WHEN I submitted our application for US Coast Guard documentation, I also submitted an application for ‘simplified measurement’. This will allow us to take advantage of new USCG rules on the calculation of the Picaroon’s tonnage.
A vessel’s tonnage–not to be confused with it’s displacement, or weight–is a measure of it’s cargo capacity. Gross tonnage is the total volume of the vessel, whereas net tonnage is the volume of useable cargo space. The term derives from the number of tuns (casks) a boat could carry.
Between her original measurement and simplified measurement, the Picaroon has trimmed six off her gross tonnage and five off her net tonnage to 18 and 16 respectively.
It probably makes no difference, but if anyone charges for something by tonnage, it may save us a few simoleons.
