Freeboard

Freeboard refers to the vertical distance between the waterline and the upper deck of a ship or boat. It is a critical measure for safety, indicating how much the vessel sits above the water. A higher freeboard generally means the ship is better protected from waves and water entering, reducing the risk of capsizing or flooding. In maritime regulations, minimum freeboard requirements are established to ensure that vessels are safe for navigation, particularly in rough seas. Essentially, freeboard helps determine how safe and seaworthy a ship is in relation to the water it travels on.