Where must the draft marks be placed on a small passenger vessel?

Where must the draft marks be placed on a small passenger vessel?

• A. Forward and aft
• B. At each end
• C. Amidships
• D. Port side

Answer: (B)

Draft marks show how deep the hull sits in the water and are read to ensure you have enough underkeel clearance in varying loading conditions. For a small passenger vessel, these marks belong at the forward end (the bow) and at the aft end (the stern). Placing them at each end gives you reliable reference points to read the draft from either end, which is important because weight distribution and trim can shift the waterline along the hull. If marks were placed only amidships or on just one side, changes in loading could make a single reading misleading and increase the risk of grounding in shallow water. By having marks at each end, you can accurately assess the vessel’s draft in practical loading scenarios and maintain safe operation.

Draft marks show how deep the hull sits in the water and are read to ensure you have enough underkeel clearance in varying loading conditions. For a small passenger vessel, these marks belong at the forward end (the bow) and at the aft end (the stern). Placing them at each end gives you reliable reference points to read the draft from either end, which is important because weight distribution and trim can shift the waterline along the hull. If marks were placed only amidships or on just one side, changes in loading could make a single reading misleading and increase the risk of grounding in shallow water. By having marks at each end, you can accurately assess the vessel’s draft in practical loading scenarios and maintain safe operation.