{"id":"C1923L00103","name":"Navigation (Load-Lines) Regulations","slug":"navigation-load-lines-regulations","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"repealed","isInForce":false,"actNumber":"103 of 1923","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":21013,"registerId":"commonwealth-C1923L00103-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-01","status":"Repealed","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Navigation (Load-Lines) Regulations","content":"STATUTORY RULES.\n\n1923\\. No. 103.\n\nREGULATIONS UNDER THE NAVIGATION ACT 1912-1920.\n\nI THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulations under the Navigation Act 1912-1920, to come into operation on and from the first day of October, 1923.\n\nDated this first day of August, 1923.\n\nFORSTER,\n\nGovernor-General.\n\nBy His Excellency’s Command,\n\nAUSTIN CHAPMAN,\n\nMinister of State for Trade and Customs.\n\nNAVIGATION (LOAD-LINES) REGULATIONS.\n\nCitation.\n\n1. These Regulations may be cited as the Navigation (Load-lines) Regulations.\n\nDefinitions.\n\n2. In these Regulations, unless the contrary intention appears—\n\n“Amidships” means the middle of the length of the load water line as measured from the fore side of the stem to the aft side of the stern post:\n\n“The Merchant Shipping Act” means the Imperial Act known as the Merchant Shipping Act 1894, and includes any Imperial Act amending it or substituted for it.\n\nApplication.\n\n3.—(1) Subject to sub-regulations (2) and (3) of this regulation, these Regulations shall apply to—\n\n(a) all ships registered in Australia or engaged in the coasting trade; and\n\n(b) to all other merchant ships (British and foreign) while within any port in the Commonwealth.\n\nExemptions.\n\n(2) These Regulations shall not apply to—\n\n(a) limited coast-trade ships under 50 tons gross registered tonnage;\n\n(b) ships employed solely in fishing;\n\n(c) pleasure yachts;\n\n(d) river and bay ships;\n\nC.10689.—Price 5d. \n\n(e) ships trading exclusively within the limits of a single State ; or\n\n(f) ships which, not being registered in Australia or engaged in the coasting trade, come into a port in the Commonwealth for any purpose other than the purpose of embarking or landing passengers, or taking in or discharging cargo, or taking in bunker coal.\n\n(3) These Regulations (with the exception of sub-regulations (5) and (6) of regulation 6, and regulations 7 and 8) shall not apply to—\n\n(a) any ship in respect of which a load-line certificate has been issued in accordance with the Merchant Shipping Act by, or under the authority of, the Board of Trade of the United Kingdom and is in force; or\n\n(b) any ship belonging to any British Dominion, British Possession, or foreign country, whose ships have been exempted by the Governor-General under section 188 of the Navigation Act from compliance with the provisions of that Act (except the proviso to sub-section (3) of section 220) relating to deck and load-lines, and in respect of which ship a load-line certificate has been issued in the country to which she belongs and is in force.\n\nColour and width of Lines.\n\n4. All deck and load-lines required by the Act or these Regulations to be applied to ships shall be painted, in white or yellow on a dark ground, or in black on a light ground, in lines one inch in breadth.\n\nMarking of Disc\n\n5. (1) The circular disc prescribed by section 220 of the Navigation Act shall be marked on each side of the ship, amidships or as near thereto as is practicable, with the position of its centre placed at such level as is specified in the certificate of approval.\n\n(2) The disc shall be 12 inches in diameter, and shall have a horizontal line 18 inches in length drawn through it in such position that its upper edge shall pass through the centre of the disc.\n\n(3) The position of the disc shall be fixed in accordance with the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act.\n\nMaximum Load-lines.\n\n6\\. (1) The lines to be used in connexion with the disc in order to indicate the maximum load-lines under different circumstances and at different seasons shall be horizontal lines, 9 inches in length, extending from and at right angles to a vertical line marked 21 inches forward of the centre of the disc.\n\n(2) The maximum load-line in fresh water shall be marked abaft such vertical line, and the maximum load-lines in salt water shall be marked forward of such vertical line, as shown in the diagrams hereinafter mentioned. \n\n(3) Such maximum load-lines shall be as follows, and the upper edges of the lines shall, subject to the provisions of paragraphs (5) and (6) of this Regulation, respectively indicate:—\n\nFresh Water.