StacksVerified U.S. regulatory reference

46 CFR §45.173

Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
Only barges meeting the following requirements are eligible for the special load line regime under this subpart:
  1. (a)Unmanned, river service, dry-cargo barges;
  2. (b)Barges that have been designed and built to at least the minimum scantlings of the American Bureau of Shipping River Rules which were in effect at the time of construction;
  3. (c)Barges with a length-to-depth ratio less than 22;
  4. (d)Barges on the Milwaukee route must not be more than 10 years old; and
  5. (e)All weathertight and watertight closures (dogs, gaskets, covers, etc.) must be in proper working condition.