Which term indicates the lateral distance between both sides of a vessel?

The term that indicates the lateral distance between both sides of a vessel is "beam." The beam of a ship refers to its width at the widest point, providing essential information about the vessel's stability and capacity. A wider beam generally contributes to greater stability when at sea, reducing the likelihood of the vessel rolling.

In contrast, the length refers to the measurement from the bow (front) to the stern (back) of the vessel, while draft pertains to how deep the vessel sits in the water, indicating how much of the ship is submerged. Height refers to vertical measurements, such as the distance from the waterline to the highest point on the vessel, usually measured to the top of a mast or superstructure. Understanding these dimensions is crucial for navigation, stability assessments, and overall vessel design and performance.