—The maximum depth to which the vessel may be loaded in fresh water.\n\nIndian Summer.—The maximum depth to which the vessel may be loaded in salt water for voyages during the fine season in the Indian seas, between the limits of Suez and Singapore.\n\nSummer.—The maximum depth to which the vessel may be loaded in salt water for voyages (other than Indian summer voyages) from European and Mediterranean ports between the months of April and September, both inclusive, or for voyages from or between Australian ports in any season of the year, and as to voyages in other parts of the world (other than Indian summer voyages) the maximum depth to which the vessel may be loaded during the corresponding or recognized summer months.\n\nWinter.—The maximum depth to which the vessel may be loaded in salt water for voyages (other than Indian summer voyages and summer voyages) from European and Mediterranean ports between the months of October and March, both inclusive, and as to voyages in other parts of the world (excepting from or between Australian ports) the maximum depth to which the vessel may be loaded during the corresponding or recognised winter months.\n\nWinter, North Atlantic.—The maximum depth to which the vessel may be loaded in salt water for voyages to or from the Mediterranean or any European port, from or to ports in British North America, or eastern ports in the United States, north of Cape Hatteras, between the months of October and March, both inclusive.\n\n(4) Such maximum load-lines shall be distinguished by initial letters, conspicuously marked opposite the horizontal lines above-mentioned, as follows :—\n\nFW—Fresh water.\n\nIS —Indian summer.\n\nS—Summer.\n\nW—Winter.\n\nWNA—Winter, North Atlantic.\n\nDead-weight Cargo.\n\n(5) In the case of vessels laden with dead-weight cargo (other than coal), and being in or coming into any port in Australia, the maximum load-line to which the vessel may be submerged, in salt water, shall be, for a steam ship the Winter load-line, and for a sailing ship the Winter North Atlantic load-line, as described in paragraphs (3) and (4) of this Regulation.\n\n(6) For the purposes of these Regulations a cargo shall be deemed to be a dead-weight cargo if it consists, to the extent of 85 per cent., of \n\nany one or more of the following goods, viz.:—metalliferous ores (whether bagged or in bulk), iron or steel rails or girders, pig iron, or other homogeneous cargo with a specific gravity of 4 or over.\n\nMaximum Summer Load-line.\n\n7. The upper edge of the horizontal line passing through the centre of the disc shall indicate the maximum summer load-line in salt water. The position of the upper edge of the other lines to be used in connexion with the disc, relative to the upper edge of the line passing through the centre of the disc (the maximum summer load-line), shall be as indicated in the certificate of approval.\n\nMaximum Load-line for Voyage.\n\n8. The provisions of the Navigation Act 1912-1920 as to load-lines shall have effect as if the maximum load-line applicable to a particular voyage or cargo were drawn through the centre of the disc.\n\nMarking of Steam-ships and Sailing Ships.\n\n9. (1) Steam-ships shall be marked on both sides with such of the horizontal lines as aforesaid as are applicable to the nature of their employment.\n\n(2) Sailing ships shall be marked on both sides with such of the lines (in addition to the horizontal line passing through the centre of the disc) as indicate the maximum load-line for fresh water and for North Atlantic winter.\n\nPermanent Marking of Disc and Lines.\n\n10. The position of the disc and of each of the lines shall, in the case of iron and steel vessels, be permanently marked by centre-punch marks. In the case of wooden vessels the disc and lines shall be sunk, for their full breadths, a depth of not less than one quarter of an inch into the planking.\n\nDiagrams.\n\n11. The positions of the disc and of the horizontal line passing through its centre, as also of the lines to be used in connexion with the disc, are shown in the diagrams opposite hereto.\n\nApplication for Certificate.\n\n12. Application for a certificate of approval of the position of the disc and of the lines to be used in connexion therewith, or of any alteration thereof, shall be made by one of the registered owners or the builder of the ship. Every application shall be made to the Deputy-Director of Navigation for the State in accordance with Form LL.