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It is not very uncommon to have more than one load-line for the vessel.
There are many reasons why shipowners choose to have more than one load-lines on their ships.
For example at some ports, the port dues are based upon the deadweight. And if the ship has not loaded to the maximum capacity the shipowner would want to reduce their port dues.
Then at some ports, there is a restriction on the maximum deadweight of the ship.
Having more than one loadline gives the option to the owners to reduce or increase the deadweight according to their requirements.
However, there is a number of things Masters and ship staff need to be aware of while sailing on ships with more than one load-lines.
Masters and ship staff are encouraged to check these points to be very sure that their ship is not detained by port state controls or is issued Condition of class during the annual load line survey.
1) Both the load line certificates kept in the certificate folder
It is a requirement by all the flag states, vetting companies, and the classification societies to display only one load line certificate that is in use.
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About Capt Rajeev Jassal
Capt. Rajeev Jassal has sailed for over 24 years mainly on crude oil, product and chemical tankers. He holds MBA in shipping & Logistics degree from London. He has done extensive research on quantitatively measuring Safety culture onboard and safety climate ashore which he believes is the most important element for safer shipping.
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