The vertical distance from the bottom of the ship's keel to the waterline is known by what term?

The vertical distance from the bottom of the ship's keel to the waterline is termed "draft." This measurement is crucial in maritime operations as it directly impacts a vessel's stability and maneuverability. The draft indicates how deep the ship sits in the water, which is influenced by the ship's design, weight, and cargo. It is essential for ensuring that the vessel can operate safely in various water depths, avoiding grounding and ensuring compliance with maritime regulations.

Understanding draft is vital for navigation and port operations, as it informs decisions regarding loading, unloading, and transit in channels. The terms "freeboard," "beam," and "draught" refer to different aspects of vessel dimensions. Freeboard is the distance from the waterline to the main deck, measuring the reserve buoyancy of a ship. Beam refers to the widest part of the ship's hull. Draught is often used interchangeably with draft in casual conversation, but the technically correct term for the vertical distance from the keel to the waterline is draft.