Question 2387 Deck General

The correct answer is B) the American Bureau of Shipping. The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) is the organization responsible for assigning load lines for U.S. vessels. The International Convention on Load Lines, to which the U.S. is a signatory, grants ABS the authority to establish and enforce load line requirements for U.S. flag vessels. The other options are incorrect because the National Cargo Bureau (A) and Lloyd's Register of Shipping (C) do not have the legal authority to assign load lines for U.S. vessels, and the U.S. Coast Guard (D) oversees the load line program but does not directly assign the load lines itself.