Floating Docks

The following video clip shows the launch of a floating dock. 

A floating dock is constructed of steel and consists of a large docking/work area and buoyancy chambers that can be filled or emptied by pumping water in or out. Similar to preparing the land based dock, the floating dock is left buoyant with the working surface above water.

Keel blocks are positioned on the deck area and when all is ready, water is pumped or flooded into the chambers and the dock slowly submerges into the water to a pre-set depth. When there is sufficient clearance, the ship is maneuvered/winched/tugged into position over the top of the blocks and secured to the portion of the dock above water so that it will not move. The water is then pumped out of the buoyancy chambers and as the dock rises in the water, the ship will make contact with the keel blocks and rise with it. As noted previously, these are very versatile platforms and they can be towed to remote locations as opposed to a land-based dock that is stationary.

Both dry and floating docks are constructed with large flat work areas that both support the vessel, and provide a worksite for the jobs to be completed. The type of work done could include blasting and repainting the bottom, working on the rudder/propeller/ A-brackets, replacing damaged shell plate, cleaning inlets and outlets, or opening up the ships side to replace, repair or upgrade large internal equipment such as diesels, pumps, or main engine components. While the ship is in dock, it is an excellent time to 'range' (uncoil) the anchor chain out on the bottom of the dock, measure and record wear, and then repaint or replace as necessary. This down-time also provides a good opportunity to replace such things as radars or other upper deck equipment while the ship is in dock with a dedicated, high lift maintenance crane.