---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 U.S.C. § 5105"
title: "46"
title_heading: "Shipping"
number: "5105"
heading: "Load line surveys"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/46/5105"
units:
  - "Subtitle II — Vessels and Seamen"
  - "Part C — Load Lines of Vessels"
  - "Chapter 51 — Load Lines"
---

# §5105. Load line surveys

- (a) The [Secretary](/usc/46/2101.md?p=46) may provide for annual, renewal, and other load line surveys.
- (b) In conducting a load line survey, the [Secretary](/usc/46/2101.md?p=46) shall consider whether—
  - (1) the hull and fittings of the vessel—
    - (A) are adequate to protect the vessel from the sea; and
    - (B) meet other requirements the [Secretary](/usc/46/2101.md?p=46) may prescribe by regulation;
  - (2) the strength of the hull is adequate for all loading conditions;
  - (3) the stability of the vessel is adequate for all loading conditions;
  - (4) the topsides of the vessel are arranged and constructed to allow rapid overboard drainage of deck water in heavy weather; and
  - (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.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5101(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1916.)

## Notes

### Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section 5105

Section 5105 authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide for load line surveys and requires that while conducting a load line survey, the Secretary must consider various strength, stability, design, and construction features of the vessel.