1625-0013 Stat/Authority

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§ 4704. Removal of abandoned barges
(a)(1) The Secretary may remove a barge that
is abandoned after complying with the following
procedures:
(A) If the identity of the owner or operator
can be determined, the Secretary shall notify
the owner or operator by certified mail—
(i) that if the barge is not removed it will
be removed at the owner’s or operator’s expense; and
(ii) of the penalty under section 4703.
(B) If the identity of the owner or operator
cannot be determined, the Secretary shall
publish an announcement in—
(i) a notice to mariners; and
(ii) an official journal of the county in
which the barge is located
that if the barge is not removed it will be removed at the owner’s or operator’s expense.
(2) The United States, and any officer or employee of the United States is not liable to an
owner or operator for damages resulting from
removal of an abandoned barge under this chapter.
(b) The owner or operator of an abandoned
barge is liable, and an abandoned barge is liable
in rem, for all expenses that the United States
incurs in removing an abandoned barge under
this chapter.
(c)(1) The Secretary may, after providing notice under subsection (a)(1), solicit by public advertisement sealed bids for the removal of an
abandoned barge.
(2) After solicitation under paragraph (1) the
Secretary may award a contract. The contract—
(A) may be subject to the condition that the
barge and all property on the barge is the
property of the barge removal contractor; and
(B) must require the barge removal contractor to submit to the Secretary a plan for the
removal.
(3) Removal of an abandoned barge may begin
thirty days after the Secretary completes the
procedures under subsection (a)(1).
(Added Pub. L. 102–587, title V, § 5302, Nov. 4,
1992, 106 Stat. 5082.)
§ 4705. Liability of barge removal contractors
(a) A barge removal contractor and its subcontractor are not liable for damages that result
from actions taken or omitted to be taken in
the course of removing a barge under this chapter.
(b) Subsection (a) does not apply—
(1) with respect to personal injury or wrongful death; or
(2) if the contractor or subcontractor is
grossly negligent or engages in willful misconduct.
(Added Pub. L. 102–587, title V, § 5302, Nov. 4,
1992, 106 Stat. 5083; amended Pub. L. 109–304,
§ 15(19), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1703.)
AMENDMENTS
2006—Pub. L. 109–304 in subsec. (a) struck out par. (1)
designation before ‘‘A barge removal’’ and substituted
‘‘subcontractor are not’’ for ‘‘subcontractor not’’, redesignated par. (2) as subsec. (b) and subpars. (A) and

(B) of former par. (2) as pars. (1) and (2) of subsec. (b),
respectively, and substituted ‘‘Subsection (a)’’ for
‘‘Paragraph (1)’’.

PART C—LOAD LINES OF VESSELS
HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES
Part C contains provisions that apply to load lines. A
load line is a mark drawn on a vessel that indicates
whether a vessel is overloaded. Load line requirements
for international voyages are based not only on domestic law but also the 1966 International Load Line Convention.

CHAPTER 51—LOAD LINES
Sec.

5101.
5102.
5103.
5104.
5105.
5106.
5107.
5108.
5109.
5110.
5111.
5112.
5113.
5114.
[5115.
5116.

Definitions.
Application.
Load line requirements.
Assignment of load lines.
Load line surveys.
Load line certificate.
Delegation of authority.
Special exemptions.
Reciprocity for foreign vessels.
Submersible vessels.
Providing loading information.
Loading restrictions.
Detention of vessels.
Use of Customs Service officers and employees for enforcement.
Repealed.]
Penalties.
HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES

Chapter 51 provides for the assignment of load lines
and issuance of load line certificates to vessels, and requires that certain classes of vessels be marked with
load lines.
AMENDMENTS
1990—Pub. L. 101–595, title VI, § 603(5)(B), Nov. 16, 1990,
104 Stat. 2993, struck out item 5115 ‘‘Regulations’’.

§ 5101. Definitions
In this chapter—
(1) ‘‘domestic voyage’’ means movement of a
vessel between places in, or subject to the jurisdiction of, the United States, except movement between—
(A) a place in a territory or possession of
the United States or the Trust Territory of
the Pacific Islands; and
(B) a place outside that territory, possession, or Trust Territory.
(2) ‘‘economic benefit of the overloading’’
means the amount obtained by multiplying
the weight of the overload (in tons) by the
lesser of—
(A) the average freight rate value of a ton
of the vessel’s cargo for the voyage; or
(B) $50.
(3) ‘‘existing vessel’’ means—
(A) a vessel on a domestic voyage, the keel
of which was laid, or that was at a similar
stage of construction, before January 1, 1986;
and
(B) a vessel on a foreign voyage, the keel
of which was laid, or that was at a similar
stage of construction, before July 21, 1968.
(4) ‘‘freeboard’’ means the distance from the
mark of the load line assigned under this
chapter to the freeboard deck.

