Which of the following terms refers to the height of a ship's hull above the waterline?

The height of a ship's hull above the waterline is referred to as freeboard. Freeboard is a crucial measurement in maritime safety and design, as it indicates the distance from the water surface to the upper deck or gunwale of the ship. This measurement helps ensure that a vessel has sufficient reserve buoyancy to remain above the water and avoid taking on water, especially in rough seas.

Understanding freeboard is important for recognizing how vulnerable a vessel is to flooding and the overall stability of the ship in various sea conditions. A higher freeboard generally means that a ship is less likely to be affected by waves washing aboard and can lead to improved safety while navigating.

In contrast, draft is the vertical distance from the waterline to the bottom of the hull (keel) and is concerned with how deep the ship sits in the water. Gunwale refers to the upper edge of a ship's side, while windlass is a type of mechanical device used for raising and lowering anchors or adjusting the tension of mooring lines. Each of these terms relates to the functionality and structure of a vessel, but they do not define the height of the hull above the waterline like freeboard does.