USCG Exam PracticeLoad line and tonnage basics
Under 33 CFR §164.74(a)(3)(v), if the record of a towline's material condition lapses for three months or more, what must the owner, master, or operator do, unless the vessel is laid up, out of service, or has not deployed its towline?
- A. Conduct a visual inspection and resume normal service
- ✓ Retest the towline or remove it from serviceCorrect
- C. Replace the towline with a new one certified by a class society
- D. Reduce the towline's rated load by 50 percent until records are restored
Why B is correct
33 CFR §164.74(a)(3)(v) requires that once the condition record lapses for three months or more (with the stated exceptions), the owner, master, or operator must retest the towline or remove it from service. A visual inspection alone is insufficient to restore compliance.
Cited:33 CFR §164.74