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(5) ‘‘freeboard deck’’ means the deck or
other structure the Secretary prescribes by
regulation.
(6) ‘‘minimum safe freeboard’’ means the
freeboard that the Secretary decides cannot be
reduced safely without limiting the operation
of the vessel.
(7) ‘‘weight of the overload’’ means the
amount obtained by multiplying the number
of inches that the vessel is submerged below
the applicable assigned freeboard by the tonsan-inch immersion factor for the vessel at the
assigned minimum safe freeboard.
(Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5101(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100
Stat. 1913.)
HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES
Revised section 5101
Source: Section (U.S. Code) 46 App. U.S.C. 86a.
Section 5101 contains definitions that are limited to
Chapter 51—Load Lines. Existing Section 46 App. U.S.C.
86a (which defines only the terms ‘‘new ship’’ and ‘‘existing ship’’) will be replaced by section 5101. Definitions of technical terms (‘‘freeboard’’, ‘‘freeboard
deck’’, and ‘‘minimum safe freeboard’’) have been added
for clarity. The definition of the term ‘‘new ship’’ has
been deleted because the term is not used in Chapter 51.
The definition of ‘‘domestic voyage’’ includes the
phrase ‘‘places in or subject to the jurisdiction of the
United States.’’ ‘‘Places subject to the jurisdiction of
the United States’’ include deep water ports, production platforms, mining sites outside of territorial waters of the United States but within the United States’
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that was established
by Presidential Proclamation 5030, dated March 10,
1983, or on the outer continental shelf. The phrases
‘‘economic benefit of overloading’’ and ‘‘weight of the
overload’’ have been defined for purposes of establishing a standard method of determining the value of the
cargo with which a vessel is overloaded. The value of
the cargo will in turn affect the maximum penalty assessed for overloading the vessel. The definition of
‘‘freeboard deck’’ provides the Secretary with the authority to designate as the freeboard deck either the
actual deck (on standard vessels) or another structure
(on non-standard vessels). Non-standard vessels, for
which this regulatory flexibility is necessary, include
shelter deck vessels, semi-submersible multi-hull units,
container ships, surface effect vessels, and commercial
submarines.
TERMINATION OF TRUST TERRITORY OF THE PACIFIC
ISLANDS
For termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, see note set out preceding section 1681 of Title
48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

§ 5102. Application
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this
section, this chapter applies to the following:
(1) a vessel of the United States.
(2) a vessel on the navigable waters of the
United States.
(3) a vessel—
(A) owned by a citizen of the United States
or a corporation established by or under the
laws of the United States or a State; and
(B) not registered in a foreign country.
(4) a public vessel of the United States.
(5) a vessel otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
(b) This chapter does not apply to the following:

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(1) a vessel of war.
(2) a recreational vessel when operated only
for pleasure.
(3) a fishing vessel, unless the vessel is built
after July 1, 2013.
(4) a fish processing vessel of not more than
5,000 gross tons as measured under section
14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage
measured under section 14302 of this title as
prescribed by the Secretary under section
14104 of this title that—
(A)(i) was constructed as a fish processing
vessel before August 16, 1974; or
(ii) was converted for use as a fish processing vessel before January 1, 1983; and
(B) is not on a foreign voyage.
(5) a fish tender vessel of not more than 500
gross tons as measured under section 14502 of
this title, or an alternate tonnage measured
under section 14302 of this title as prescribed
by the Secretary under section 14104 of this
title that—
(A)(i) was constructed, under construction,
or under contract to be constructed as a fish
tender vessel before January 1, 1980; or
(ii) was converted for use as a fish tender
vessel before January 1, 1983; and
(B)(i) is not on a foreign voyage; or
(ii) is not engaged in the Aleutian trade
(except a vessel in that trade assigned a load
line at any time before June 1, 1992).
(6) a vessel of the United States on a domestic voyage that does not cross the Boundary
Line, except a voyage on the Great Lakes.
(7) a vessel of less than 24 meters (79 feet)
overall in length.
(8) a public vessel of the United States on a
domestic voyage.
(9) a vessel excluded from the application of
this chapter by an international agreement to
which the United States Government is a
party.
(10) an existing vessel of not more than 150
gross tons as measured under section 14502 of
this title, or an alternate tonnage measured
under section 14302 of this title as prescribed
by the Secretary under section 14104 of this
title that is on a domestic voyage.
(11) a small passenger vessel on a domestic
voyage.
(12) a vessel of the working fleet of the Panama Canal Commission not on a foreign voyage.
(13) a vessel of the United States on a domestic voyage that is within the Gulf of Mexico
and operating not more than 15 nautical miles
seaward of the base line from which the territorial sea of the United States is measured between Crystal Bay, Florida and Hudson Creek,
Florida.
(c) On application by the owner and after a
survey under section 5105 of this title, the Secretary may assign load lines for a vessel excluded from the application of this chapter
under subsection (b) of this section. A vessel assigned load lines under this subsection is subject
to this chapter until the surrender of its load
line certificate and the removal of its load line
marks.
(d) This chapter does not affect an international agreement to which the Government is

