Always Afloat (AA)

Always Afloat is a rule in shipping that means a ship must stay floating on water and never sit on the seabed. This concept is important for safety, as grounding a vessel can cause damage and operational delays. It is considered in planning where the ship will dock, ensuring the berth has enough depth. Crew and port operators check the ship’s draft—the part of the hull under water—before loading or unloading cargo. Tides are also monitored, so ships move only when there is enough water to keep them afloat. The rule affects how much cargo a ship can carry, because too much weight might lower it into shallow water. Pilots and port authorities coordinate to make sure ships follow Always Afloat regulations. It is included in many shipping contracts to make responsibilities clear between charterers and vessel owners.