—1.\n\nDuration of Certificates.\n\n13. With respect to certificates of approval and their duration, the following rules shall apply:—\n\n(a) As regards all ships classed in any corporation or association for the survey or registry of ships approved by the Governor-General under section 204 of the Navigation Act 1912-1920, the certificate of approval shall cease to have effect when the class of the ship is changed or withdrawn. Such certificate shall be in Form LL.—2 or LL.—3, according as the ship is a steam-ship or sailing ship.\n\n(b) As regards unclassed iron and steel steam-ships, the certificate of approval will be granted for the period mentioned therein, and upon the expiration of such period the certificate shall cease to have effect. The certificate shall be in Form LL.—2b. \n\n(c) As regards unclassed wooden ships which have been opened out for survey, and unclassed iron and steel sailing ships, the certificate will be granted for a fixed time varying with the age and condition of the ship, and at the expiration of such period it shall cease to have effect. Such certificate shall be in Form LL.—3a.\n\n(d) As regards unclassed wooden ships which have not been opened out for survey, no limit of time will be imposed in the certificate, which shall be in Form LL.—3b.\n\n(e) As regards all vessels having deck erections in respect of which deductions have been made for freeboard, if any change tending to invalidate the right to such deductions is made in the structural condition of the deck erections, the certificate of approval shall thereupon cease to have effect.\n\n![Diagrams illustrating the markings of steam-ships and sail ships.](image.001.png)\n\nDiagrams illustrating the Marking of Steam-ships and Sailing Ships RESPECTIVELY. \n\nCertificates to be in duplicate.\n\n14. A certificate of approval shall be issued in duplicate. One copy, marked “Ship’s Copy,” shall be posted in some conspicuous place on board the ship, in accordance with the requirements of regulation 18 of these Regulations. The second, marked “Master’s Copy,” shall be kept in the custody of the master, and shall be produced by him to the Superintendent, Mercantile Marine Office, on each occasion before a new agreement is entered into with the crew.\n\nExpiration of Certificates.\n\n15. (1) On a certificate of approval ceasing to have effect, application shall at once be made by the registered managing owner of the ship for the granting of a new certificate of approval, and the old certificate shall be delivered up to the Deputy-Director of Navigation for the State, who shall cancel the same.\n\n(2) If a certificate which has ceased to have effect is not handed in for cancellation, it shall be competent for the Deputy Director to notify any Collector of Customs that such certificate is no longer valid, and for any Collector on receiving such notice to refuse clearance to the vessel in question.\n\nEntries in Official Log.\n\n16. The master of every British-ship shall, before she leaves any dock, wharf, port, or harbor in Australia, for the purpose of proceeding to sea, enter in the official log, if not so previously entered, all the particulars stated in the certificate issued as aforesaid.\n\nState-trade Ships.\n\n17\\. In the case of a ship of which the master or owner is not re­quired to enter outwards at the Customs, and which is required to be marked with the disc indicating the load-line, the statement of the position of the disc required by section 223 (1) (b) of the Navigation Act 1912-1920 shall be furnished by the owner, or, in the case of a ship not owned in Australia, by the charterer or agent of the ship, before the ship’s first departure from a port subsequent to the first day of January in each year.\n\nCertificate to be exhibited.\n\n18. The managing owner or master shall, on the delivery to him or his agent of any such certificate as aforesaid, forthwith cause the “Ship’s Copy” of the same to be framed and put up in some conspicuous part of the ship so as to be visible to all persons on board, and shall cause it to be continued to be so exhibited so long as the certificate remains in force and the ship is in use.\n\nFees.\n\n19. (1) Every application for a Certificate of Approval under these Regulations shall be accompanied by the proper fee according to the following scale, viz.:—\n\n```html\n

