DNV GL has noticed increased requests for reduced load line assignments, especially in the tanker industry. In order to meet this demand, we have introduced a faster and leaner process for compliance with the International Load Line Convention 1966 (LLC). This statutory news summarizes the process.
Relevant for owners and managers of tankers as well as shipyards, suppliers, design offices and flag states.
1. Process for requesting a new load line assignment
A new load line assignment is requested for different reasons, such as for a port entry or a new charter, and such requests may come on short notice. The following directions will guide our customers through the application process and preparations for the load line survey on board.
A new assignment may either be permanent, meaning that the vessel may hold multiple load lines, or temporary. The differences between the processes are explained in the table below. DNV GL recommends multiple load line certificates for vessels using a reduced DWT more than once.
To apply for a new additional load line assignment, the owner or operator should register a DATE case via My Services on Veracity.
The extreme or moulded summer draught corresponding to requested deadweight and character of the application (permanent / temporary) should be provided in the request. Additionally, customers are encouraged to provide a PO number or proactively accept the costs to avoid additional communication.
DNV GL will charge a small fee for processing the new additional assignment. A Short Form Agreement followed by an invoice will be sent separately to you by our invoicing dept but will not delay the process. In addition, the local DNV GL surveyor will charge for the attendance.
Upon receipt of the draught information, the particulars of freeboards for the additional load line will be calculated. This calculation can be performed as fast as within 24 hours, excluding possible mandatory flag contact.
| Type of additional load line assignment | Temporary assignment Permanent assignment | Permanent assignment (multiple load lines) |
|---|---|---|
| Is the flag administration’s involvement necessary? | Generally, no, unless otherwise agreed with the administration | Yes, to obtain the agreement from the administration for the multiple load line |
| What kind of survey is necessary after the assignment has been issued for the first time? | On board survey | On board survey |
| What kind of survey is necessary when the assignment has already been issued in the past? | On board survey and DATE must be contacted prior for issuance of a new temporary assignment even if such a temporary assignment was already issued in the past | On board or remote survey. Some administrations accept that master change between permitted load lines without DNV GL attendance |
| What kind of certificates are issued upon successful completion of the survey? | Short term International load line certificate for the maximum validity 5 months | Full term International load line certificates as per flag’s instructions |
2. Verification of load line marking
After receiving the documentation, the owner or operator may request on board survey for verification of a new load line mark. The particulars of a new load line are always subject to on-board survey.
In accordance with LCC regulation 8., the ring, lines and letters shall be painted in white or yellow on a dark ground or in black on a light ground. They shall also be permanently marked on the sides of the ship to the satisfaction of the Administration.
The permanent marking of the load line shall either be welded onto, punched into or cut on the ship’s sides. Painting only is never accepted as permanent means of marking. The load line mark placed on the ship’s hull shall be the same as the mark printed on the International Load Line Certificate.
Changes between permitted load lines shall either be carried out on board or by remote survey depending on flag Administration’s policy. Some flag Administrations have authorized master to be responsible for the change between permitted multiple load lines without DNV GL’s attendance.
3. Possibility for remote survey
Change of load line may be requested via MY Services on the Veracity platform In the My Services, choose “Request survey”, then select “Occasional survey/audits” – and tick off the option “Miscellaneous occasional survey.” Customers are requested to provide DATE case reference (6 digits number), and DWT of the load line mark to be activated.
If it is possible to carry out the survey remotely, the customer will receive a prompt and may proceed for accepting the terms and conditions. When remotely accepting a change of load line, the received documentation shall provide equivalent proof of load line marking as if DNV GL were attending the ship and visually confirming this. Following documentation shall be provided; extract of the decklogbook singed by the master, ensuring date and location where the change took place, and photos of full load line marking with a draught scale at midship on both sides.
In case the permanent marking is not clearly visible to the remote surveyor, the master should upon request provide better pictures. the photos received will be the basis for verifying that the load line is permanenty marked and must be of high quality, clearly showing that the marking is permanent (welded, stencil/plate, punched, cut).
4. Issuance of certificate and DWT statement
The surveyor will upon satisfactory verification of the marking issue the international load line certificate(s). The certificates shall be in accordance with International LoadLine Convention Annex III, form of international certificate on load lines, where the deadweight value is not indicated. All certificates are available in the My Services on Veracity.
Upon request by the owner, DNV GL may issue DWT statement for the permitted load lines.
Recommendations
- Send us your request containing all the required information for a new additional load line assignment.
- Permanent marking of load line marks and freeboard shall be prepared before on board survey.
- Whenever requesting a change of load line survey, please provide an accurate evidence of the permanent load linemark.
- Be aware of flag guidance for carriage of multiple load lines.
Contact
- For customers: DATE – Direct Access to Technical Experts via My Services on Veracity
- Otherwise: use our office locator to find the nearest DNV GL office.
