33 CFR §401.10

1. (a)Mooring lines shall:
   1. (1)Be of a uniform thickness throughout their length;
   2. (2)Have a diameter not greater than 28 mm for wire line and not greater than 64 mm for approved synthetic lines;
   3. (3)Be fitted with a hand spliced eye or Flemish type mechanical spliced eye of not less than 2.4 m long for wire lines and 1.8 m long spliced eye for approved synthetic lines;
   4. (4)Have sufficient strength to check the vessel; and
   5. (5)Be arranged so that they may be led to either side of the vessel as required.
   6. (6)Be certified and a test certificate for each mooring line containing information on breaking strength, material type, elongation and diameter shall be available onboard for inspection.
2. (b)Unless otherwise permitted by an officer, vessels greater than 200 m shall only use wire mooring lines with a breaking strength that complies with the minimum specifications set out in the table to this section shall be used for securing a vessel in lock chambers.
3. (c)[Reserved]
4. (d)Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section, nylon line is not permitted.
5. (e)Hand held synthetic lines if permitted by the Manager or Corporation shall meet the criteria in paragraph (a) of this section and shall have a minimum length of not less than 65 meters.