed superstructures.
45.115 Bulwarks and guardrails.
45.117 Freeing port area: General.
45.119 Freeing port area; Changes from standard sheer.
45.121 Freeing port area: Changes for trunks and side coamings.
45.123 Freeing port area: Changes for bulwark height.
45.125 Crew passageways.
45.127 Position of structures, openings, and fittings.
45.129 Hull fittings: General.
45.131 Ventilators.
45.133 Air pipes.
45.135 Hull openings at or below freeboard deck.
45.137 Cargo ports.
45.139 Side scuttles.
45.141 Manholes and flush scuttles.
45.143 Hull openings above freeboard deck.
45.145 Hatchway covers.
45.147 Hatchway coamings.
45.149 Machinery space openings.
45.151 Other openings.
45.153 Through-hull piping: General.
45.155 Inlets and discharge piping: Valves.
45.157 Scuppers and gravity drains.
45.159 Special conditions of assignment for type A vessels.

         Subpart E_Unmanned River Barges on Lake Michigan Routes

45.171 Purpose.
45.173 Eligible barges.
45.175 Applicable routes.
45.177 Freeboard requirements.
45.179 Cargo limitations.
45.181 Load line exemption requirements for the Burns Harbor and 
          Milwaukee routes.
45.183 Load line requirements for the St. Joseph and Muskegon routes.
45.185 Tow limitations.
45.187 Weather limitations.
45.191 Pre-departure requirements.
45.193 Towboat power requirements.
45.195 Additional equipment requirements for the Muskegon route.
45.197 Operational plan requirements for the Muskegon route.

Appendix A to Part 45--Load Line Certificate Form

    Authority: 46 U.S.C. 5104, 5108; Department of Homeland Security 
Delegation No. 0170.1.

[[Page 73]]


    Source: CGD 73-49R, 38 FR 12290, May 10, 1973, unless otherwise 
noted.



                            Subpart A_General



Sec. 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]



Sec. 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;
    (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 unsual 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.

[[Page 74]]

    (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.
    (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.



Sec. 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.



Sec. 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]



Sec. 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 Sec. Sec. 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.

[[Page 75]]

    (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 Sec. Sec. 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.



Sec. 45.13  Form of certificate.

    The form of a load line certificate issued under this part is 
specified in appendix A to this part.



Sec. 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



Sec. 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 Sec. 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.
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC01FE91.015
    


Sec. 45.33  Diamond.

    (a) Each vessel must be marked with the diamond mark described in 
figure 2 of Sec. 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.

[[Page 76]]



Sec. 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 Sec. Sec. 45.71 through 45.75 marked in accordance with Sec. 
45.39.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC01FE91.016



Sec. 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 Sec. 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.



Sec. 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 Sec. 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.
    (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 Sec. 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 
4\1/2\ inches high and 3 inches wide.



                          Subpart C_Freeboards



Sec. 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 ft\2\; 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.



Sec. 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)=10.2xP1xD


[[Page 77]]


where P1 is defined in Sec. 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)=12xP1xD

where P1 is defined by Sec. 45.55 and D is the depth for 
freeboard in feet.

    (c) Seasonal freeboards assigned under Sec. Sec. 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.
    (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.



Sec. 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).



Sec. 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.



Sec. 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

where:

(L)=length of vessel in feet;
(E)=effective length of superstructure in feet as defined in Sec. 
45.59.



Sec. 45.59  Definitions for superstructure corrections.

    For the purpose of Sec. Sec. 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:


[[Page 78]]


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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Value of
                    Length of Ship (feet)                          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
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
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
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)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Value of
                   Length of Ship (feet)                        ``A''
------------------------------------------------------------------------
80.........................................................      0.00864
90.........................................................      0.00806
100........................................................      0.00750
110........................................................      0.00696

[[Page 79]]

 
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
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
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.



Sec. 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 \1/2\Hs.
    (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)x100

    (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 Sec. Sec. 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.



Sec. 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 Sec. 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.

[[Page 80]]



Sec. 45.65  Excess sheer limitations.

    The decrease in freeboard allowed in Sec. 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+26.65\1\..  ...........................  .......  --------------
  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+53.30\1\...  ...........................  .......  --------------
  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.
    (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 1\1/
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.

[[Page 81]]



Sec. 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.



Sec. 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:
    (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.



Sec. 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.



Sec. 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.



Sec. 45.75  Intermediate freeboard.

    The minimum intermediate freeboard (fI) in inches is 
obtained by the formula:

fI=f(s)+T s(100)/L

where:

L=length L in feet but not less than 400 feet.



