2.9 Marking and recording of the design waterline
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - HSC 2000 Code - International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, 2000 – Resolution MSC.97(73) - Chapter 2 - Buoyancy, stability and subdivision - PART A — GENERAL - 2.9 Marking and recording of the design waterline

2.9 Marking and recording of the design waterline

  2.9.1 The design waterline shall be clearly and permanently marked on the craft's outer sides by the load line mark described below. This and the reference line described in 2.9.2.2 below shall be recorded in the High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate. For craft where this is not practical, e.g. amphibious air-cushion vehicles fitted with peripheral skirts, defined deck reference points shall be provided, from which the freeboard can be measured, and hence the draughts obtained.

  2.9.2 Load line mark

  2.9.2.1 The load line mark shall consist of a ring with an outside diameter of 300 mm and width of 25 mm which is intersected by a horizontal line of length 450 mm and having a breadth of 25 mm, the upper edge of which passes through the centre of the ring. The centre of the ring shall be placed at the longitudinal centre of flotation in the displacement mode and at a height corresponding to the design waterline.

  2.9.2.2 To assist in verifying the position of the load line mark, a reference line shall be marked on the hull at the longitudinal centre of flotation by a horizontal bar having a length of 300 mm and a breadth of 25 mm and having the upper edge corresponding to the reference line.

  2.9.2.3 Where practicable, the reference line should be related to the uppermost deck at side. Where it is not possible, the position of the reference line should be defined from the underside of keel at the longitudinal centre of flotation.

  2.9.2.4 The mark of the Authority by whom the load lines are assigned may be indicated alongside the load line ring above the horizontal line which passes through the centre of the ring, or above and below it. This mark shall consist of not more than four initials to identify the Authority's name, each measuring approximately 115 mm in height, and 75 mm in width.

  2.9.2.5 The ring, lines and letters shall be painted in white or yellow on a dark ground or in black on a light ground, and permanently marked. The marks shall be plainly visible.

  2.9.3 Verification

The High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate shall not be delivered until the Administration has verified that the marks are correctly and permanently indicated on the sides of the craft.


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