Gross Tonnage of Vessels.

Classed Vessels.

Unclassed Vessels.

£

s.

d.

£

s.

d.

Under 100 tons..........................

2

0

0

4

0

0

100 tons and under 300 tons................

2

0

0

6

0

0

300 „

„ „ 500 „..................

3

0

0

8

0

0

500 „

„ „ 1,000 „..................

4

0

0

11

0

0

1,000 „

„ „ 1,500 „..................

5

0

0

14

0

0

1,500 „

„ „ 2,000 „..................

6

0

0

17

0

0

2,000 „

„ „ 2,500 „..................

7

0

0

20

0

0

2,500 „

„ „ 3,000 „..................

8

0

0

23

0

0

For every additional 1,000 tons..............

1

0

0

3

0

0

Maximum fee for a classed vessel, £15.........

\n```\n\n \n\n(2) A special fee of £5 is also payable for the load-line survey of an unclassed ferroconcrete vessel in addition to the fee prescribed in the third column of the above table.\n\n(3) The fee for an unclassed vessel shall be charged for an unclassed wooden sailing or motor vessel whether opened out for survey or not.\n\n(4) When owners or builders submit designs of new vessels and require provisional assignment of freeboard, the fee prescribed above shall be paid accordingly as the vessel is classed or unclassed. This will cover the final assignment of freeboard.\n\n(5) The fee for the inspection of minor alterations involving an alteration of freeboard in a vessel having a valid load-line certificate is two-fifths the full fee chargeable.\n\n(6) The fee for a copy of a Certificate of Approval of load-line is 10s.\n\n(7) The fees charged for the annual survey of a vessel cover the load-line survey if made at the same time, unless the fee for load-line is the greater, when the balance is payable.\n\n(8) The fee for any service not enumerated in this regulation shall be the same as that charged by the Board of Trade of the United Kingdom for a similar service.\n\nSCHEDULE.\n\nForm LL.—1.\n\nCommonwealth of Australia.\n\nNavigation Act 1912-1920.\n\nAPPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL—LOAD-LINES.\n\nI, (a) hereby make application for a Certificate of Approval of the of the position (b)/alteration of the position of the centre of the disc and of the lines to be used in connexion therewith of the steam-ship/sailing ship Official No. The vessel is classed in./is not classed. The vessel is/is not intended to be employed in the Indian Ocean. The vessel is/is not intended to be employed in the North Atlantic trade. No previous application has been made by the builder or the owner for a certificate of approval of the position/or alteration of the position of centre of the disc of this vessel, either under the Navigation Act 1912-1920 or to any authority appointed in accordance with section 443 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 (except in respect of a previous certificate dated which has expired or ceased to have effect).\n\nDated this day of 19\n\nRegistered Owner. Builder.\n\n(а) Here insert full name and address.\n\n(b) Strike out the words which do not apply.\n\n \n\n| (seal) | Commonwealth of Australia. | Form LL.—2. |\n| ------ | -------------------------- | ----------- |\n\nNavigation Act 1912-1920. No.\n\nCERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL— LOAD-LINES.\n\nCertificate of Approval of the Position (Alteration of the Position) of the Centre of the Disc and of the Lines to be used in connexion therewith, on the Steam ship\n\n“ ,” Port of Registry , Official No.\n\nThe Minister has, in pursuance of the Navigation Act 1912-1920, approved an alteration in the position/an alteration in the position of the centre of the disc and of the lines to be used in connexion therewith on the above-named Steam ship, and hereby certifies that—\n\n(a) the centre of the disc, is placed at feet inches below the deck-line marked under the provisions of the Navigation Act 1912-1920;\n\n(b) the position of the lines to be used in connexion with the disc shall be as follows:—\n\nMaximum load-line in Fresh Water.—The upper edge of this line is inches above the upper edge of the horizontal line passing through the centre of the disc.\n\nMaximum load-line in Indian Summer.—The upper edge of this line is inches above the upper edge of the horizontal line passing through the centre of the disc.\n\nMaximum load-line in Summer.—The upper edge of this line is on the same level as the upper edge of the horizontal line passing through the centre of the disc.\n\nMaximum load-line in Winter.—The upper edge of this line is inches below the upper edge of the horizontal line passing through the centre of the disc.\n\nMaximum load-line in Winter, North Atlantic.