The Backbone and the Body: Understanding the Keel and Hull

Focus: Structural Anatomy Target Audience: Engineering students and maritime hobbyists.

• The Hook: A ship is more than just a floating box; it is a marvel of structural engineering held together by a "spine."

• Key Parts to Feature:

  • The Keel: Explain why it’s called the "backbone" and how it provides the center-point for all other structural members.

  • The Hull: Break down the "visible" shell vs. the "invisible" internal frames and girders.

  • Double Bottom: Discuss this critical safety feature that protects the ship from sinking during a grounding.

• The Takeaway: Without a perfectly engineered keel, a ship would have no stability or strength to survive the open ocean.