A load line, also called Plimsoll mark,1 is a marking indicating the extent to which the weight of a load may safely submerge a ship, by way of a waterline limit. ... Ships intended for the carriage of timber deck cargo are assigned a smaller freeboard as the deck cargo provides protection against the impact of waves.
What means load line?
: the line on a ship indicating the depth to which it sinks in the water when properly loaded — see plimsoll mark illustration.
How load line is calculated?
A vessel's load line length is measured on a particular waterline, determined by its molded hull depth (the vertical dimension from the top of the keel to the underside of the freeboard deck at the vessel's side).
