What does "Above-Water" Mean in the Context of a Ship?

Above-water refers to something that is visible or exposed, as opposed to being submerged or hidden underwater. In the context of a ship, it means that the ship's hull and superstructure are not submerged in water, but are instead floating on the surface.

For example, if a ship is grounded or stranded, it may be said to be "above-water" if its hull and superstructure are still visible above the waterline, even though the ship itself is not functioning properly. Similarly, if a ship is undergoing repairs or maintenance, workers may need to access the above-water parts of the ship to perform their tasks.

In general, the term "above-water" is used to describe anything that is visible or accessible from the surface, as opposed to being hidden or submerged below the waterline.