🔍 Key Concepts
• Load Line Zones and Seasonal Marks (tropical, summer, winter) and how they limit draft on different parts of a voyage
• Freshwater allowance and how to adjust draft when loading in water that is not full saltwater, using hydrometer readings (e.g., 1.000, 1.005, 1.025)
• The rule that the vessel must be loaded so she is compliant with the most restrictive load line expected on any part of the voyage
💭 Think About
• Think about which part of the voyage gives you the smallest legal draft: the starting port (tropical) or the destination/route (winter)
• How does a hydrometer reading of 1.005 compare to pure freshwater (1.000) and seawater (about 1.025)? How much of the 5-inch freshwater allowance can you actually use in this brackish water?
• When you plan loading, do you only care about marks at departure, or do you have to remain compliant for every zone and season you will pass through?
✅ Before You Answer
• Identify which mark (tropical, summer, or winter) will apply on any leg of the voyage, and which is the most limiting draft
• Calculate how much of the 5-inch freshwater allowance you can legitimately apply given a specific gravity of 1.005 (brackish, not true freshwater)
• Check which option correctly reflects the idea that you must be legal at all points of the voyage, not just at departure or arrival.