(a) For the purposes of the law and regulations prohibiting submergence of load lines (46 U.S.C. 88c; 46 CFR 42.07-10) the marks assigned to vessels holding international load line certificates apply during the following seasons:

(1) Vessels assigned freeboards as new vessels under the International Load Line Convention, 1966—

(i) Winter—November 1 through March 31.

(ii) Summer—April 1 through April 30 and October 1 through October 31.

(iii) Tropical—May 1 through September 30;

(2) Vessels assigned freeboards as existing vessels under the International Load Line Convention, 1966—

(i) Winter—November 1 through March 31;

(ii) Summer—April 1 through April 30 and October 1 through October 31;

(iii) Tropical—September 16 through September 30;

(iv) Tropical Fresh—May 1 through September 15.

(b) Except for hopper dredges operating at working freeboards in accordance with subpart C of part 44 of this chapter, the Assigning Authority may not allow for lesser freeboards.

[CGD 73-49R, 38 FR 12290, May 10, 1973, as amended by CGD 76-080, 54 FR 36977, Sept. 6, 1989]