Definition

The vertical distance, at any section of a vessel from the surface of the water to the bottom of the keel. When measured at or near the bow, it is referred to as draft forward and when measured at or near the stern as draft aft. The mean draft is the mean of the drafts forward and aft. These drafts are more specifically described as displacement drafts as opposed to navigational drafts which are measured to the lowest appendage to the hull as opposed to the keel.