Coastal Knowledge
Reading a Load Line: Why a Ship Has More Than One Loading Mark
Understand why load-line markings vary with conditions and what a photograph of a ship’s side can—and cannot—establish.
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Sailing language, quiet harbours and the things you notice when you slow down. An almanac for curious minds, afloat and ashore.
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Coastal Knowledge
Gross Tonnage Measures Enclosed Volume, Not a Ship’s Weight
Read gross tonnage as a volume-based measure and keep it separate from displacement, cargo weight and carrying capacity.
Coastal Knowledge
An Empty AIS Screen Does Not Mean an Empty Sea
Understand what AIS can leave out, distinguish a transmitted report from a complete traffic picture, and prepare useful questions for a sailing instructor.
Afloat & Ashore
A Harbour Noticeboard Makes a Useful Record of Shore Life
A harbour noticeboard can reveal the everyday organisation behind an attractive waterfront: meetings, services, temporary changes and local events.…