A vessel is loaded to her summer marks for a voyage from Montreal, Canada to Duluth, MN via the Great Lakes System. The voyage has been estimated to take nine (9) days. If the vessel departs Montreal on September 28th, which of the following statements is TRUE?

Correct Answer: Option D — The vessel's intermediate load line marks may not be submerged after September 30.

Great Lakes load line regulations, per 46 CFR Part 45, mandate seasonal draft restrictions. The intermediate load line marks are specific to the transition periods between summer and winter seasons. After September 30, the vessel is restricted to the intermediate marks to account for increased weather risks in the Great Lakes.