What is the navigational draft when the alarm is set to 6 feet?

The navigational draft is the depth of water a vessel requires to float without running aground. When the alarm is set to a specific depth, such as 6 feet, it typically indicates the shallowest acceptable depth for safe navigation. This does not refer to the vessel's actual draft in feet but rather the water depth needed to ensure that the vessel remains afloat without risk of grounding.

Given this context, if the alarm is set to 6 feet, one would generally consider a margin above this depth for safety and operational efficacy. The answer of 8 feet represents the navigational draft that would provide a cushion above the 6-foot alarm setting. This extra depth is crucial for navigating in areas where the bottom can vary and ensures that the vessel remains safely afloat while allowing for any potential changes in water levels.

When navigating, particularly in shallow waters, it is essential to account for both the vessel's draft and the environmental conditions such as tide changes. Therefore, setting the navigational draft at 8 feet when the alarm is set to 6 feet encompasses a safe operational practice, ensuring that the vessel can navigate without the risk of grounding, even in fluctuating conditions.