Draught

Definition: In maritime terms, "draught" (also spelled "draft") refers to the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of a ship's hull (keel). It is a critical measurement that indicates how deep a vessel sits in the water.

Importance: The draught of a ship is a vital factor in determining its ability to navigate through various water depths. It affects the ship's stability, speed, and fuel efficiency. A deeper draught means the ship requires deeper waters to operate safely, which can limit its access to certain ports and waterways.

Factors Influencing Draught: Several factors can influence a ship's draught, including the ship's load, the distribution of cargo, fuel, and ballast water. Changes in these factors can alter the draught, affecting the ship's performance and safety.

Relevance to Sailors: Understanding a vessel's draught is crucial for sailors to ensure safe navigation. It helps in planning routes that avoid shallow waters and in making informed decisions about loading and unloading cargo. Additionally, knowledge of draught is essential for compliance with maritime regulations and for optimizing the ship's operational efficiency.

Related Terms:

• Freeboard: The distance from the waterline to the upper deck level, measured at the lowest point where water can enter the boat.
• Displacement: The weight of the water displaced by the ship's hull, which is directly related to the draught.
• Keel: The central structural base of a ship, running along the bottom from front to back, which affects the draught.