WDD012

Bridge and Engineering systems for

Deck Officers
Dry docking
Captain’s responsibilities at Drydock
A word of warning:-
• ‘Subcontractors were contracted to build scaffolding around the stern
and propeller blades in order to gain access to the stern tube seal.
• At the same time, a second technician was contracted to carry out
repairs and adjustments to the main engine controls in the engine
room. To carry out this work, the technician required the turning gear
to be rotated manually. As this was done, the propeller shaft turned,
rotating the propellers, which knocked down the scaffolding. One of
the contractors was killed by falling from the scaffolding.’
• The master and chief engineer were accused of negligence and
ordered to attend a criminal court. They were given a prison
sentence, although this was overturned on appeal.
Preparing for a drydocking
1)In the preceding months Work requests are filled in and sent to the Office.

2) Informed where you are going, ensure you have up to date Charts

3)Drawings required by the Shipyard, Dock Plan, Shell Expansion Plan, General Arrangement, Fire and Safety Plan,
Tank Plan, Capacity Plan.

4) Arrival at Dock, ship in upright position with requested trim and adequate stability(GM). Full set of tank soundings
and location of any unusually heavy weights.

5)Engine room staff conversant with changeover to Shore Power, spares and special tools all identified and ready.

6) Most dangerous time is between the stern frame landing on the blocks and the forward end landing on the blocks
as the transverse stability is being reduced. When the keel is fully on the blocks the ship has no stability.

7) Keep good records of movements, time on the blocks and time “High and Dry”

8) Ship on shore power, Fire main pressurised from shore supply, cooling water connected if required, access to shore
available fore and aft, communications established for emergency purposes.
Dock Bottom Inspection.

1) Surveyor, Technical Superintendent, Captain, Chief Engineer and Shipyard Project Manager,

2) Start Check rudder visually and open drain plug

3) Propeller. Look for tip damage, cavitation, root cracks and if CPP look for leaking seals

4) Stern tube seal. Look for signs of leakage

5) Walking forward down Starboard side, Inspect sea chests. Note any fouling on vertical sides

6) Walking forward look at flat bottom and look at Bilge Keel

7) At forward end inspect flat bottom for pounding damage, 0.25L

8) At the bow look up for any sign of panting damage

9) Continue back down Port side inspecting same.

10) Assess condition of paint and anodes

Refloating, flooding the dock

1) Final dock bottom inspection to confirm all work completed.

2) Check all tank plugs are in place

3) Confirm that all ship side valves are closed

4) Remove the gangways

5) Check that tanks soundings are as arrival. Or ensure that ship will be upright and have stability.

6) Flood dock until ship side valves are covered. Open sea suctions and check for leaks

7) Continue flooding until afloat.

8) Take full set of soundings

9) Disconnect shore power and establish ship’s power.

Paperwork
1) Usual Port paperwork has to be completed.

2) All Ship’s Certificates to be endorsed or renewed.

3) All Conditions of Class, and any Class memo’s to be cleared

4) Full report on all work carried out to be confirmed from Shipyard