A dock refers to an area of water between two piers or alongside a pier (a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles). It is used for recreational and commercial activities. Marina docks, boat docks and floating docks are among the different types of docks. Recreational types include swim floats and fishing piers. Other categories include marina and boat launch docks. The docks are made of either aluminum frames or wooden frames.
A maritime dock is a chamber like structure used for building or repairing ships. It is also available for boarding and off-loading commercial ships and ferries. A dockyard, the place that repairs and builds ships, includes one or more docks, with other structures. The structure where ships come to be serviced is known as a “dry dock’ that can be emptied of water allowing all parts of the boat to be maintained and repaired.
The process of dry-docking a ship starts with building supports, called “blocking,” that are concrete, steel or wooden posts. Conforming to the shape of the hull, the posts help to keep the ship upright while the water is drained from the dry dock. Tugboats, used to maneuver, help the ship to enter the dry dock.
Dry docks are usually free floating structures. Graving docks are types of dry docks that can be carved into the shoreline. Floating dry docks, prominent during World War II, were used to set up maintenance facilities in remote locations. Joining several of these docks together can accommodate long ships.
Docks have numerous disadvantages. Prominent among these are the harmful effects on the environment. The construction of a dock is not conducive to aquatic habitat. During its construction, marsh and underwater grasses may be trampled or displaced. This will result in altering critical habitats for marine life. Moreover, the construction diminishes important wetland functions such as flood storage, pollutant uptake, and erosion control.
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Marina Docks
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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The word “dock” usually refers to an area of water between two piers or alongside a pier, which is a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles. Docks are used for recreational and commercial purposes and are categorized by...
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Floating Docks
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Floating docks are platforms or ramps that can be submerged to permit the entry and docking of a ship. Floating docks are known as ‘pontoons’ in some regions of the world. A floating dock is connected to the shore with an inclined surface resting upon...
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Boat Docks
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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If a person has waterfront property, “boat docks” are a great addition. A boat dock, available in varying sizes and shapes, is a place to moor a boat and provides easy leisure access for swimming and fishing. There are aluminum docks, steel docks, floating docks...
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Dock Ladders
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Dock ladders are used on docks to transfer material or people from the boat to the dock. They consist of several straight, simple steps. A dock ladder needs to be permanently fixed to the docks that are wooden platforms, sea walls or stationary docks with...
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Floating Boat Lifts
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Floating boatlifts are one of the best and types of boatlifts. These specialized boatlifts are equipped to handle and protect almost all types of water craft including fishing boats, ski boats, pontoon boats, high performance boats or other large cruisers. Based on the building structure...
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A Guide to Water Trampolines
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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The Rave Aqua Jump was the world’s first floating trampoline, made in the USA. The water trampoline was a precursor to a variety to towables and other inflatable trampolines. Water trampolines have frames with springs that are supported on top of a large round inflatable...
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Boating Marinas
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Marinas are exclusive recreational facilities built to provide docking, loading and other provisions needed for water transport. Individuals as well as a group of people own them. They may be constructed in inland streams, lakes or other bodies of water. Boating marinas may be seasonal...
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Boat Lifts
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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When boaters purchase new boats, personal watercraft, and other prized boating possessions, they have made a significant financial investment that they want to maintain and protect. They want to make sure their purchases look in tip-top shape for maximum resale value. That’s where boatlifts play...
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Sailing Ship Models
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Sailing ship models are models of wind-powered ships. In olden times, before the advent of the steam engines, sailing ships were the primary means of transportation across long distances of water. Sailing ships were used for ferrying passengers, cargo, mail, supplies, etc. Some of the...
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Wooden Ship Models
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Wooden ship models are built-to-scale representations of modern or ancient sea-faring vessels. Traditionally, all types of ship models have been built of wood, though with the advent of plastic and sheet metal, these have been used for amateur kits. Of course, wooden models project grandeur...