Code of Federal Regulations Title 46. Shipping § 46.108.661 Unit markings:  Draft marks

(a) Each unit must have draft marks for each foot of immersion—

(b) The bottom of each mark must be at the draft indicated by that mark.

(c) Each mark must be—

(d) For the purposes of this section, “draft” means the distance from the bottom of the keel or the lowest shell plate on the outer surface of the unit to the surface of the water, except that where a unit has a permanent appendage extending below the bottom of the keel, “draft” means the distance from the lowest part of the appendage to the surface of the water.

(e) In cases where draft marks are obscured due to operational constraints or by protrusions, the vessel must be fitted with a reliable draft indicating system from which the draft can be determined.