Which term is used in navigation to describe depth measurements that are typically referred to as soundings?

• A. Depth (Soundings)
• B. Draft
• C. Waterline
• D. Keel Height

Answer: (A)

Depth is the term used to describe what depth measurements measure in navigation. When mariners refer to the readings you see on charts as soundings, they are talking about how deep the water is from the surface to the seabed. Those values are labeled as depths on charts and are what you’d use to judge whether there’s enough depth for safe passage. The other terms describe different concepts: draft is how deep the vessel sits in the water and determines clearance under the keel, the waterline is the hull’s level at the water surface, and keel height isn’t a standard navigational term.