freeboard

[ free-bawrd, -bohrd ]

noun

1. Nautical.
   1. the distance between the level of the water and the upper surface of the freeboard deck amidships at the side of a hull: regulated by the agencies of various countries according to the construction of the hull, the type of cargo carried, the area of the world in which it sails, the type of water, and the season of the year. Compare load line.
   2. (on a cargo vessel) the distance between the uppermost deck considered fully watertight and the official load line.
   3. the portion of the side of a hull that is above the water.
2. Civil Engineering. the height of the watertight portion of a building or other construction above a given level of water in a river, lake, etc.

freeboard

/ ˈfriːˌbɔːd /

noun

1. the space or distance between the deck of a vessel and the waterline

Word History and Origins

Origin of freeboard¹

1670–80; free + board; translation of French franc bord

Example Sentences

"Majority of the incidents involved bulk carriers, and tugs and barges with low freeboard and slow speed while underway, and the incidents occurred in hours of darkness," it said.

From Reuters

By creating about 25 feet of “freeboard” between the water surface and the top of the dam, the measures reduced the chance of an overflow.

From Washington Post

Smoke can be seen billowing out of the ship, with a section of the freeboard heavily damaged.

From BBC

Holes are also visible in other parts of the freeboard in one picture, suggesting the warship had taken in a substantial amount of water.

From BBC

Among other things, the boats’ metal frame and heavy chassis and transmission combined with the lack of reserve buoyancy means they sink quickly, and their low freeboard means passengers have little time to escape in an emergency.

From Washington Times