Nautical Term: Reserve buoyancy
Definition of Reserve buoyancy
The total watertight volume of a ship or boat that exists above the waterline. This volume, also known as reserve buoyancy, ensures that a vessel can maintain its stability and buoyancy even when it is damaged or taking on water.
For example, during a storm, large waves could crash against a ship’s side, potentially causing water to enter through cracks or seams in the hull. However, if the ship has sufficient reserve buoyancy, it can help to prevent the water from entering the vessel in large quantities, thus preserving the stability and safety of the ship.
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