Always Afloat or Safe Aground (AA/SA, AAOSA)

Always Afloat or Safe Aground is used to define acceptable operating conditions at a berth or port. It allows a vessel either to remain fully afloat or to rest on the seabed in a controlled and safe manner. When safe aground is permitted, the seabed must be suitable, even, and free of hazards that could damage the hull. The vessel must be able to ground and refloat without structural stress or risk. This condition is commonly found in ports with large tidal ranges or shallow berths. Operational planning considers vessel type, hull strength, cargo distribution, and tidal patterns. The term helps clarify risk allocation and berth suitability in charter parties. It provides flexibility while ensuring that any grounding occurs only under safe and predictable conditions.