Section 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 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; USCG-2007-0030, 75 FR 78084 , Dec. 14, 2010