graphical representation of the dimensions used to describe a ship.

The term "freeboard" has multiple meanings, depending on the subject area.

In sailing and boating, freeboard^[1] means the distance from the waterline to the upper deck level, measured at the lowest point where water can enter the boat or ship. Sailing is the art of controlling a Sailing vessel. By changing the Rigging, Rudder and dagger or centre board a Sailor manages the force Boating, the leisurely activity of traveling by Boat typically refers to the Recreational use of boats whether Power boats sail boats, or Waterline refers to an imaginary line marking the level at which Ship or Boat floats in the Water. A deck is a permanent covering over a compartment or a hull of a Ship. A boat is a Watercraft of modest size designed to float or plane on water and provide transport over it A ship /ʃɪp/ is a large vessel that floats on water Ships are generally distinguished from Boats based on size

In yachts, a low freeboard is often found on racing boats, for weight reduction and therefore increased speed. A higher freeboard will give more room in the cabin, but will increase weight and may compromise speed. A cabin or berthing is an enclosed room generally on a Ship or an Aircraft. A higher freeboard also helps weather waves and reduce the likelihood of green seas on the weather deck. A low freeboard boat is susceptible to swamping in rough seas. Freighter ships and warships use high-freeboard designs to increase internal volume and also allowing them to satisfy IMO damage stability regulations due to increased reserved buoyancy. A warship is a Ship that is built and primarily intended for Combat.

There are other various meanings of freeboard:

• Freeboard is also used to describe the height of an ice floe above the water surface. Sea ice is formed from Ocean water that freezes Because the Oceans consist of Saltwater, this occurs at about -1 Freeboard does not include the potential snow coverage on the ice floe.
• Freeboard in water channel design is the distance from the water level to the top of the channel's sides.

Notes

References

• Hayler, William B. ; Keever, John M. (2003). American Merchant Seaman's Manual. Cornell Maritime Pr. ISBN 0-87033-549-9.  
• Turpin, Edward A. ; McEwen, William A. (1980). Merchant Marine Officers' Handbook, 4th, Centreville, MD: Cornell Maritime Press. ISBN 0-87038-056-X.