Ballast - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition ballast

Definition :

Ballast. Heavy matter, as water, sand, stone, or iron, carried in the bottom of a ship to increase its weight and prevent its being readily over-set, a vessel being said to be 'in ballast' when she sails without a cargo. For penalty for taking from shore of harbour, etc., see (English) Harbours Act, 1814 (54 Geo. 3, c. 15); and for penalty for throwing it into harbour or dock, (English) Harbours, Docks, and Piers Clauses Act, 1847 (10 & 11 Vict. c. 27), s. 73; and see (English) Weights and Measurers Act, 1936.