—The upper edge of this line is inches below the upper edge of the horizontal line passing through the centre of the disc.\n\nThis certificate is to remain in force only so long as the vessel remains in her present class, namely provided that no change has taken place in the structural condition of those deck erections in respect of which deductions have been made for freeboard.\n\nDated at this day of , 19 .\n\n| (official stamp.) | Deputy Director of Navigation for theState of |\n| ----------------- | --------------------------------------------- |\n\nNote.—In accordance with the regulations made under the Navigation Act 1912-1920, the disc and lines must be permanently marked by centre-punch marks or cutting, and the particulars given above are required to be entered in the official log. The “Ship’s Copy” of this certificate must also be framed and put up in some conspicuous part of the ship.\n\nIf and so soon as the class of the ship is either changed or withdrawn, or if and so soon as any change is made in the structural condition of the deck erections above-mentioned, this certificate will be cancelled, and must be delivered to the Deputy-Director for that purpose, and the owner must then apply for a new certificate.\n\nThe Summer freeboard applies to voyages from European and Mediterranean ports, from April to September inclusive, and to voyages from or between Australian ports in any season of the year. In other parts of the world this freeboard should be used during the corresponding or recognised summer months.\n\nThe freeboard for Indian Summer applies to voyages in the fine season in the Indian seas between the limits of Suez and Singapore.\n\nThe freeboard for Winter applies to voyages from European and Mediterranean ports between the months of October and March, both inclusive, and to voyages in other parts of the world (excepting from or between Australian ports) during the corresponding or recognised winter months ; also to voyages to or from Australia of steam ships laden with dead weight cargo other than coal.\n\nThe freeboard for Winter, North Atlantic, applies to vessels sailing to, or from, the Mediterranean or any British or European port, and which may sail to, or from, or call at, ports in British North America, or eastern ports in the United States, north of Cape Hatteras, from October to March inclusive. \n\nForm LL.—2b.\n\n| (seal) | Commonwealth of Australia. | |\n| ------ | -------------------------- | --- |\n\nNavigation Act 1912—1920.\n\nNo.\n\nCERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL— LOAD-LINES.\n\nCertificate of Approval of the Position (Alteration of the Position) of the Centre of the Disc, and of the Lines to be used in connexion therewith on the Steam ship “ ,” Port of Registry , Official No.\n\nThe Minister has, in pursuance of the Navigation Act 1912-1920, approved of the position/ an alteration of the position of the centre of the disc, and of the lines to be used in connexion therewith on the above-named Steam-ship, and hereby certifies that—\n\n(a) the centre of the disc is placed at feet inches below the deck-line marked under the provisions of the Navigation Act 1912-1920 ;\n\n(b) the position of the lines to be used in connexion with the disc shall be as follows :—\n\nMaximum load-line in Fresh Water.—The upper edge of this line is inches above the upper edge of the horizontal line passing through the centre of the disc.\n\nMaximum load-line in Indian Summer.—The upper edge of this line is inches above the upper edge of the horizontal line passing through the centre of the disc.\n\nMaximum load-line in Summer.—The upper edge of this line is on the same level as the upper edge of the horizontal line passing through the centre of the disc.\n\nMaximum load-line in Winter.—The upper edge of this line is inches below the upper edge of the horizontal line passing through the centre of the disc.\n\nMaximum load-line in Winter, North Atlantic.—The upper edge of this line is inches below the upper edge of the horizontal line passing through the centre of the disc.\n\nThis certificate is to remain in force until the day of 19 .\n\nDated at this day of 19 .\n\n| (official stamp.) | Deputy Director of Navigation for theState of |\n| ----------------- | --------------------------------------------- |\n\nNote.—In accordance with the regulations made under the Navigation Act 1912—1920, the disc and lines must be permanently marked by centre punch marks or cutting, and the particulars given above are required to be entered in the official log. The “Ship’s Copy” of this certificate must also be framed and put up in some conspicuous part of the ship.