Plimsolllinjen

Plimsolllinjen, also known as the Plimsoll Line or the safe loading line, is a marking on a ship's hull that indicates the maximum safe draft, and therefore the maximum permissible loading of a vessel. The line is named after Samuel Plimsoll, a British politician and social reformer who advocated for safer shipping practices in the 19th century.

The Plimsolllinjen is typically painted on the side of a ship's hull and consists of a series of horizontal lines along with the ship's name and other markings. These lines correspond to different water types, such as freshwater, seawater, and ballast water, reflecting varying densities that influence how deeply a vessel can safely sit in the water. The main load line, usually a prominent marking, indicates the maximum allowable draft when the ship is fully loaded under standard conditions.

The placement of the Plimsolllinjen is regulated by international conventions, most notably the International Convention on Load Lines, established in 1966. This regulation helps ensure maritime safety by preventing overloading, which can compromise a ship's stability and buoyancy. The load line is typically checked during ship surveys and must be visible and legible at all times.

Historically, the introduction of the Plimsolllinjen improved shipping safety by providing a clear visual guide for cargo loading. It remains a critical aspect of maritime safety standards and vessel design, aiding ship crews and authorities in maintaining safe operational limits during voyages across varying water conditions.