Answer
A. It is a specific loadline/Waterline marked on the ship’s side that indicates maximum permissible draft to
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ensure the reqd. degree of subdivision for passenger ships.
This is assigned based on ‘Damage Stability and subdivision requirements’ which are meant to ensure that the
ship can survive flooding damage without sinking beyond a safe waterline
- It indicates that the max. depth to which the ship can be loaded, considering its ability to remain afloat &
stable after flooding due to hull damage.
- Subdivisn Categories
a.C1 – no subdivision required – in this, some ships mainly smaller or specialized vessels, are not reqd. to have subdivision of any compartment, means ship must remain stable & afloat without any damage. The integrity of the hull must remain/still be maintained. E.g. small vessels, river ferries
b.C2 – One compartment subdivision – Ships that are reqd. to survive flooding of only 1 compartment. c.C3 – two compartment subdivision – Ship must survive flooding of 2 adjacent watertight compartment.Such ships have multiple subdivision Loadlines marking different permissible loading drafts based on varying floong scenarios. This is for passenger ships & larger vessels with higher safety standards.