Plimsoll Day

Plimsoll Day is an annual American holiday dedicated to Plimsoll lines. This development significantly improved ship safety during navigation, ensuring that ships do not sink due to overloading. The holiday is annually on February 10th.

History

The appearance of Plimsoll lines was preceded by numerous ship sinkings caused by overloading or improper loading. In the latter case, cargo would shift to one side, leading to a severe list and subsequent capsizing.

The Englishman Samuel Plimsoll decided to address these issues. A politician and an advocate for social reforms, Plimsoll began transporting coal by ship in 1853. However, he lost a significant amount of money when a ship sank. This experience led him to study the problem, and by the late 19th century, he proposed shipping reforms. These included the introduction of Plimsoll lines, which marked the maximum permissible immersion level of a ship in water.

Today, the use of the Plimsoll line makes cargo ship navigation much safer, reducing the number of capsizing and sinking incidents.

Interesting facts

• Today, the term “Plimsoll line” is rarely used. Instead, it is commonly referred to as the “waterline.”
• The marks on the sides of the ship correspond to both freshwater and seawater. Due to the difference in the densities of these two types of water, the submersion level of the vessel will differ.

How to celebrate

Learn more about Plimsoll lines on Plimsoll Day. Read about the established standards for a ship’s submersion under various conditions. Share your new knowledge with friends and family.

Share information about the holiday on social media. Ask others if they are familiar with Plimsoll lines.

When is Plimsoll Day in 2025?

Plimsoll Day is observed on February 10 each year.

Observations