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a party that is not in conflict with the International Convention on Load Lines currently in
force for the United States.
(Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5101(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100
Stat. 1914; Pub. L. 101–595, title VI, § 602(d), Nov.
16, 1990, 104 Stat. 2991; Pub. L. 104–324, title VII,
§ 719, Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3938; Pub. L. 107–295,
title IV, § 436(a), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2129; Pub.
L. 111–281, title VI, § 604(d)(1), Oct. 15, 2010, 124
Stat. 2965; Pub. L. 112–213, title III, § 305(d)(1),
Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1565; Pub. L. 114–120, title
VI, § 612, Feb. 8, 2016, 130 Stat. 85.)
HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES
Revised section 5102
Source: Section (U.S. Code) 46 App. U.S.C. 86b, 86c, 88.
The delineation of the vessels that will be subject to
load line requirements is made in section 5102 as follows: subsection (a) is an all-inclusive list of vessels
subject to load line requirements, followed by subsection (b) which specifically exempts those vessels to
which the requirements do not apply.
Section 5102(a) lists five categories of vessels which
are subject to load line requirements. They are as follows:
Clause (1) regarding ‘‘a vessel of the United States’’
includes all vessels documented under Chapter 121 of
title 46 or numbered under Chapter 123 of title 46.
Clause (2) regarding ‘‘a vessel on the navigable waters
of the United States’’ includes all domestic or foreign
vessels found in or on the navigable waters of the
United States.
Clause (3) regarding ‘‘a vessel owned by a citizen of
the United States or a corporation established by or
under the laws of the United States or a State, and not
registered in a foreign country’’ includes all vessels
owned by citizens of the United States (as defined in
5107(7)) [sic] and not registered under the laws of a foreign country, wherever the vessels may be located.
Clause (4) regarding ‘‘a public vessel of the United
States’’ includes all United States public vessels.
Clause (5) regarding ‘‘a vessel otherwise subject to
the jurisdiction of the United States’’ includes foreign
vessels that are subject to United States jurisdiction as
a result of bilateral agreements, licenses, customary
international law or other means, including those using
deepwater port or outer continental shelf or EEZ facilities located in areas subject to the jurisdiction of the
United States.
Section 5102(b) lists the specific exemptions from load
line requirements. The specific exemptions may be
grouped as follows:
(a) Vessel type (ships of war, pleasure vessels, fishing vessels, small passenger vessels on domestic voyages);
(b) Area of operation (rivers, harbors, bays, sounds,
etc.);
(c) Minimum size (length); and
(d) Treaty exclusions.
Clause (1) exempts vessels of war from load line requirements.
Clause (2) exempts recreational vessels operated only
for pleasure from load line requirements.
Clause (3) exempts fishing vessels from load line requirements.
Clauses (4) and (5) exempt certain existing fish processing and fish tender vessels not on a foreign voyage
from load line requirements. The exception is limited
to those vessels not on international voyages to ensure
compliance with United States obligations under the
International Load Line Convention.
Clause (6) exempts from load line requirements all
U.S. vessels operating on domestic voyages within the
Boundary Line, as defined in section 2101 of this title,
except vessels operating on the Great Lakes.
Clause (7) exempts all vessels that are less than 24
meters (79 feet) in length from load line requirements
whether on international or domestic voyages.

Clause (8) exempts from load line requirements those
public vessels that are on domestic voyages.
Clause (9) exempts from load line requirements those
vessels which have been excluded from the requirements ‘‘by specific action of a treaty of the United
States.’’ The only current treaty which excludes vessels from load line requirements is the Convention Between the United States of America and the Dominion
of Canada Concerning Load Lines (49 Stat. 2685), which
entered into force on August 11, 1934.
Clause (10) exempts from load line requirements existing U.S. vessels that are under 150 gross tons while
engaged on a domestic voyage. This is a grandfather
provision, continuing the existing exemption for these
vessels. Vessels built after January 1, 1986 must be
marked with a load line, however, if they are over 79
feet long and do not qualify for any other exemption.
Clause (11) exempts small passenger vessels engaged
on domestic voyages from load line requirements.
Small passenger vessels are inspected under Subchapter T of Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Under Subchapter T, the Coast Guard regulates
these vessels with regard to safety; the requirements
are based on the number of passengers, length, and
gross tonnage of the vessel. Safety-related requirements in Subchapter T regulations include hull structure and watertightness, stability, weathertight integrity, and safe movement of persons on deck, the principal safety features covered by load line regulations.
This specific exemption from load line requirements for
small passenger vessels is consistent with existing law
and does not alter in any way the Coast Guard’s authority to regulate small passenger vessels under Subchapter T.
Clause (12) exempts vessels of the working voyages
from the requirement to have load lines.
Section 5102(c) authorizes the Secretary to assign
load lines for any vessel exempted from load line requirements by subsection (b) upon the request of the
owner. It also provides that any exempted vessel for
which load lines are assigned will remain subject to the
load line requirements until its load line certificate is
surrendered and the load line marks are removed.
Section 5102(d) provides that this chapter shall not be
construed as abrogating the provisions of other treaties
and conventions to which the United States is a party,
which are not in conflict with the International Convention on Load Lines.
AMENDMENTS
2016—Subsec. (b)(13). Pub. L. 114–120 added par. (13).
2012—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 112–213 substituted ‘‘July
1, 2013.’’ for ‘‘July 1, 2012.’’
2010—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 111–281 inserted ‘‘, unless
the vessel is built after July 1, 2012’’ after ‘‘vessel’’.
2002—Subsec. (b)(5)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 107–295 inserted ‘‘is
not’’ after ‘‘(ii)’’.
1996—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 104–324, § 719(1), inserted
‘‘as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this
title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104
of this title’’ after ‘‘5,000 gross tons’’ in introductory
provisions.
Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 104–324, § 719(2), inserted ‘‘as
measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title
as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of
this title’’ after ‘‘500 gross tons’’ in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (b)(10). Pub. L. 104–324, § 719(3), inserted ‘‘as
measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title
as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of
this title’’ after ‘‘150 gross tons’’.
1990—Subsec. (b)(5)(B). Pub. L. 101–595 amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B)
read as follows: ‘‘is not on a foreign voyage.’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1990 AMENDMENT
Amendment by Pub. L. 101–595 effective Nov. 16, 1990,
with provision that before Jan. 1, 2003, a fish tender

