12.2.3.1 A vessel assigned a freeboard in accordance
with Section 12.2.2.2 should be marked with a freeboard mark in accordance
with the Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Regulations 1998 and have a
scale of draught marks marked clearly at the bow and stern, on both
sides of the vessel. The longitudinal position of the draught marks,
relative to the longitudinal datum for the hydrostatic data, should
be recorded in the Stability Information Booklet, where provided.
Where it is considered that the addition of a scale of draught
marks is neither practicable or meaningful, for example, due to restricted
loading variations, application for special consideration should be
made to the Administration.
Additionally, where the line
of the deck is not immediately discernable, a vessel should be provided
with a deck line. The deck line and freeboard mark should be permanent
and painted on a contrasting background.
The freeboard
mark shall consist of a ring 300 millimetres in outside diameter and
25 millimetres wide, intersected by a horizontal line 450 millimetres
long and 25 millimetres wide the upper edge of which passes through
the centre of the ring. The top of the intersecting line should be
positioned at the waterline corresponding to the assigned freeboard
to deck edge at amidships.
No mark should be applied for
fresh water allowance.
The assigning letter marking on
the bar of the ring and bar should be D on the left and T on the right
when the MCA is the Certifying Authority. In the case of any other
Certifying Authority, the assigning letters should be U on the left
and K on the right.
12.2.3.2 The freeboard mark for a vessel required
to be provided with an approved Stability Information Booklet, other
than a vessel complying with Section 12.2.3.1 should be a bar of 300mm
in length and 25mm in depth.
The marking should be permanent and painted black on a light
background or in white or yellow on a dark background. (No assigning
letter marking should be placed on the bar marking.)
The
top of the mark should be positioned at the waterline corresponding
to the draught referred to in Section 12.2.2.3, at amidships.
Additionally, where the line of the deck is not immediately
discernable, a vessel should be provided with a deck line. The deck-line
shall be marked amidships on each side of the ship so as to indicate
the position of the freeboard deck. The mark need not be of contrasting
colour to the surrounding hull.
Where the design of the
vessel, or other circumstances, render it impracticable to mark the
deck line, the Certifying Authority may direct that it be marked by
reference to another fixed point as near as practicable to the position
described above.
12.2.3.3 A vessel should not operate in a condition
which will result in its freeboard marks being totally submerged when
it is at rest and upright in calm sea water.