The vertical distance on a ship measured from the water level to the lowest point where water could enter the hull.
From 'free' (unobstructed) + 'board' (the side of a ship). A nautical term that emerged as ships became more standardized and maritime safety regulations developed.
Freeboard is critical to ship safety—too little freeboard means waves can wash over the deck, which is why ships are marked with 'Plimsoll lines' that show how heavily they can be loaded before losing safe freeboard.
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