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vessel is exempt from this chapter when engaged in
Aleutian trade if the vessel either operated in that
trade before Sept. 8, 1990, or was purchased before that
date to be used in such trade and entered into service
in that trade before June 1, 1992, did not undergo a
major conversion, and did not have a load line assigned
at any time before Nov. 16, 1990, see section 602(f) of
Pub. L. 101–595, set out as a note under section 4502 of
this title.
FISH TENDER VESSELS IN ALEUTIAN TRADE
Pub. L. 107–295, title IV, § 436(b), (c), Nov. 25, 2002, 116
Stat. 2129, provided that:
‘‘(b) IMPLEMENTATION.—Except as provided in subsection (c), a fish tender vessel that before January 1,
2003, transported cargo (not including fishery related
products) in the Aleutian trade is subject to chapter 51
of title 46, United States Code (as amended by subsection (a) of this section [amending this section]).
‘‘(c) EXCEPTION.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Before December 31, 2006, the
BOWFIN (United States official number 604231) is exempt from chapter 51 of title 46, United States Code
(as amended by subsection (a) of this section) when
engaged in the Aleutian trade, if the vessel does not
undergo a major conversion.
‘‘(2) ENSURING SAFETY.—Before the date referred to
in paragraph (1), a Coast Guard official who has reason to believe that the vessel referred to in paragraph
(1) operating under this subsection is in a condition
or is operated in a manner that creates an immediate
threat to life or the environment or is operated in a
manner that is inconsistent with section 3302 of title
46, United States Code, may direct the master or individual in charge to take immediate and reasonable
steps to safeguard life and the environment, including directing the vessel to a port or other refuge.’’
[For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and
assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities
and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security,
and for treatment of related references, see sections
468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set
out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.]

§ 5103. Load line requirements
(a) A vessel may be operated only if the vessel
has been assigned load lines.
(b) The owner, charterer, managing operator,
agent, master, and individual in charge of a vessel shall mark and maintain the load lines permanently and conspicuously in the way prescribed by the Secretary.
(c) A fishing vessel built on or before July 1,
2013, that undergoes a major conversion completed after the later of July 1, 2013, or the date
the Secretary establishes standards for an alternate loadline compliance program, shall comply
with such an alternative loadline compliance
program that is developed in cooperation with
the commercial fishing industry and prescribed
by the Secretary.
(Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5101(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100
Stat. 1915; Pub. L. 111–281, title VI, § 604(d)(2),
Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2965; Pub. L. 112–213, title
III, § 305(d)(2), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1565.)
HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES
Revised section 5103
Source: Section (U.S. Code) 46 App. U.S.C. 86c, 88b.
Section 5103(a) prohibits a vessel that is subject to
load line requirements from operating, unless it has
load lines assigned by the Secretary.
Section 5103(b) requires that load lines be permanently and conspicuously maintained in the manner
prescribed by the Secretary.

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AMENDMENTS

2012—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 112–213 substituted ‘‘July 1,
2013,’’ for ‘‘July 1, 2012,’’ in two places and substituted
‘‘major conversion’’ for ‘‘substantial change to the dimension of or type of the vessel’’.
2010—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 111–281 added subsec. (c).

§ 5104. Assignment of load lines
(a) The Secretary shall assign load lines for a
vessel so that they indicate the minimum safe
freeboard to which the vessel may be loaded.
However, if the owner requests, the Secretary
may assign load lines that result in greater freeboard than the minimum safe freeboard.
(b) In assigning load lines for a vessel, the Secretary shall consider—
(1) the service, type, and character of the
vessel;
(2) the geographic area in which the vessel
will operate; and
(3) applicable international agreements to
which the United States Government is a
party.
(c) An existing vessel may retain its load lines
assigned before January 1, 1986, unless the Secretary decides that a substantial change in the
vessel after those load lines were assigned requires that new load lines be assigned under this
chapter.
(d) The minimum freeboard of an existing vessel may be reduced only if the vessel complies
with every applicable provision of this chapter.
(e) The Secretary may designate by regulation
specific geographic areas that have less severe
weather or sea conditions and from which there
is adequate time to return to available safe harbors. The Secretary may reduce the minimum
freeboard of a vessel operating in these areas.
(Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5101(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100
Stat. 1915.)
HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES
Revised section 5104
Source: Section (U.S. Code) 46 App. U.S.C. 86c, 88a.
Section 5104(a) requires the Secretary to assign load
lines indicating the minimum safe freeboard to which
a vessel may be loaded. It also authorizes the Secretary
to assign a load line that results in a freeboard that is
greater than the minimum freeboard, if the owner requests.
Section 5104(b) sets forth guidelines that the Secretary must consider when assigning load lines on vessels.
Section 5104(c) allows an existing vessel to retain its
load line assigned before January 1, 1986, unless the
Secretary decides that a change made in the vessel requires the assignment of a new load line.
Section 5104(d) is a new provision that requires that
a vessel comply with all the provisions of this chapter
before the Secretary will consider a reduction in its
minimum freeboard. This provision is similar to Article 4(4) of the International Convention on Load Lines.
Section 5104(e) is a new provision that authorized the
Secretary to designate specific geographic areas having
relatively non-severe weather or sea conditions and
from which there is adequate time to return to safe
harbors. Section 5104(e) also authorizes the Secretary
to reduce the minimum freeboard of vessels operating
in these areas. Regulations that have been issued under
this authority (46 C.F.R. 44) authorize special service
load lines for vessels operating not more than 20 nautical miles offshore or between islands in a group.

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§ 5105. Load line surveys
(a) The Secretary may provide for annual, renewal, and other load line surveys.
(b) In conducting a load line survey, the Secretary shall consider whether—
(1) the hull and fittings of the vessel—
(A) are adequate to protect the vessel from
the sea; and
(B) meet other requirements the Secretary
may prescribe by regulation;
(2) the strength of the hull is adequate for
all loading conditions;
(3) the stability of the vessel is adequate for
all loading conditions;
(4) the topsides of the vessel are arranged
and constructed to allow rapid overboard
drainage of deck water in heavy weather; and
(5) the topsides of the vessel are adequate in
design, arrangement, and equipment to protect crewmembers performing outside tasks
necessary for safe operation of the vessel.
(Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5101(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100
Stat. 1916.)
HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES
Revised section 5105
Section 5105 authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide for load line surveys and requires that
while conducting a load line survey, the Secretary
must consider various strength, stability, design, and
construction features of the vessel.

§ 5106. Load line certificate
(a) On finding that a load line survey of a vessel under this chapter is satisfactory and that
the vessel’s load lines are marked correctly, the
Secretary shall issue the vessel a load line certificate and deliver it to the owner, master, or
individual in charge of the vessel.
(b) The certificate shall be maintained as required by the Secretary.
(Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5101(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100
Stat. 1916.)
HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES
Revised section 5106
Source: Section (U.S. Code) 46 App. U.S.C. 86c.
Section 5106(a) requires the Secretary to issue a load
line certificate upon finding that a vessel has received
a satisfactory load line survey and that the vessel’s
load line is marked correctly.
Section 5106(b) requires that the load line certificate
be maintained as required by the Secretary of Transportation. It is expected that the Secretary will require
in most cases that the certificate be carried on board
the vessel. However, certain types of vessels such as
barges do not have facilities for the carriage of certificates. In this case, this provision would give the Secretary the discretion to require that the certificates for
the barges be carried on the towing vessels.

lated to the assignment of a load line may be appealed to the Secretary.
(c) For a vessel intended to be engaged on a
foreign voyage, the Secretary may delegate to
another country that is a party to the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, the authority to assign load lines, survey vessels, determine that the load lines are marked correctly, and issue an International Load Line
Certificate (1966).
(d) The Secretary may terminate a delegation
made under this section after giving written notice to the organization.
(Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5101(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100
Stat. 1916.)
HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES
Revised section 5107
Source: Section (U.S. Code) 46 App. U.S.C. 86d, 88b.
Section 5107(a) requires the Secretary to delegate the
performance of various load line functions to the American Bureau of Shipping or other similarly qualified organizations. In providing for the delegation to a ‘‘similarly qualified organization,’’ the Committee expects
that the Secretary will ensure that that organization
complies with the same stringent standards and requirements for conducting business that apply to the
American Bureau of Shipping.
Section 5107(b) permits an appeal to the Secretary of
a decision by an organization that has received delegated authority. This ensures that the Secretary has
full oversight of the delegated load line functions.
Section 5107(c) permits the Secretary to delegate various load line functions to another country for vessels
that are engaged on a foreign voyage, provided that the
country is a party to the International Convention on
Load Lines, 1966.
Section 5107(d) clarifies the Secretary’s authority to
revoke a delegation at any time without cause. This
authority is given so that no delay occurs administratively in revoking a delegation whenever the Secretary
decides a revocation is warranted.

§ 5108. Special exemptions
(a) The Secretary may exempt a vessel from
any part of this chapter when—
(1) the vessel is entitled to an exemption
under an international agreement to which
the United States Government is a party; or
(2) under regulations (including regulations
on special operations conditions) prescribed by
the Secretary, the Secretary finds that good
cause exists for granting an exemption.
(b) When the Secretary grants an exemption
under this section, the Secretary may issue a
certificate of exemption stating the extent of
the exemption.
(c) A certificate of exemption issued under
subsection (b) of this section shall be maintained as required by the Secretary.

§ 5107. Delegation of authority

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

(a) The Secretary shall delegate to the American Bureau of Shipping or other similarly
qualified organizations the authority to assign
load lines, survey vessels, determine that load
lines are marked correctly, and issue load line
certificates under this chapter.
(b) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, a decision of an organization delegated
authority under subsection (a) of this section re-

Revised section 5108
Source: Section (U.S. Code) 46 App. U.S.C. 86e, 88a.
Section 5108(a) authorizes the Secretary to exempt a
vessel from load line requirements if the vessel is entitled to an exemption under an international agreement
to which the United States is a party. It also provides
the Secretary with the new authority to exempt a vessel from load line requirements if the Secretary finds
that there is good reason for granting the exemption. A

HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES

§ 5109

TITLE 46—SHIPPING

specific exemption from load line requirements was authorized in Public Law 98–557 for barges operating close
to shore between Calumet Harbor, Illinois and Burns
Harbor, Indiana, because the geographic area and type
of operation in this case did not warrant a requirement
for load lines. Additional exemptions currently must be
made by an Act of Congress. Section 5108(a) authorizes
the Secretary to make such exemptions through regulation, and the Committee expects the Secretary to
continue the exemption under this provision for vessels
operating close to shore between Calumet Harbor, Illinois and Burns Harbor, Indiana.
Section 5108(b) authorizes the Secretary to issue a
certificate of exemption when an exemption is granted.
Section 5108(c) requires that the certificate of exemption be maintained as required by the Secretary in a
similar manner as under section 5106(b).

§ 5109. Reciprocity for foreign vessels
(a) When the Secretary finds that the laws and
regulations of a foreign country related to load
lines are similar to those of this chapter and the
regulations prescribed under this chapter, or
when a foreign country is a party to an international load line agreement to which the
United States Government is a party, the Secretary shall accept the load line marks and certificate of a vessel of that foreign country as
complying with this chapter and the regulations
prescribed under this chapter. The Secretary
may control the vessel as provided for in the applicable international agreement.
(b) Subsection (a) of this section does not
apply to a vessel of a foreign country that does
not recognize load lines assigned under this
chapter.
(Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5101(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100
Stat. 1917.)
HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES
Revised section 5109
Source: Section (U.S. Code) 46 App. U.S.C. 86f, 88d.
Section 5109(a) requires the Secretary to accept the
load line mark and load line certificate of a vessel of a
foreign country if the Secretary finds that the load line
laws and regulations of that country are similar to
those of this chapter, or if that country is a party to
an international load line agreement to which the
United States is a party.

§ 5110. Submersible vessels
Notwithstanding sections 5103–5105 of this
title, the Secretary may prescribe regulations
for submersible vessels to provide a minimum
level of safety. In developing the regulations,
the Secretary shall consider factors relevant to
submersible vessels, including the structure,
stability, and watertight integrity of those vessels.
(Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5101(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100
Stat. 1917.)
HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES
Revised section 5110
Section 5110 authorizes the Secretary to prescribe
regulations for the marking of load lines of submersible
vessels. This general authority has been included in anticipation
of
the
commercial
development
of
submersibles.

§ 5111. Providing loading information
The Secretary may prescribe regulations requiring the owner, charterer, managing opera-

Page 108

tor, and agent of a vessel to provide loading information (including information on loading distribution, stability, and margin of strength) to
the master or individual in charge of the vessel
in a language the master or individual understands.
(Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5101(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100
Stat. 1917.)
HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES
Section 5111 authorizes the Secretary to prescribe
regulations requiring that the master of a vessel be
provided with loading and stability information for the
vessel that the master understands.

§ 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, § 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.

