(a) For the purposes of the law and regulations prohibiting submergence of load lines (46 U.S.C. 88c; 46 CFR 42.07-10) the marks assigned to vessels holding international load line certificates apply during the following seasons:
(1) Vessels assigned freeboards as new vessels under the International Load Line Convention, 1966--
(i) Winter--November 1 through March 31.
(ii) Summer--April 1 through April 30 and October 1 through October 31.
(iii) Tropical--May 1 through September 30;
(2) Vessels assigned freeboards as existing vessels under the International Load Line Convention, 1966--
(i) Winter--November 1 through March 31;
(ii) Summer--April 1 through April 30 and October 1 through October 31;
(iii) Tropical--September 16 through September 30;
(iv) Tropical Fresh--May 1 through September 15.
(b) Except for hopper dredges operating at working freeboards in accordance with subpart C of part 44 of this chapter, the Assigning Authority may not allow for lesser freeboards. [CGD 73-49R, 38 FR 12290, May 10, 1973, as amended by CGD 76-080, 54 FR 36977, Sept. 6, 1989]