Multiple Loadlines
Multiple loadlines are used when, for a period of time, the vessel has a need to operate temporarily with a greater freeboard than the minimum freeboard stipulated in accordance with the International Convention on Load Lines of 1966.
For simple understanding, suppose a terminal can handle an aframax tanker of 250 meter long (around 115000 DWT)but at a draft of 12.5 meter only. In the normal condition the aforementioned vessel can carry around 85000 MT at this draft , but the full capacity of the vessel is at around 16 meters draft. Hence the new load line will help vessel / authority to ensure that vessel is not overloaded.
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There is another hidden advantage, some of the ports are working on the port dues with the registered deadweight. This means a vessel will be charged basis their DWT. This is where the concept of multiple load lines Congress in handy. Repaint the load line marks to a lesser maximum draft upto the vessel can be loaded. This reduces the DWT of the vessel, virtually, because she cannot load above this draft now. This helps the charterer / operator to save a lot of money.
On a vessel with multiple load lines, the master shall verify the following:
1) Only one load line certificate is in use at any given time. Other Loadline certificate(s) is/are kept in a sealed envelope and kept under the safe custody of the master.
2) Only one set of marks associated with the Loadline certificate in use, (i.e., is actually “painted in” and visible at any given time). Other Loadline marks are obliterated or painted out with the same colour as its background.
3) The new summer freeboard on each side shall be physically measured each time, and recorded in the “Multiple Load Line Assignment Booklet” along with other relevant details, duly endorsed by the Master.
4) The company is informed to update the office copy of “Multiple Load Line Assignment Booklet”, in accordance with the procedure contained in the Safety Management System (SMS).
5) An official entry is made in the ship’s log book about the change in loadline mark.
During the annual/renewal load line surveys, the surveyor shall verify/ endorse the ship’s copy of the “Multiple Load Line Assignment Booklet”. While carrying out the annual/renewal surveys, regardless of the deadweight value applicable at the time, the vessel shall be surveyed for compliance with the most severe statutory requirements corresponding to the greatest deadweight the vessel is capable of carrying, or the deepest draft upto which the vessel is capable of operating. On satisfactory completion of surveys, all the Load Line certificates shall be endorsed by the attending surveyor.
Note: Please Note that the GT & NT will remain unaltered as same as that of the deepest draft condition.
All other statutory certificates will be bearing the maximum design capacity of the vessel and need not to be altered as per the new dead weight of the loadlines are being repainted.
Ref: Marine Engineer’s website
