Nautical Term: Dry dock
Definition of Dry dock
(1) A large basin equipped with a sealing caisson, used for the repair and maintenance of vessels while they are out of the water. (2) A general term encompassing basin dry docks, floating docks, and lift platforms. All of these structures serve the crucial function of enabling the maintenance and repair of vessels.
For example, imagine a busy commercial port. To keep the fleet of vessels in top condition, the port’s maintenance facility utilizes a dry dock. When a ship arrives for maintenance, it is carefully maneuvered into the dry dock. The water is then drained out, leaving the ship resting on solid ground. The ship’s maintenance crew can now safely access all areas of the ship, allowing them to perform any necessary repairs and maintenance. Once the work is complete, the ship is flooded with water once again, and it is ready to resume its role in the port’s bustling commercial operations.
Explore other nautical terms:
