170.120—Stability letter.
        
        (a) 
         Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, each vessel must have a stability letter issued by the Coast Guard or the ABS before the vessel is placed into service. This letter sets forth conditions of operation.
    
    
        
        (b) 
         A stability letter is not required if the information can be placed on the Certificate of Inspection or the Load Line Certificate.
    
    [CGD 79-023, 48 FR 51010, Nov. 4, 1983, as amended by CGD 95-028, 62 FR 51217, Sept. 30, 1997]