Docking Survey on Ships –
Inspections during Docking Survey
The shell plating is to be examined for excessive corrosion, deterioration due to chafing or contact
with the ground and for undue unfairness or buckling.
Special attention is to be given to the connection between the bilge strakes and the bilge keels.
The clearances in the rudder bearings are to be measured. Where applicable, pressure testing of the
rudder may be required if deemed necessary.
The sea connections and overboard discharge valves and cocks and their attachments to the hull are
to be examined.
The propeller, stern bush and sea connection fastenings and the gratings at the sea inlets are to be
examined.
The clearance in the stern bush or the efficiency of the oil glands is to be ascertained.
When chain cables are ranged, the anchors and cables are to be examined by the Surveyor.
Preparations before Dry-docking
Prepare Repair Specifications in advance for budgeting and inviting quotations
Pipe Lines
Structural steel renewal, for which plate thickness gauging may be required.
Overhauling of Mooring Equipment.
Special servicing requirements
Overhauling and testing of Cargo Gear ( cargo pumps if the vessel is a tanker)
Prepare Spare Parts
Plan and carry out Hold/tank cleaning/gas freeing before arrival
Check and confirm availability of special tools, instruments and manuals on board.
Confirm availability of drawings like Docking Plan, GA etc. on board.
Management Involvement
Select repair yard based on vessel’s trading pattern.
Invite quotations and negotiate prices.
Issue instructions to Master/Chief Engineer regarding: Cargo/ballast/fuel oil quantity/distribution,
Calculation of arrival drafts and trim, Fire/ Safety precautions.
Activities In Dry dock
Bottom Inspection/corrective action
Bottom painting
Anchor cable ranging and painting.
Cleaning and painting of chain locker.
Echo-sounder and speed log checks
MGPS and ICCP checks
Sea chests/filters cleaning/painting
Storm valves overhauling
Rudder pintle and jumping clearances checking
Rudder pressure testing/internal painting if required
Poker gauge reading (Propeller drop)
Stern seal leak check
Propeller polishing/repairs if required.
Tail shaft survey, if required.
Bottom plugs removal/re-fitting as required
Safety in Dry Docking
Warning notices
Fire line under pressure/ fire fighting appliances kept ready
Means of communications established
Usage of galley and WCs restricted as required.
Hot work permissions/precautions
Earthing of vessel
Checks before/during Flooding in Dry Docking
Sea connections, sea chests checking
Bottom plugs fitting/leak test by vacuum
Any other hull opening
Removal of masking of anodes
Securing of rudder fittings, propeller nut/cone fitting, rope guard and net-cutter fitting
Ensuring ballast/weight distribution same as when docked
After commencement of flooding, when the water level has risen enough to cover all shipside
opening, flooding needs to be stopped and all ship side connections checked for any leakage. After
confirming that all are satisfactory, flooding is resumed and the vessel floated.
