Draft marks on a small passenger vessel are located where?

Draft marks on a small passenger vessel are located where?

• A. On both ends
• B. On the bow and stern
• C. Along the waterline
• D. Near the propeller

Answer: (A)

Draft marks show how deep the hull sits in the water by indicating the depth from the keel to the waterline. On a small passenger vessel, they’re placed on both ends—at the bow and the stern—so you can read the draft accurately whether the vessel sits deeper forward or aft due to trim. This dual placement lets you quickly verify you’re within safe loading limits during fueling, loading, or shifting ballast, regardless of how the boat sits in the water. The marks are vertical indicators along the hull, not along the waterline, and they shouldn’t be placed near the propeller where readings could be obstructed or damaged.

Draft marks show how deep the hull sits in the water by indicating the depth from the keel to the waterline. On a small passenger vessel, they’re placed on both ends—at the bow and the stern—so you can read the draft accurately whether the vessel sits deeper forward or aft due to trim. This dual placement lets you quickly verify you’re within safe loading limits during fueling, loading, or shifting ballast, regardless of how the boat sits in the water. The marks are vertical indicators along the hull, not along the waterline, and they shouldn’t be placed near the propeller where readings could be obstructed or damaged.