6 Mistakes Master and ship staff must avoid on ships with dual load lines

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. The other one MUST be kept in a sealed envelop in the master’s locker or other safe custody. 2) The painted load-line on ship side does not correspond to the load line certificate in the certificate folder This situation can arise because of any of these two facts. The load line marks on the ship side were not changed during the last documented change of loadline and just th...