2.3 Subdivision and Load Line Mark:

(1) The line which indicates the subdivision and load line assigned in accordance with Chapter 4 and this Chapter shall be the horizontal line which passes through the centre of the ring shown in figure 2.1. (See also section 4.20 of Chapter 4 of the Code)

Figure 2.1 (Illustration of minimum freeboard mark and not the actual markings required) Note: Distance measured from the top edge of the deck line to the top edge of the line bisecting the ring.

(2) The Subdivision and load line mark shall consist of a ring 300 millimetres in outside diameter and 25 millimetres wide which is intersected by a horizontal line 450 millimetres in length and 25 millimetres in breadth, the upper edge of which passes through the centre of the ring; the centre of the ring shall be placed amidships and at a distance measured vertically below the upper edge of the deck line equal to the assigned freeboard measured vertically below the upper edge of the deck as illustrated in Figure 2.1.

(3) Subject to subsections (4) and (5), the deck line is a horizontal line 300 millimetres in length and 25 millimetres in breadth which shall be marked amidships on each side of the ship with its upper edge normally passing through the point where the continuation outwards of the upper surface of the freeboard deck intersects the outer surface of the shell, provided that the deck line may be placed with reference to another fixed point on the ship on condition that the freeboard is correspondingly corrected;

(4) Where the upper edge of the deck line coincides with a readily identifiable structural feature such as the actual deck at the side amidships, that structural feature may be utilised as the deck line providing it is clearly identified as such in the Load Line Certificate;

(5) Any other readily identifiable line if structure at the side amidships above or below the deck line position may be similarly utilised as the deck line providing it is clearly identified as such in the Load Line Certificate and the freeboard is correspondingly corrected.

(6) The location of the reference point and the identification of the freeboard deck shall in all cases be indicated on the International Load Line Certificate.

(7) In no case shall any subdivision load line mark be placed above the deepest load line in salt water as determined by the strength of the ship or this Chapter.

(8) The ring, lines and letters shall-

(a) be painted or otherwise permanently affixed to the hull;
(b) be of a contrasting colour to the hull; and
(c) where the marks are bonded to the hull provision shall be made to replace the marks, in the event of bond line failure, with the vessel afloat.

(9) The subdivision and load line assigned and marked shall be recorded in the Passenger Yacht Safety Certificate.

(10) A ship shall in no case be so loaded that when it is in salt water the subdivision and load line mark is submerged.

(11) In applying this section due regard shall also be had to the requirement for draft marks as set out in section 4.29(17).