🔍 Key Concepts

• Load Lines (Plimsoll Marks) and what they indicate • The role of classification societies vs. flag-state authorities • Which U.S. agency has statutory authority for inspection and certification of U.S.-flag vessels

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: who has the legal authority under U.S. law to approve and assign load lines on U.S.-flag ships, not just inspect cargo or classify vessels? • Consider which organizations in the choices are private classification societies and which are government agencies. • Think about who issues the vessel’s official documents like the Certificate of Inspection and enforces U.S. maritime safety regulations.

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which choices are private, non-governmental organizations and which is a U.S. federal agency. • Recall that flag-state responsibility includes setting and enforcing load line regulations for its ships. • Verify in current regulations (46 CFR Subchapter E – Load Lines) which authority is named as responsible for assigning load lines on U.S.-flag vessels.