What is the standard freeboard depth for a ship under the Rules?

The standard freeboard depth for a ship, as defined under international maritime regulations, is based on an established formula that takes into account the length of the ship. The specified ratio of L/15 dictates that the freeboard is set to 1/15th of the ship's overall length (L), which provides a balance between safety and practicality.

The rationale for a freeboard depth of L/15 is fundamentally tied to the ship's stability and safety when navigating through various sea conditions. A sufficient freeboard allows for the retention of seawater on deck, reducing the risk of flooding and maintaining buoyancy. It also helps to mitigate the effects of waves and rough weather, ensuring that the vessel remains upright and seaworthy.

Maintaining a freeboard per the L/15 requirement enables vessels to comply with safety standards and ensures they can operate across a range of maritime environments without undue risk. Therefore, this standard directly contributes to the vessel's seaworthiness and, by extension, the safety of the crew and cargo.