§ 5113. Detention of vessels
(a) When the Secretary believes that a vessel
is about to leave a place in the United States in
violation of this chapter or a regulation prescribed under this chapter, the Secretary may
detain the vessel by giving notice to the owner,
charterer, managing operator, agent, master, or
individual in charge of the vessel.
(b) A detained vessel may be cleared under section 60105 of this title only after the violation
has been corrected. If the vessel was cleared before being detained, the clearance shall be withdrawn.
(c) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the owner, charterer, managing operator, agent, master, or individual in charge of a

Page 109

TITLE 46—SHIPPING

detained vessel may petition the Secretary to
review the detention order.
(d) After reviewing a petition, the Secretary
may affirm, withdraw, or change the detention
order. Before acting on the petition, the Secretary may require any independent survey that
may be necessary to determine the condition of
the vessel.
(e) The owner of a vessel is liable for the cost
incident to a petition for review and any required survey if the vessel is found to be in violation of this chapter or a regulation prescribed
under this chapter.
(Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5101(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100
Stat. 1918; Pub. L. 109–304, § 15(20), Oct. 6, 2006,
120 Stat. 1703.)
HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES
Revised section 5113
Source: Section (U.S. Code) 46 App. U.S.C. 86h, 88f.
Section 5113 authorizes the Secretary to detain a vessel if the Secretary believes that the vessel is in violation of the load line requirements, and describes the
process through which a vessel may be cleared. It also
states that a vessel owner is liable for certain costs resulting from a petition for review and load line survey
that is made pursuant to a violation of load line requirements.
AMENDMENTS
2006—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–304 substituted ‘‘section
60105 of this title’’ for ‘‘section 4197 of the Revised Statutes (46 App. U.S.C. 91)’’.

§ 5114. Use of Customs Service officers and employees for enforcement
(a) With the approval of the Secretary of the
Treasury, the Secretary may use an officer or
employee of the United States Customs Service
to enforce this chapter and the regulations prescribed under this chapter.
(b) The Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of the Treasury before prescribing a regulation that affects the enforcement responsibilities of an officer or employee of the Customs
Service.
(Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5101(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100
Stat. 1918; Pub. L. 101–595, title VI, § 603(4), Nov.
16, 1990, 104 Stat. 2993.)
HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES
Revised section 5114
Source: Section (U.S. Code) 46 App. U.S.C. 86
Section 5114(a) authorizes the Secretary to use a Customs Service officer or employee to enforce load line
requirements. The expected role of a Customs Service
officer or employee in this regard is to ensure that a
vessel is carrying a load line certificate and that the
load line is not submerged.
Section 5114(b) requires the Secretary to consult with
the Secretary of the Treasury before prescribing a regulation that affects the enforcement responsibilities of
a Customs Service officer or employee.
AMENDMENTS
1990—Pub. L. 101–595 substituted ‘‘officers and employees’’ for ‘‘officers employees’’ in section catchline.
TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS
For transfer of functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the United States Customs Service of the
Department of the Treasury, including functions of the
Secretary of the Treasury relating thereto, to the Sec-

§ 5116

retary of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 203(1), 551(d), 552(d), and
557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department
of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section
542 of Title 6. For establishment of U.S. Customs and
Border Protection in the Department of Homeland Security, treated as if included in Pub. L. 107–296 as of
Nov. 25, 2002, see section 211 of Title 6, as amended generally by Pub. L. 114–125, and section 802(b) of Pub. L.
114–125, set out as a note under section 211 of Title 6.

[§ 5115. Repealed. Pub. L. 101–595, title VI,
§ 603(5)(A), Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 2993]
Section, Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5101(2), Oct. 21, 1986,
100 Stat. 1918, authorized Secretary to prescribe regulations to carry out this chapter.

§ 5116. Penalties
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the owner, charterer, managing operator,
agent, master, and individual in charge of a vessel violating this chapter or a regulation prescribed under this chapter are each liable to the
United States Government for a civil penalty of
not more than $5,000. Each day of a continuing
violation is a separate violation. The vessel also
is liable in rem for the penalty.
(b) The owner, charterer, managing operator,
agent, master, and individual in charge of a vessel allowing, causing, attempting to cause, or
failing to take reasonable care to prevent a violation of section 5112(a) of this title are each liable to the Government for a civil penalty of not
more than $10,000 plus an additional amount
equal to twice the economic benefit of the overloading. The vessel also is liable in rem for the
penalty.
(c) The master or individual in charge of a vessel violating section 5112(b) of this title is liable
to the Government for a civil penalty of not
more than $5,000. The vessel also is liable in rem
for the penalty.
(d) A person causing or allowing the departure
of a vessel from a place within the jurisdiction
of the United States in violation of a detention
order issued under section 5113 of this title commits a class A misdemeanor.
(e) A person causing or allowing the alteration, concealment, or removal of a mark placed
on a vessel under section 5103(b) of this title and
the regulations prescribed under this chapter,
except to make a lawful change or to escape
enemy capture in time of war, commits a class
A misdemeanor.
(Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5101(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100
Stat. 1918; Pub. L. 101–380, title IV, § 4302(d), Aug.
18, 1990, 104 Stat. 538.)
HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES
Revised section 5116
Source: Section (U.S. Code) 46 App. U.S.C. 86i, 88g.
Section 5116 provides penalties for violations of load
line requirements. The penalties are raised substantially from existing law to provide a sufficient deterrence against violations of the load line requirements
and to conform with the level of penalties throughout
the subtitle. The monetary penalties have not been
changed since the 1930’s.
Section 5116(a) raises from $1,000 to $5,000 the maximum penalty for violation of a load line provision
under this chapter or a regulation promulgated under
this chapter.

