Exam Question

### (a) Freeboard and its Application to Oil Tankers
#### 1. Definition of Freeboard
Freeboard is the vertical distance measured downwards from the upper edge of the statutory deck line to the upper edge of the relevant load line, measured at the ship's side amidships. It represents the height of the ship's side above the waterline. The deck line is a horizontal line 300mm in length and 25mm in breadth which is marked amidships on each side of the ship. Its upper edge normally passes through the point where the continuation outwards of the upper surface of the freeboard deck intersects the outer surface of the shell plating.
Fundamentally, freeboard is a direct measure of the ship's **Reserve Buoyancy**. Reserve buoyancy is the volume of the enclosed and watertight part of the ship above the waterline, which is crucial for the vessel's safety and seaworthiness. It ensures the ship can withstand flooding in damaged conditions and provides the necessary lift to rise over waves, preventing the deck from being constantly swamped (known as 'shipping green seas').