Answer
The LEEC (Load Line Evaluation and Compliance / International Load Line Certificate) survey ensures that the vessel retains its reserve buoyancy and weather-tight integrity.
On-Board Preparation Checklist
Hatchways & Closing Appliances: Clean and grease all hatch securing cleats, tracks, and wheels. Ensure rubber packing seals are free from tears and that quick-acting cleats exert uniform sealing pressure.
Ventilators & Air Pipes: Verify that air pipes on the open deck have fully operational automatic closing appliances (e.g., float balls/discs are free and seating faces are intact). Ensure ventilator coaming dampers close tightly and their operating levers move freely.
Scuppers, Inlets, and Overboard Discharges: Inspect the mechanical linkages and securing arrangements of all overboard discharge non-return valves to prevent water back-flow into hull spaces.
Side Scuttles, Windows, and Deadlights: Check that all glass ports below the freeboard deck are structurally sound and that internal heavy deadlights can be screwed down securely.
Freeing Ports: Ensure that freeing port flaps on bulwarks swing wide open on their hinges to rapidly clear green water from the decks. They must never be locked down or obstructed.
Draft Marks & Load Line Plimsoll Disc: Clean, repaint, and clearly mark the draft lines on the bow, stern, and the official Plimsoll load line markings amidships on both sides of the hull.