What is a load line survey?
Short answer
| Survey type | Interval | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Initial | Before ship is put in service | Complete inspection of structure/equipment; verify compliance; compute freeboard; cut in and paint marks |
| Renewal | ≤5 years | Same full scope as initial |
| Annual | Within 3 months either way of anniversary | Ensure no alterations affecting load line; fittings for protection of openings, guard rails, freeing ports, crew access remain effective |
- Purpose: Verifies ship satisfies conditions of assignment of freeboard under ICLL 1966/1988
- Survey regime: Initial (before service), Renewal (≤5 years), Annual (±3 months of anniversary)
- Annual inspection scope: No alterations affecting load line; fittings for protection of openings, guard rails, freeing ports, crew access maintained effective
- Certificate: International Load Line Certificate (1966), valid ≤5 years, endorsed annually
- Voided if: material alterations requiring increased freeboard; the fittings and appliances mentioned in sub-paragraph (c) of paragraph (1) of Article 14 are not maintained in an effective condition; certificate not endorsed; structural strength lowered making ship unsafe
- Marks checked: Deck line, load line disc, seasonal/zonal lines (S, W, WNA, T, F, TF), assigning authority letters
- Conditions of assignment (ICLL Annex I Ch II, regs 12–25): doors, hatchways/covers, machinery openings, ventilators, air pipes, cargo ports, scuppers/inlets/discharges, side scuttles, freeing ports, crew protection
- Indian framework: MS Act 2025 s.324(2)(a) continues Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Rules 1979; DGMA or authorised RO conducts survey and issues certificate
Full answer
The full answer explains each point step by step, with the regulations and figures behind it and the discussion from other candidates. It is in the MEO Class II section of the Marine One forum, open to members enrolled for the MEO Class II exam.