Every machine needs repairing, maintenance and constant upkeep for smooth functioning. Dry Docking is that the process followed for the periodic repair and maintenance of ships, boats and watercrafts.
Dry docking may be a term used for repairs or when a ship is taken to the service yard. During dry docking, the entire ship is delivered to a land in order that the submerged portions of the hull are often cleaned or inspected.
It is a process of manufacturing, repair and maintenance of ships in an area known as the ‘lock’. In simple words, a lock is sort of a ‘garage’ for repairing ships. The only difference being, a lock is constructed aligning the shore for easy movement of the ship and sea water drainage.
The main purpose of a Dry Dock is to expose the underwater parts for inspection, repair and maintenance. The ship to be repaired is hence moved into the lock and therefore the gates are sealed post which all the ocean water accumulated within the vessel is drained for better inspection and repairs. shipping and logistics courses in India provide best career updates.
Types of Dry Dock
There are about 5 different types of Dry Docking. Among which the following are the most common:
- Graving/Excavated Dock- The graving or excavated dock is constructed on the land near the sea shore using concrete to build walls, blocks and gates. In this technique, the ship is moved inside the dock and rested on the blocks post which the gates are closed and water is released from the ship.
- Floating Dock– Floating docks are specifically used to repair vessels that have met with accidents or broken down in the middle of the sea. A U shaped structure called pontoons are wont to salvage ships from mid sea. These U shaped structures are crammed with water, which makes the dock go under water helping the ship to sail. Once the ship is secured and delivered to the repair area, the water is released, making the dock to get up and exposing the parts of ship that are otherwise underwater.
Dry Docking is important to look at and proper mechanical defects within the vessel in its original, dry form for better results and effective functioning. Basically to wash, scrub and prepare the ship by de-scaling all rusted areas of the hull, and eventually paint the ship’s hull in order that speed and fuel consumption are restored to its original.
