Monitoring these numbers is critical for several operational reasons:
: Often use Arabic or sometimes Roman numerals. Each numeral is exactly 6 inches high, and the space between numerals is also 6 inches. The bottom of the numeral indicates the whole foot mark. numeral
: Usually indicate decimeters. Each numeral is 1 decimeter (10 cm) high, and the space between them is also 1 decimeter. Monitoring these numbers is critical for several operational
: Marks are painted or welded on both sides of the hull at the front (bow), back (stern), and middle (amidships). Why These Numerals Matter : Usually indicate decimeters
In nautical and maritime terms, refers to the vertical distance between a ship's waterline and the lowest point of its hull. Numerals are used as "draft marks" on the hull—typically at the bow, stern, and midships—to provide a visual indicator of how deep the vessel is sitting in the water . Understanding Draft Numerals
Draft marks can be expressed in either (feet) or metric (decimeters or meters) units: