Load line and tonnage basics

USCG Boatswain Manual Ch. 3 §3.1

USCG Boatswain Manual Ch. 3 §3.1 — Towing Towing astern uses a tow line connected to the towing vessel's stern and the towed vessel's bow. The catenary (sag) of the tow line absorbs shock loads; longer tow lines increase shock absorption but reduce manoeuvrability.

33 CFR §164.74

§ 164.74 § 164.74 Towline and terminal gear for towing astern. (a)The owner, master, or operator of each vessel towing astern shall ensure that the strength of each towline is adequate for its intended service, considering at least the following factors: (1) The size and material of each towline must be— (i) Appropriate for the horsepower or bollard pull of the vessel; (ii) Appropriate for the static loads and dynamic loads expected during the intended service; (iii) Appropriate for the sea conditions expected during the intended service; (iv) Appropriate for exposure to the marine environment and to any chemicals used or carried on board the vessel; (v) Appropriate for the temperatures of normal stowage and service on board the vessel; (vi) Compatible with associated navigational-…

46 CFR §11.402

§ 11.402 § 11.402 Tonnage requirements for national ocean or near-coastal endorsements for vessels of 1,600 GRT or more. Link to an amendment published at 89 FR 93079, Nov. 25, 2024.Link to an amendment published at 89 FR 102334, Dec. 17, 2024.(a) To qualify for a national ocean or near-coastal endorsement for service on vessels of unlimited tonnage— (1) All the required experience must be obtained on vessels of 100 GRT or more; and (2) At least one-half of the required experience must be obtained on vessels of 1,600 GRT or more. (b) If an applicant for a national endorsement as master or mate of unlimited tonnage does not have the service on vessels of 1,600 GRT or more as required by paragraph (a)(2) of this section, a tonnage limitation will be placed on the MMC based on the applica…

46 CFR §11.431

§ 11.431 § 11.431 Tonnage requirements for Great Lakes and inland endorsements for vessels of 1,600 GRT or more. (a) All required experience for Great Lakes and inland unlimited endorsements must be obtained on vessels of 100 GRT or more. At least one-half of the required experience must be obtained on vessels of 1,600 GRT or more. (b) Tonnage limitations may be imposed on these endorsements in accordance with § 11.402(b) and (c) of this subpart.

46 CFR §175.122

§ 175.122 § 175.122 Load lines. A vessel of 24 meters (79 feet) in length or more, the keel of which was laid or that was at a similar stage of construction on or after July 21, 1968, and that is on a voyage other than a domestic voyage is subject to load line assignment, certification, and marking under subchapter E (Load Lines) of this chapter. [CGD 85-080, 61 FR 947, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended by USCG-2014-0688, 79 FR 58288, Sept. 29, 2014]

46 CFR §176.112

§ 176.112 § 176.112 Total persons permitted. The cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) determines the total number of persons permitted to be carried on a vessel. In determining the total number of persons, the OCMI may consider the total weight of passengers, crew, and variable loads; stability restrictions and subdivision requirements of the vessel; the vessel's route, general arrangement, means of escape, and lifesaving equipment; minimum manning requirements; and the maximum number of passengers permitted in accordance with § 176.113 of this part. [USCG-2007-0030, 75 FR 78087, Dec. 14, 2010]