Which draft mark type is used to indicate reserve buoyancy limits?

• A. Calculative
• B. Limiting
• C. Navigational
• D. Plimsoll

Answer: (B)

Draft marks show how deeply the ship sits in the water and, importantly, how much reserve buoyancy remains. The limiting draft mark is the one that indicates the maximum allowable draft to ensure there is enough intact hull volume to provide buoyancy if part of the ship is damaged. Staying above this mark helps prevent sinking if flooding occurs.

Plimsoll marks are the general load-line indicators used for legal loading in different water conditions, not specifically about reserve buoyancy limits. The other terms don’t correspond to standard draft mark types used for signaling reserve buoyancy.