Your vessel is loading in Liverpool in November. What loadline marks apply and what is the significance of the Tropical Freshwater mark?

A. LOADLINE MARKS — SEASONAL ZONES: International Load Line Convention (1966, amended 1988): the load line certificate specifies maximum permitted draughts in different seasonal zones. UK/NORTH SEA — SEASONAL ZONES: (1) WINTER NORTH ATLANTIC (WNA): applies October to April north of 36°N in the North Atlantic. This is the most restrictive (shallowest freeboard) due to severe weather risk. Vessels sailing the North Atlantic in winter (including Liverpool in November) must meet the WNA mark — minimum freeboard; (2) WINTER (W): intermediate zone — applies during winter season in temperate waters; (3) SUMMER (S): normal summer loading — the baseline Plimsoll Line position; (4) TROPICAL (T): maximum loading in tropical waters where sea conditions are calmer — less freeboard required; (5) FRESH WATER (F): in fresh water (harbours, rivers) the vessel floats higher than in salt water (lower density). The F mark allows slightly deeper draught in fresh water — when the vessel moves to sea (salt water) it rises to the S mark; (6) TROPICAL FRESH WATER (TF): combination — tropical zone AND fresh water. FOR LIVERPOOL IN NOVEMBER: Winter zone applies — the vessel must comply with the WINTER mark. The WNA applies if sailing the North Atlantic. The TFW mark is irrelevant for a November North Atlantic departure from Liverpool.

B. The Summer loadline mark applies year-round in UK waters. Seasonal zones only apply in the tropics — UK waters are classified as a temperate zone with no seasonal variation.

C. The Tropical Freshwater mark applies when loading freshwater cargo. It does not relate to zone or season — it is a cargo-specific mark for vessels carrying fresh water.

D. In November, the WNA mark does not apply to ships over 100m in length. Larger vessels are only subject to the Winter (W) mark regardless of season.