Nautical Term: DRAFT (DRAUGHT) (of a vessel)
Definition of DRAFT (DRAUGHT) (of a vessel)
The draft, also referred to as the draught, represents the depth of a vessel below the waterline. This measurement is taken vertically to the lowest part of the hull, which may include the propellers or other reference points.
For example: The container ship, S.S. Freight Star, weighs 10,000 tons fully loaded and has a draft of 22 feet when in a fully loaded condition. When the vessel enters a port with shallower waters, the crew will unload some of the cargo to reduce the draft and enable the vessel to safely navigate the shallower waters of the port.
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