International Load Line Convention

1930

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

The International Load Line Convention of 1930 established internationally agreed-upon reference lines, known as Plimsoll lines, to mark the maximum safe loading limits for cargo ships. This convention was adopted by 54 nations. The concept originated from British efforts in the mid-19th century to ensure ships were not overloaded, a reform championed by Samuel Plimsoll. The adoption of these load lines by maritime countries aimed to standardize safety regulations and prevent accidents at sea, ensuring ships had adequate freeboard (the hull above the waterline) for safe navigation.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

ship
International conventions
…most maritime countries, and the International Load Line Convention of 1930 was ratified by 54 nations. The new convention of 1966 came into force in July 1968 and allowed for a smaller freeboard (vertical distance between the water and the deck) for large ships while calling for more stringent protection…
Read More
…most maritime countries, and the International Load Line Convention of 1930 was ratified by 54 nations. The new convention of 1966 came into force in July 1968 and allowed for a smaller freeboard (vertical distance between the water and the deck) for large ships while calling for more stringent protection…
Read More

Plimsoll line
An International Load Line was adopted by 54 nations in 1930, and in 1968 a new line, permitting a smaller freeboard (hull above waterline) for the new, larger ships, went into effect.
Read More
An International Load Line was adopted by 54 nations in 1930, and in 1968 a new line, permitting a smaller freeboard (hull above waterline) for the new, larger ships, went into effect.
Read More