Prevention of over-loading of vessels

Every vessel of twenty tons net register or over engaged in any coastal service shall have a load-line permanently and conspicuously marked upon each of her sides, and such line shall indicate the maximum load line to which it shall be lawful to load such vessel. Such load-line shall consist of a painted straight line, 1" in width and not less than 9" in length, of a colour distinct and clearly distinguishable from the colour of the sides of the vessel. No such load-line is to be marked on any vessel except its position has been determined by the Harbour Master or by any other officer or person authorised by the Harbour Master to determine its position, or unless the load-line has already been marked in conformity with the provisions of the U.K. Merchant Shipping Act. 40 Harbours and Merchant Shipping