46 CFR 42.07-20: Load line logbook entries before departure

What it says

1. Official logbooks (Form CG-706-C) are furnished free to certain vessels, and after they have served their purpose they are filed with the applicable Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, as described in § 3.13-35 of Subchapter A of this chapter.

   46 CFR 42.07-20(a)“official logbooks (Form CG-706-C), are furnished free to certain vessels, and after they have served their purpose they are filed with the applicable Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.”

2. The master is responsible for having the data required by section 6 of the load line acts entered in the official logbook if carried, otherwise in his own log considered as its official logbook.

   46 CFR 42.07-20(b)“The master shall be responsible for having entered in the vessel's “official logbook” if carried, otherwise in his own log considered as its official logbook, the data required by section 6 of the load line acts.”

3. The master must make these logbook entries before the vessel departs from her loading port or place.

   46 CFR 42.07-20(b)“These logbooks entries shall be made before a vessel departs from her loading port or place and consist of:”

4. The entries must include a statement of the load line marks applicable to the voyage.

   46 CFR 42.07-20(b)(1)“A statement of the load line marks applicable to the voyage; and,”

5. The entries must include a statement of the position of the port and starboard load line marks at departure, meaning the distance in inches of the water surface above or below the applicable load line.

   46 CFR 42.07-20(b)(2)“A statement of the position of the load line marks, port and starboard, at the time of departing from a port or place; i.e., the distance in inches of the water surface above or below the applicable load line; and,”

6. The entries must include the actual drafts of the vessel, forward and aft, as nearly as they can be ascertained, at the time of departing from a port or place.

   46 CFR 42.07-20(b)(3)“The actual drafts of the vessel, forward and aft, as nearly as the same can be ascertained, at the time of departing from a port or place.”

7. Where the master uses his own log, the master or owner must keep it for 1 year after the actions noted in it have been completed, and must furnish it to any load line enforcement officer on request.

   46 CFR 42.07-20(c)“it shall be kept by the master or owner for 1 year after the actions noted therein have been completed and upon request shall be furnished to any load line enforcement officer.”

Common questions

The text of 46 CFR 42.07-20

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR

Logbook entries

Sections it refers to

• 46 CFR 3.13-35 ↗