Dry Docks, Dry Docking and Ship Repair in South Africa This talk is about the sea and ships But, at times ships need to be taken out of the water Not this way - though! That’s why Dry Docks were invented To understand Dry Docking you need to master: Civil Engineering Mechanical Engineering Naval Architecture There are 3 basic ways to dry dock ships Civil Engineering: Graving Docks & Boat Ramps Mechanical Engineering: Slipways, Shiplifts & Straddle Carriers Naval Architecture: Floating Docks Slipways Ancient Ship Sled Reusing Ancient Technology