load lines
Ship capacity indicators
Load lines are markings on a ship's hull indicating the maximum depth to which the vessel may safely be submerged when loaded with cargo.
Different lines account for varying water conditions—fresh water, salt water, tropical waters, winter seas—since buoyancy changes with water density and weather affects safe loading limits.
Also called Plimsoll lines after the British reformer who championed their adoption.
- waterlineLevel water reaches
- plimsollLightweight canvas sports shoe
- freeboardHull above water level
- draftPreliminary version of text
- markVisible impression or sign
below the waterline · hulls · maritime safety · watermarks · deadweight tonnage · heavy cargo · buoyancy · displacement · ballast · bilges · cargo vessels · deck · dry dock · hull integrity · tanker · cargo · vessel · freighter