\n\nOn the day of 19 , or if and so soon as any change is made in the structural condition of those deck erections in respect of which deductions have been made for freeboard, this certificate will cease to have effect, and it must be delivered to the Deputy Director to be cancelled, and the owner must then apply for a new certificate.\n\nThe Summer freeboard applies to voyages from European and Mediterranean ports from April to September inclusive, and to voyages from or between Australian ports in any season of the year. In other parts of the world this freeboard should be used during the corresponding or recognised summer months.\n\nThe freeboard for Indian Summer applies to voyages in the line season in the Indian seas between the limits of Suez and Singapore.\n\nThe freeboard for Winter applies to voyages from European and Mediterranean ports between the months of October and March, both inclusive, and to voyages in other parts of the world (excepting from or between Australian ports) during the corresponding or recognised winter months; also to voyages to or from Australia of steamships laden with dead weight cargo other than coal.\n\nThe freeboard for Winter, North Atlantic, applies to vessels sailing to, or from, the Mediterranean or any British or European port, and which, may sail to, or from, or call at, ports in British North America, or eastern ports in the United States, north of Cape Hatteras, from October to March inclusive. \n\nForm LL.—3.\n\n| (seal) | Commonwealth of Australia. | |\n| ------ | -------------------------- | --- |\n\nNavigation Act 1912-1920.\n\nNo.\n\nCERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL—LOAD-LINES.\n\nCertificate of Approval of the Position (Alteration of the Position) of the Centre of the Disc, and of the Lines to be used in connexion therewith on the Sailing Ship\n\n“ ,” Port of Registry, , Official No.\n\nThe Minister has, in pursuance of the Navigation Act 1912-1920, approved of an alteration of the position /an alteration of the position of the centre of the disc, and of the lines to be used in connexion therewith on the above-named Sailing Ship, and hereby certifies that—\n\n(a) the centre of the disc is placed at feet inches below the deck-line marked under the provisions of the Navigation Act 1912-1920;\n\n(b) the position of the lines to be used in connexion with the disc shall be as follows:—\n\nMaximum load-line in Fresh Water.—The upper edge of this line is inches above the upper edge of the horizontal line passing through the centre of the disc.\n\nMaximum load-line in Winter, North Atlantic.—The upper edge of this line is inches below the upper edge of the horizontal line passing through the centre of the disc.\n\nThis certificate is to remain in force only so long as the vessel remains in her present class, namely, provided that no change has taken place in the structural condition of those deck erections in respect of which deductions have been made for freeboard.\n\nDated at this day of 19 .\n\n| (official stamp.) | Deputy Director of Navigation for theState of |\n| ----------------- | --------------------------------------------- |\n\nNote.—In accordance with the regulations made under the Navigation Act 1912-1920 the disc and lines must be permanently marked by centre punch marks or cutting, and the particulars given above are required to be entered in the official log. The “Ships’ Copy” of this certificate must also be framed and put up in some conspicuous part of the ship.\n\nIf and so soon as the class of the ship is either changed or withdrawn, or if and so soon as any change is made in the structural condition of the deck erections above-mentioned, this certificate will cease to have effect, and it must be delivered to the Deputy Director to be cancelled, and the owner must then apply for a new certificate.\n\nThe freeboard for Winter, North Atlantic, applies to vessels sailing to, or from, the. Mediterranean or any British or European port, and which may sail to, or from, or call at ports in British North America or eastern ports in the United States, north of Cape Hatteras, from October to March inclusive ; also to voyages to or from Australia of sailing ships laden with dead weight cargo other than coal.\n\nForm LL.—3a\n\n| (seal) | Commonwealth of Australia. | |\n| ------ | -------------------------- | --- |\n\nNavigation Act 1912-1920.\n\nNo.\n\nCERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL—LOAD-LINES.\n\nCertificate of Approval of the Position (Alteration of the Position) of the Centre of the Disc, and of the Lines to be used in connexion therewith, on the Sailing Ship “ Port of Registry, Official No.