Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 54 Part 2.djvu/1082

 54 STAT.] CANADA-LOAD LINE REGULATIONS 2Ap, Aug. 12, Oct. 22, 1M938Sept., 2303 2, Oct. 18, 1839, Jan. 10, Mar. 4, 1940 Lakes, I have the honor to inform you that the American authori- ties have noted that the Canadian Government recognizes that the load-line regulations of the United States applicable to vessels mak- ing voyages on the Great Lakes of North America are equivalent to Canadian "Load-line Rules for Ships Making Voyages on Lakes or Rivers", approved by Order-in-Council on the 6th of August, 1937, except as to subdivision load-lines applicable to passenger vessels. The American authorities have noted also that the Canadian Government will not be in a position to have in force subdivision load-line regulations applicable to vessels of the Great Lakes before the close of navigation this year. In this regard, when the sub- division load-line regulations are issued by the Canadian authorities, the competent American authorities must give consideration to them before accepting them as being equal to the United States subdivision load-line regulations. The American Government will appreciate, therefore, receiving copies of these subdivision load-line regulations as soon as possible after they are issued. With regard to the request contained in Dr. Skelton's note under reference for information as to the procedure for marking existing passenger vessels with subdivision load-lines and to what extent such ships are required to comply with the subdivision load-line regula- tions, the competent American authorities have stated that each existing passenger ship is considered on its merits in relation to its physical compliance with the subdivision load-line requirements. In interpreting the meaning of the words reasonable and practicable, the decisions of the Department of Commerce have resulted in most cases in a one-compartment standard of subdivision. The American authorities have directed attention to the following slight difference in the scope of the basic load-line laws of the United States and of Canada: The laws of the United States are more general and probably embrace more vessels; for instange, tug boats do not seem to be required to have load-lines under the Canadian law, but are required to have them under the United States law. In the case of such Canadian vessels which are exempt from Canadian load-line regulations and which visit United States ports, it will satisfy the American load-line authorities if such vessels are marked with load-lines under the Canadian load-line regulations, even though Canadian load-line law would not require them to be marked. Accept, Sir, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration. DAvID McK. KEx Charge d'Affares a. i. The Right Honorable The ACTING SECRETARY or STATE FOR EXTEBNAL AFFAIRS, Ottawa,

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