
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
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[Laws in effect as of January 23, 2000]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 23, 2000 and December 4, 2001]
[CITE: 46USC5112]

 
                           TITLE 46--SHIPPING
 
                     Subtitle II--Vessels and Seamen
 
                      Part C--Load Lines of Vessels
 
                         CHAPTER 51--LOAD LINES
 
Sec. 5112. Loading restrictions

    (a) A vessel may not be loaded in a way that submerges the assigned 
load line or the place at which the load line is required to be marked 
on the vessel.
    (b) If the loading or stability conditions of a vessel change, the 
master or individual in charge of the vessel, before moving the vessel, 
shall record in the official logbook or other permanent record of the 
vessel--
        (1) the position of the assigned load line relative to the water 
    surface; and
        (2) the draft of the vessel fore and aft.

    (c) A vessel may be operated only if the loading distribution, 
stability, and margin of strength are adequate for the voyage or 
movement intended.
    (d) Subsections (a) and (b) of this section do not apply to a 
submersible vessel.

(Pub. L. 99-509, title V, Sec. 5101(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1917.)


                      Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section 5112
    Source: Section (U.S. Code) 46 App. U.S.C. 86g, 88c, 88e.
    Section 5112(a) prohibits a vessel from being loaded in a manner 
that submerges its load line.
    Section 5112(b) requires that whenever the loading or stability 
conditions of a vessel change, the master or individual in charge of the 
vessel must record in the official logbook the position of the load line 
and the draft of the vessel.
    Section 5112(c) is a new provision that provides that a vessel may 
be operated only if the loading distribution, stability, and margin of 
strength are adequate for the intended voyage or movement.
    Section 5112(d) provides that subsections (a) and (b) do not apply 
to a submersible vessel.

                  Section Referred to in Other Sections

    This section is referred to in section 5116 of this title.