\n\nThe Minister has, in pursuance of the Navigation Act 1912-1920, approved\n\nof the position centre of the disc and of the lines to be used an alteration of the position in connexion therewith on the above-named Sailing Ship, and hereby certifies that—\n\n(a) the centre of the disc is placed at feet inches below the deck-line marked under the provisions of the Navigation Act 19 ;\n\n \n\nForm LL. 3a—continued.\n\n(b) the position of the lines to be used in connexion with the disc shall be as follows :—\n\nMaximum load-line in Fresh Water.—The upper edge of this line is inches above the upper edge of the horizontal line passing through the centre of the disc.\n\nMaximum load-line in Winter, North Atlantic.—The upper edge of this line is inches below the upper edge of the horizontal line passing through the centre of the disc.\n\nThis certificate is to remain in force until the day of 19 .\n\nDated at this day of 19 .\n\n| (official stamp.) | Deputy Director of Navigation for theState of |\n| ----------------- | --------------------------------------------- |\n\nNote.—In accordance with the regulations made under the Navigation Act 1912-1920, the disc and lines must be permanently marked by centre punch marks or cutting, and the particulars given above are required to be entered in the official log.\n\nThe “Ship’s Copy” of this certificate must also be framed and put up in some conspicuous part of the ship.\n\nOn the day of 191 , or if and so soon as any change is made in the structural condition of those deck erections in respect of which deductions have been made for free­board, this certificate will cease to have effect, and it must be delivered to the Deputy-Director to be cancelled, and the owner must then apply for a new certificate.\n\nThe freeboard for Winter, North Atlantic, applies to vessels sailing to, or from, the Mediterranean or any British or European port, and which may sail to, or from, or call at, ports in British North America, or eastern ports in the United States, north of Cape Hatteras, from October to March inclusive; also to any voyages to or from Australia of sailing ships laden with dead weight cargo other than coal.\n\nForm LL.—3b.\n\n| (seal) | Commonwealth of Australia. | |\n| ------ | -------------------------- | --- |\n\nNavigation Act 1912-1920.\n\nNo.\n\nCERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL—LOAD-LINES.\n\nCertificate of Approval of the Position (Alteration of the Position) of the Centre of the Disc, and of the Lines to be used in connexion therewith on the Sailing Ship “ ,” Port of Registry , Official No.\n\nThe Minister has in pursuance of the Navigation Act 1912-20, approved of the position/an alteration of the position of the centre of the disc, and of the lines to be used in connexion therewith, on the above-named Sailing Ship, and hereby certifies that—\n\n(a) the centre of the disc is placed at feet inches below the deck-line marked under the provisions of the Navigation Act 19 ; \n\nForm LL. 3b—continued.\n\n(b) the position of the lines to be used in connexion with the disc shall be as follows:—•\n\nMaximum load-line in Fresh Water.—The upper edge of this line is inches above the upper edge of the horizontal line passing through the centre of the disc.\n\nMaximum load-line in Winter, North Atlantic.—The upper edge of this line is inches below the upper edge of the horizontal line passing through the centre of the disc.\n\nDated at this day of 19 .\n\n| (official stamp.) | Deputy Director of Navigation for the State of |\n| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |\n\nNote.—In accordance with the regulations made under the Navigation Act 1912-1920, the disc and lines must be permanently marked by centre punch marks or cutting, and the particulars given above are required to be entered in the official log. The “Ship’s Copy” of this certificate must also be framed and put up in some conspicuous part of the ship.\n\nIf and so soon as any change is made in the structural condition of those deck erections in respect of which deductions have been made for freeboard, this certificate will be cancelled, and must be delivered to the Deputy Director for that purpose and the owner must then apply for a new certificate.\n\nThe freeboard for Winter, North Atlantic, applies to vessels sailing to, or from, the Mediterranean or any British or European port, and which may sail to, or from, or call at, ports in British North America, or eastern ports in the United States, north of Cape Hatteras, from October to March, inclusive; also to voyages to or from Australia of sailing ships laden with dead weight cargo other than coal.\n\nPrinted and Published for the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia by Albert J. Mullett, Government Printer for the State of Victoria.