Class 4 (4th Engineer) SC&S 📅 Apr 2025

Exam Question

(a) What is 'freeboard of a Ship'? Why oil tankers have less freeboard?

(b) A box barge 25 m long and 4 m wide floats in fresh water at a draught of 1.2 m and has an empty mid length compartment 5 m long. The bottom of the barge is lined with teak (rd 0.805) 120 mm thick. After grounding all the teak is torn off and the centre compartment laid open to the sea. Calculate the final draught.

Reference Answer

### (a) Freeboard and its Application to Oil Tankers
#### Definition of Freeboard
Freeboard is the vertical distance measured from the waterline to the upper edge of the freeboard deck at the side of the ship, amidships. The 'freeboard deck' is normally the uppermost complete deck exposed to weather and sea, which has permanent means of closing all openings in the weather part thereof. Freeboard represents the **reserve buoyancy** of the vessel, which is a critical safety margin against flooding and ensures adequate stability.
#### Reasons for Lower Freeboard in Oil Tankers

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