🔍 Key Concepts

• Draft marks show how deeply the vessel is immersed in the water • Marks should be placed where the draft is most representative of the vessel’s overall condition (not affected too much by trim or curvature of the hull) • On small passenger vessels, regulations specify draft marks in relation to amidships vs. ends of the vessel

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: where along the length of the vessel is the hull shape usually straightest and least affected by the bow or stern curvature? • Which location would give the most accurate average draft when the vessel trims by the bow or stern? • Consider which option matches common regulatory language used for small passenger vessels about draft marks.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify in 46 CFR for small passenger vessels how draft marks are described in relation to the ship’s length (bow, stern, or amidships) • Check which locations (stem, stern post, amidships) are most affected by trim and therefore less ideal for accurate draft readings • Confirm that marks must be readable from both sides in normal operating conditions