(a) For ships less than 350 feet in length (L), the freeboard coefficient is P1 in the formula:
P1=P + A[(L/D)-(L/Ds)]
where P is a factor, which is a function of the length from table 1 and “A” is a coefficient, which is a function of length (L), from table 2; L/D is the ratio of the length (L) to the depth for freeboard (D); L/Ds is the ratio of the length (L) to a standard depth (Ds) from table 3.
D is not to be used as less than that which will give a ration of L to D that is:
(a) More than 15 when L = 400 feet or less, or
(b) More than 21 when L = 700 feet or more, with the ratio for intermediate lengths being calculated proportionately.
(b) For ships 350 feet or more in length (L), the coefficient “A” is zero and the formula is:
P1=P
where P is a factor, which is a function of length from table (1).
source: CGD 73-49R, 38 FR 12290, May 10, 1973, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 46 CFR 45.55