46 U.S.C. § 5105: Load line surveys

The Secretary may provide for annual, renewal, and other load line surveys. are adequate to protect the vessel from the sea; and meet other requirements the Secretary may prescribe by regulation; the strength of the hull is adequate for all loading conditions; the stability of the vessel is adequate for all loading conditions; the topsides of the vessel are arranged and constructed to allow rapid overboard drainage of deck water in heavy weather; and 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.