Sec. 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=[Delta]/41T

where:

[Delta]=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

[[Page 82]]

the top of the keel to the center of the load line diamond.



                   Subpart D_Conditions of Assignment



Sec. 45.101  Purpose.

    This subpart prescribes conditions that a vessel must meet to be 
eligible for assignment of a loadline under this part.



Sec. 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.



Sec. 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.



Sec. 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.



Sec. 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.



Sec. 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.



Sec. 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.



Sec. 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.



Sec. 45.117  Freeing port area: General.

    (a) Where bulwarks on the weather portins of freeboard or 
superstructure decks form wells, the bulwarks must have the area 
prescribed in this section and Sec. Sec. 45.119 and 45.121 for rapidly 
freeing and draining the decks of water.
    (b) Except as required in Sec. Sec. 45.119 and 45.121 the minimum 
freeing port area in square feet on each side of the ship for

[[Page 83]]

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.
    (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.



Sec. 45.119  Freeing port area: Changes from standard sheer.

    The freeing port area required by Sec. 45.117(b) must be multiplied 
by the factor in the following table 5 if the sheer differs from the 
standard sheer defined in Sec. 45.63. Table 4.

                                 Table 5
                  Freeing port area: Sheer correction.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Multiplier
                                                               for area
 Ratio of sums of actual sheer ord./std. sheer ord. Greater    required
                            than:                               by Sec.
                                                               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
------------------------------------------------------------------------



Sec. 45.121  Freeing port area: Changes for trunks and side coamings.

    If a vessel has a trunk and does not meet the requirements of Sec. 
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:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Area of
                                                                freeing
                                                                ports in
                                                                relation
  Breadth of hatchway or trunk in relation to the breadth of     to the
                             ship                                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.



Sec. 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 Sec. 45.117 must be increased by 0.04 square feet per foot (ft\2\/
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 Sec. 45.117 may be 
decreased by 0.04 ft\2\/ft of length for each foot difference in height.



Sec. 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.



Sec. 45.127  Position of structures, openings, and fittings.

    For the purposes of this part--

[[Page 84]]

    (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.



Sec. 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.



Sec. 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.



Sec. 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.



Sec. 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.



Sec. 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.



Sec. 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,

[[Page 85]]

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]



Sec. 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.



Sec. 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.



Sec. 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/ft\2\ in 
position 1 and 200 lb/ft\2\ 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

    (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.



Sec. 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.



Sec. 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 Sec. 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 Sec. 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

[[Page 86]]

steel permanently attached and capable of being secured weathertight.



Sec. 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.



Sec. 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.
    (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.



Sec. 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).



Sec. 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.



Sec. 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.

[[Page 87]]



         Subpart E_Unmanned River Barges on Lake Michigan Routes

    Source: USCG-1998-4623, 67 FR 19690, Apr. 23, 2002, unless otherwise 
noted.



Sec. 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:

[[Page 88]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR23AP02.007



Sec. 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;

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    (c) Barges with a length-to-depth ratio less than 22; and
    (d) Barges on the Milwaukee route must not be more than 10 years 
old.



Sec. 45.175  Applicable routes.

    This subpart applies to the following routes on Lake Michigan, 
between Chicago (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'').



Sec. 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).



Sec. 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.



Sec. 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 Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI), U.S. Coast Guard 
Marine Safety Office, 215 W. 83rd St--Suite D, Burr Ridge, IL, 60521. 
The registration may be faxed to the OCMI 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 number (or other identification 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;
    (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.



Sec. 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 five years.
    (3) The load line certificate is valid for the St. Joseph and 
Muskegon

[[Page 90]]

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 
Sec. 42.09-25 of this chapter and subsequent annual surveys under Sec. 
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;
    (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 be fully examined internally and externally.



Sec. 45.185  Tow limitations.

    (a) Barges must not be manned.
    (b) No more than three barges per tow on the Milwaukee, St. Joseph, 
and Muskegon routes.
    (c) Barges must not be more than 5 nautical miles from shore.



Sec. 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 Sec. 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.



Sec. 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;
    (5) All manholes are covered 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 pre-departure barge inspections, 
verification of mooring/docking space availability, and weather forecast 
checks were performed, and record the freeboards of each barge.

[[Page 91]]



Sec. 45.193  Towboat power requirements.

    The towing vessel must meet the following requirements:
    (a) General. The towing vessel must have adequate horsepower 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.



Sec. 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.



Sec. 45.197  Operational plan requirements for the Muskegon route.

    Towing vessels on the Muskegon route must have aboard 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.
    (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.

            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.....................................................        MS
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.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  notes

    (1) In accordance with the Great Lakes Load Line Regulations the 
diamond and

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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.)