You are reading the draft marks as shown in illustration D032DG. The top 2 inches of the 9 forward is visible above the water level, and the water level is four inches below the 10 aft. What is the mean draft?

Correct Answer: Option B — 9'-06"

Determining mean draft involves averaging the forward and aft draft readings. With the forward draft indicating 2 inches visible above the 9-foot mark (9'02") and the aft draft indicating 4 inches below the 10-foot mark (9'08"), the mathematical mean calculates to 9 feet 6 inches.