What is the highest line on a load line tree?

The highest line on a load line tree is referred to as the Tropical Fresh (TF) line. This line marks the maximum allowable draft of a vessel when it is in tropical freshwater conditions, which tend to be less dense than saltwater. The Tropical Fresh line is situated above the other lines because freshwater is less buoyant, allowing for a deeper draft without compromising the vessel's safety or stability in those specific conditions.

Understanding the load line tree is crucial as it helps maintain the safety and seaworthiness of vessels by indicating how much cargo can be safely carried under different water conditions. Each line reflects a different regulatory requirement based on water density and temperature, with the Tropical Fresh line having the highest allowance due to the lighter weight of freshwater compared to saltwater.