NVIC 08-82: Coast Guard retention of Load Line Certificates

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNITED STATES COAST GUARD U.S. Coast Guard (G-MP-4) Washington, D.C. 20S93 Phone: C202) 426-0173 NVIC 8-82 12 Apr 1982 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 8-82 Subj: Load Line Certificates

Load Line Certificates — PURPOSE. The purpose of this Circular is to announce the discontinuance of the filing and

maintenance of Load Line Certificate case files by Commandant (G-MP-4).

Load Line Certificates — BACKGROUND). A review of CG record keeping requirement and avail-able space has been

conducted recently. As a result, the CG has decided to modify its record keeping procedures in the category of Load Line Certificates.

Load Line Certificates — DISCUSSION.

a. Since the first Load Line law and International Convention in 1929 and 1930, it has been the practice of the Government (U.S. Coast Guard) to receive copies of all Load Line Certificates issued on behalf of the U.S. government by recognized classification societies C acting as "assigning authorities" in accordance with the Load Line laws) and to retain and file these Load Line Certificates for expeditious reference in cases of penalty, freeboard adjustment, or casualty to the vessel. Additionally, a copy of the Load Line calculation sheet had been provided for the vessel file. b. The proliferation of files during the past few years has caused the Coast Guard to re- evaluate the priority needs of our limited filing spaces. Taken into account in the decision below is the fact that each classification society maintains full records of Load Line Certificates, calculation sheets and annual endorsements on all ships it classifies. c. There are S types of Load Line Certificates issued: (1) International (2) Coastwise (3) Special Service (4) Great Lakes (5) Form 'B' In addition, an International Exemption Certificate can be issued to vessels which have novel features requiring equivalency determination and notification of the particulars to Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO).

Load Line Certificates — ACTION.

a. All "assigning authorities" will continue to forward copies of all Load Line Certificates issued on behalf of the United States to Commandant (G-MTH-5), U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20593. b. Coast Guard will continue to screen Load Line Certificates for discrepancies, but will not retain copies after screening. Henceforth, Coast Guard will retain the following certificates on US flag vessels: (1) Load Line Exemption Certificates. (2) Load Line Certificates issued by classification societies (assigning authorities) other than the American Bureau of Shipping. (3) Special Service or Limited Voyage Load Line Certificates. NON-STANDARD DISTRIBUTION: Ce: Baltimore (75); San Francisco, Mobile, Pittsburgh, Providence, Boston, Norfolk (SO); Galveston (30); Cleveland, Portland OR, Sturgeon Bay (25); San Diego, Savannah, Buffalo, Corpus Christi (20); Tampa, Valdez, Milwaukee, Louisville, Detroit, Toledo, Nashville, Anchorage (15); Portland ME, Duluth, Charleston, Huntington, Minneapolis, St. Paul (Dubuque), San Juan, Guam, Miami (10); Juneau, Cincinnati, Memphis, Wilmington, Paducah, Albany (5) extra Cm: New Orleans (250); New York (200); Seattle(10O); Houston (SO); Terminal Is (LA-LB), Philadelphia (40) extra Em: New London, Houma (30); Lubington (8); extra En: Ketchikan, Kenai, Kodiak, Lake Charles (5) extra