USCG warns of the dangers of avoiding load line requirements

United States Coast Guard has issued a marine safety alert regarding the dangers of avoiding load line requirements.

The document was published on 5 May 2023.

A recent marine casualty has emphasized the importance of adhering to load line regulations and the potential consequences of failing to comply with these safety measures.

The incident involved the complete loss of a crane barge, estimated to be worth over 6 million dollars, serving as a stark warning to maritime operators.

The barge was uncertificated without a load line and the operator did not request a Single Voyage Load Line (SVLL) Exemption from any Coast Guard unit before transiting beyond the Boundary Line.

The Boundary Line is stipulated in 46 CFR Part 7, and non-load line vessels operating outside the Boundary Line are subject to penalties and fines stipulated in 46 USC 5116.

During the investigation conducted by the Coast Guard, significant modifications to the barge arrangement and other compromising conditions were discovered.

These factors undermined the seaworthiness of the vessel and would have prohibited the issuance of an SVLL exemption until rectified.

Additionally, the barge had made multiple voyages outside the Boundary Line without a load line, violating U.S. statutory requirements and placing both the vessel and crew at risk.

As a reminder, whether inspected or not, most commercial vessels 79 feet and longer are required to have a load line when operating outside the Boundary Line.

The Coast Guard strongly recommends that vessel Owners and Operators (and other relevant stakeholders):

Review vessel requirements for load lines as specified in 46 Code of Federal Regulations(CFR) Subchapter E parts 41 through 47, and further explained on the Coast Guard’s LoadLine website and Load Line Policy Notes. Questions concerning load line requirements canbe submitted to the USCG Naval Architecture Division (CG-ENG-2) at HQS-SMB-CGENG@uscg.mil.
Engage early with local Coast Guard when considering submission for a SVLL exemption.This process is critical for non-load lined vessels to ensure the seaworthiness of the vessel (i.e., condition of the hull, integrity of closures and satisfactory stability) for the duration of the intended voyage.

Marine inspectors, investigators and surveyors are encouraged to maintain an acute awareness to these issues and initiate corrective actions, as needed.