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"These Regulations implement and operationalise the Navigation Act's load-line provisions rather than expanding statutory scope. They add procedural and technical detail (marking, certification, fees, exemptions) and provide for recognition of UK or foreign load-line certificates, but do not, on their face, alter which vessels fall within the Act’s load-line requirements."},"complexity_factors":["Technical specification detail: precise measurements, colours, line widths and permanent marking methods (regs 4–11).","Multiple classes of vessels and differentiated treatment: steam vs sailing, iron/steel vs wooden, classed vs unclassed (regs 6, 9, 10, 13).","Seasonal and trade-based load-line distinctions (Fresh water, Indian Summer, Summer, Winter, Winter North Atlantic) affecting permissible loading (reg 6(3)).","Exemptions and cross-jurisdictional recognition: certain small, fishing, pleasure, intrastate, and non-trading foreign ships exempt; UK Merchant Shipping Act certificates and exempted foreign/Dominion certificates recognised (regs 3(2)–(3)).","Administrative framework: application forms, Deputy-Director of Navigation approval, duplicate certificates, exhibition requirements and logbook entries (regs 12–18).","Enforcement and operational consequences: certificate expiry triggers cancellation, possible refusal of clearance by Collectors of Customs (reg 15).","Fee structure complexity: graduated fee schedule by gross tonnage, special fees (ferroconcrete), partial-inspection rates, and linkage to Board of Trade fees for unspecified services (reg 19).","Certificate duration rules vary by class, material and survey status, creating differing renewal/compliance burdens (reg 13)."],"plain_english_summary":"These Regulations set technical rules for marking load-line discs and horizontal load-lines on ships, require approval certificates for those marks, and prescribe who issues them, how long they last, and the fees payable. They apply to Australian-registered and coasting ships and to other merchant ships while in Commonwealth ports, with specific exemptions and recognition of valid UK or foreign load-line certificates. Owners and masters must mark, exhibit and renew certificates; authorities may refuse clearance if certificates lapse."},"kimi_summary":{"_metrics":{"model":"kimi-k2.5","source":"moonshot-realtime","completionTokens":3463},"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is the original 1923 regulation establishing Australia's load-line regime; the scope remains focused on vessel safety markings, certification, and survey requirements as originally intended."},"complexity_factors":["5 defined technical terms in the interpretation section (including 'amidships' and 'dead-weight cargo')","Different marking requirements for steam ships (5 load lines) versus sailing ships (2 load lines)","5 distinct certificate forms (LL-1, LL-2, LL-2b, LL-3, LL-3a, LL-3b) with varying validity periods based on vessel classification and construction material","Complex fee schedule with 9 tonnage bands and differential rates for classed versus unclassed vessels","Multiple conditional exemptions based on ship type, size, trade, and purpose of port visit","Precise technical specifications (12-inch disc, 18-inch horizontal line, 21-inch vertical offset, 1-inch line width)","Cross-reference to UK Merchant Shipping Act 1894 for disc positioning standards","Nested conditions for certificate expiration (structural changes, class withdrawals, time limits)"],"plain_english_summary":"These regulations require ships to bear mandatory \"load line\" markings (the Plimsoll line) showing maximum safe loading under varying conditions, to prevent overloading and sinking. They apply to Australian-registered and coasting vessels and to foreign merchant ships in Australian ports, with specified exemptions.\n\nOwners must get official approval and certificate for the marks; denser cargoes must use more conservative limits, and a graduated fee schedule and exemptions (small craft, fishing, pleasure, certain local vessels) are provided."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/navigation-load-lines-regulations","history":"/api/acts/navigation-load-lines-regulations/history","analysis":"/api/acts/navigation-load-lines-regulations/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/navigation-load-lines-regulations/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/navigation-load-lines-regulations/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/navigation-load-lines-regulations/documents"}}