What does the term "breadth" refer to in nautical terms?

In nautical terms, "breadth" refers specifically to the widest part of the vessel, often termed as the "greatest breadth." This measurement is crucial for various maritime operations, including navigation, docking, and stability assessments. Knowing the breadth assists in understanding how a ship will maneuver in narrow channels and its capacity for holding cargo, impacting stability and performance.

While length refers to another vital dimension of a vessel, broad measurements like draft determine how deep a vessel sits in water and total area pertains more to surface measurements rather than vessel dimensions directly. Therefore, recognizing "breadth" as the greatest width of the vessel is essential for accurate maritime practices and compliance with international regulations.