46 U.S.C. § 5105

1. (a)The Secretary may provide for annual, renewal, and other load line surveys.
2. (b)In conducting a load line survey, the Secretary shall consider whether—
   1. (1)the hull and fittings of the vessel—
      1. (A)are adequate to protect the vessel from the sea; and
      2. (B)meet other requirements the Secretary may prescribe by regulation;
   2. (2)the strength of the hull is adequate for all loading conditions;
   3. (3)the stability of the vessel is adequate for all loading conditions;
   4. (4)the topsides of the vessel are arranged and constructed to allow rapid overboard drainage of deck water in heavy weather; and
   5. (5)the topsides of the vessel are adequate in design, arrangement, and equipment to protect crewmembers performing outside tasks necessary for safe operation of the vessel.