Nautical Term: Air draught

Definition of Air draught

Air draught, also known as the vessel’s height above the waterline, refers to the vertical measurement from the summer waterline to the highest point on the ship. This point is usually the top of a mast.

For example, when planning a voyage for a container ship, the captain must consider the air draught to ensure the ship will be able to navigate through the waterways and ports, while also avoiding any obstacles, such as low bridges or shallows, that may pose a risk to the ship.

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