Most U.S. vessels, and foreign vessels in U.S. waters are required to have load line assignments in accordance with 46 U.S.C. Chapter 51. The load lines marks, when placed on a vessel, indicate the maximum draft to which such vessel can be lawfully submerged, in the various circumstances and seasons applicable to such vessel. See subchapter E (Load Lines) of this chapter for applicable details governing assignment and marking of load lines.

[CGD 95-028, 62 FR 51195, Sept. 30, 1997, as amended by USCG-1998-4442, 63 FR 52188, Sept. 30, 1998; USCG-2004-18884, 69 FR 58341, Sept. 30, 2004]