§ 6101

TITLE 46—SHIPPING

Section 5116(b) raises from $1,000 to $10,000 the maximum penalty for loading a vessel in such a way as to
submerge the load line. In addition, a violator must
pay up to two times the amount of the economic benefit of the overloading.
Section 5116(c) raises from $500 to $5,000 the maximum penalty for a violation of the requirement in section 5112(b) that the load line position and draft of a
vessel be noted in the logbook.
Section 5116(a)–(c) also states that the vessel is liable
in rem for the penalty.
Section 5116(d) raises from $1,000 to $10,000 the maximum penalty for a violation of a detention order and
may also include imprisonment for up to one year.
Section 5116(e) raises from $2,000 to $10,000 the maximum penalty for the alteration, removal, or concealment of a load line mark and may also include imprisonment for two years.
AMENDMENTS
1990—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–380, § 4302(d)(1), substituted ‘‘commits a class A misdemeanor’’ for ‘‘shall
be fined not more than $10,000, imprisoned for not more
than one year, or both’’.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 101–380, § 4302(d)(2), substituted
‘‘commits a class A misdemeanor’’ for ‘‘shall be fined
not more than $10,000, imprisoned for not more than 2
years, or both’’.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1990 AMENDMENT
Amendment by Pub. L. 101–380 applicable to incidents
occurring after Aug. 18, 1990, see section 1020 of Pub. L.
101–380, set out as an Effective Date note under section
2701 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters.

PART D—MARINE CASUALTIES
CHAPTER 61—REPORTING MARINE
CASUALTIES
Sec.

6101.
6102.
6103.
6104.

Marine casualties and reporting.
State marine casualty reporting system.
Penalty.
Commercial fishing industry vessel casualty
statistics.
HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES

Chapter 61 provides for the reporting of marine casualties and incidents involving all United States flag
vessels occurring anywhere in the world and any foreign flag vessel operating on waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
AMENDMENTS
1988—Pub. L. 100–424, § 4(c), Sept. 9, 1988, 102 Stat. 1591,
added item 6104.

§ 6101. Marine casualties and reporting
(a) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations
on the marine casualties to be reported and the
manner of reporting. The regulations shall require reporting the following marine casualties:
(1) death of an individual.
(2) serious injury to an individual.
(3) material loss of property.
(4) material damage affecting the seaworthiness or efficiency of the vessel.
(5) significant harm to the environment.
(b) A marine casualty shall be reported within
5 days as provided in this part and regulations
prescribed under this part. Each report filed
under this section shall include information as
to whether the use of alcohol contributed to the
casualty.
(c) NOTICE TO STATE AND TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS.—Not later than 24 hours after receiving

Page 110

a notice of a major marine casualty under this
section, the Secretary shall notify each State or
federally recognized Indian tribe that is, or may
reasonably be expected to be, affected by such
marine casualty.
(d)(1) This part applies to a foreign vessel
when involved in a marine casualty on the navigable waters of the United States.
(2) This part applies, to the extent consistent
with generally recognized principles of international law, to a foreign vessel constructed or
adapted to carry, or that carries, oil in bulk as
cargo or cargo residue involved in a marine casualty described under subsection (a)(4) or (5) in
waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United
States, including the Exclusive Economic Zone.
(e) A marine casualty not resulting in the
death of an individual shall be classified according to the gravity of the casualty, as prescribed
by regulation, giving consideration to the extent of injuries to individuals, the extent of
property damage, the dangers that the casualty
creates, and the size, occupation, and means of
propulsion of each vessel involved.
(f)(1) This chapter applies to a marine casualty
involving a United States citizen on a foreign
passenger vessel operating south of 75 degrees
north latitude, west of 35 degrees west longitude, and east of the International Date Line;
or operating in the area south of 60 degrees
south latitude that—
(A) embarks or disembarks passengers in the
United States; or
(B) transports passengers traveling under
any form of air and sea ticket package marketed in the United States.
(2) When there is a marine casualty described
in paragraph (1) of this subsection and an investigation is conducted, the Secretary shall ensure
that the investigation—
(A) is thorough and timely; and
(B) produces findings and recommendations
to improve safety on passenger vessels.
(3) When there is a marine casualty described
in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Secretary may—
(A) seek a multinational investigation of the
casualty under auspices of the International
Maritime Organization; or
(B) conduct an investigation of the casualty
under chapter 63 of this title.
(g) To the extent consistent with generally
recognized practices and procedures of international law, this part applies to a foreign vessel involved in a marine casualty or incident, as
defined in the International Maritime Organization Code for the Investigation of Marine Casualties and Incidents, where the United States is
a Substantially Interested State and is, or has
the consent of, the Lead Investigating State
under the Code.
(h) The Secretary shall publish all major marine casualty reports prepared in accordance
with this section in an electronic form, and
shall provide information electronically regarding how other marine casualty reports can be
obtained.
(i) For purposes of this section, the term
‘‘major marine casualty’’ means a casualty involving a vessel, other than a public vessel, that
results in—