Exam Question
(a) State the reasons for the freeboard requirement.
(6)
(b) Explain the term condition of assignment and explain how these are maintained for a ship.
(5)
(c) What is the difference between a Type "A" and a Type "B" ship.
(5)
Class 2 (2nd Engineer)
SC&S
📅 Feb 2026
Reference Answer
### (a) Reasons for the Freeboard Requirement (6 Marks)
Freeboard is the vertical distance measured from the waterline to the upper edge of the freeboard deck (or deck line) at the ship's side. The requirement for a minimum freeboard is mandated by the International Convention on Load Lines (ICLL) 1966/1988 Protocol. The primary reasons are fundamental to ship safety, stability, and structural integrity.
1. **To Provide Adequate Reserve Buoyancy:**
* Reserve buoyancy is the volume of the enclosed and watertight part of the ship above the waterline. It represents the ship's ability to survive flooding or the addition of weight.
Freeboard is the vertical distance measured from the waterline to the upper edge of the freeboard deck (or deck line) at the ship's side. The requirement for a minimum freeboard is mandated by the International Convention on Load Lines (ICLL) 1966/1988 Protocol. The primary reasons are fundamental to ship safety, stability, and structural integrity.
1. **To Provide Adequate Reserve Buoyancy:**
* Reserve buoyancy is the volume of the enclosed and watertight part of the ship above the waterline. It represents the ship's ability to survive flooding or the addition of weight.
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