Nautical Term: DOP
Definition of DOP
Dropping Outward Pilot is a nautical term used to describe the act of releasing an outward pilot from a vessel. An outward pilot is a small buoyant object equipped with a light or reflector to help guide a vessel when navigating in a confined area or when visibility is poor.
For instance, when a large container ship enters a narrow and shallow harbor, it may be required to use an outward pilot to help guide the ship safely into the harbor. Once the ship has navigated the confined area and has entered deeper waters, the outward pilot can be released, or ‘dropped,’ back into the water.
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