The term recognized classification society means the American Bureau of Shipping or other classification society recognized by the Commandant, as provided in 46 U.S.C. 5107, and who also may be approved as a load line assigning and issuing authority. [CGFR 68-60, 33 FR 10052, July 12, 1968, as amended by USCG-1998-4442, 63 FR 52190, Sept. 30, 1998]