Answer
A Docking Plan is a mandatory, ship-specific technical drawing and booklet prepared by the shipyard during construction. It provides the drydock master and the Chief Engineer with critical structural data required to safely set the vessel onto the keel blocks without causing hull deformation.
Critical Contents & Parameters Evaluated
Keel Block & Side Block Profile: Dictates the exact heights, spacing, and positioning of the blocks. These blocks must align precisely with the ship's internal high-strength structural members, such as longitudinal girders, transverse floors, and bulkheads.
Hull Openings and Appendages: Maps out the exact locations of sea chests, echo sounder transducers, speed log sensors, ICCP anodes, and bilge keels to ensure they are not crushed or obstructed by the blocks.
Bottom Drain Plugs: Identifies the precise positions of the threaded drain plugs for all fuel oil, ballast, and fresh water tanks, allowing them to be safely removed for tank draining and inspection.
Maneuvering Dimensions & Reference Points: Details the Length Overall (LOA), Breadth, Keel profile (flat or raked), and exact distance markings from the Aft Perpendicular (AP) and Forward Perpendicular (FP) to align the vessel perfectly within the drydock chamber.