Which statement correctly distinguishes LOA and Airdraft?

• A. LOA measures length from bow to stern; Airdraft measures distance from waterline to top of ship
• B. LOA measures width; Airdraft measures height
• C. LOA measures hull depth; Airdraft measures draft
• D. LOA measures cargo hold volume; Airdraft measures engine power

Answer: (A)

LOA and Airdraft describe two different size aspects of a vessel. LOA, or length overall, is the total horizontal length from the foremost point of the bow to the aftermost point of the stern. Airdraft is the vertical distance from the waterline up to the ship’s highest point above the water, such as a mast or superstructure. This distinction is crucial for practical limits like docking, canal transits, or bridge clearances.

So the description that LOA measures length from bow to stern and Airdraft measures height from the waterline to the top of the ship is the correct one. The other options mix up what LOA or Airdraft measure: width, hull depth, draft, cargo hold volume, or engine power are not what these two terms define.