(a) Load line certificate.

(1) The load line issued under this subpart must be a limited-service, domestic-voyage load line.

(2) Except as provided under paragraph (b)(2)(vi) of this section, the term of the certificate is 5 years.

(3) The load line certificate is valid for the St. Joseph and Muskegon routes, and intermediate ports. However, operators must comply with the route-specific requirements on the certificate.

(4) The freeboard assignment, operational limitations, and towboat requirements of this subpart must appear on the certificate.

(b) Conditions of assignment.

(1) An initial load line survey under §42.09-25 of this chapter and subsequent annual surveys under §42.09-40 of this chapter are required.

(2) At the request of the barge owner, the initial load line survey may be conducted with the barge afloat if the following conditions are met:

(i) The barge is less than 10 years old;

(ii) The draft during the survey does not exceed 15 inches (380 millimeters);

(iii) The barge is empty and thoroughly cleaned of all debris, excessive rust, scale, mud, and water. All internal structure must be accessible for inspection;

(iv) Gaugings are taken to the extent necessary to verify that the scantlings are in accordance with approved drawings;

(v) The hull plating (bottom and sides) and stiffeners below the light waterline are closely examined internally. If the surveyor determines that sufficient cause exists, the surveyor may require that the barge be drydocked or hauled out and further external examination conducted; and

(vi) The initial load line certificate is to be issued for a term of 5 years or until the barge reaches 10 years of age, whichever occurs first. Once this certificate expires, the barge must be drydocked or hauled out and fully examined internally and externally.

[USCG-1998-4623, 67 FR 19690, Apr. 23, 2002, as amended at 75 FR 70604, Nov. 18, 2010]