Features of the Dock
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Dock worked. Select a channel and turn the
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1 Keel blocks
2 Caisson
3 Diver
Time spent by ships in the dock
was measured in tides rather than in days.
Typically, ships would spend a maximum of two weeks in the dock, being cleaned, re-painted, fitted with propellers or anchors, or repaired. Rental rates were high and ship-builders preferred to use the dry dock only when it was absolutely necessary.
[Photo caption reads]
Left Hamilton Dock, c.1902
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Metal plates on either side of the dock's entrance cover screw mechanisms which were used to open and close the sluice gates of the dock's inlet and outlet culverts.
Basalt tool chutes installed on the edge of the dock provided a quick and safe way to transfer tools from the dockside to the dock floor.
DEPTH INDICATORS
Arabic and Roman numerals are carved into the wall by the caisson to indicate the depth of the water. Can you
this page online
[Diagram showing numerals and mock water level]
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Bollards spaced along the dockside allowed ships to be moored securely by attaching ropes to them.
Capstans were used to control the movements of a ship being floated into the dock. By turning levers [cut?] into the capstan's drum, ropes wound around it could be tightened or released.
The stepped sides, known as altar courses, were designed to support the wooden props, or shears, that held the ship in place. Alexandra Graving Dock
Divers had an important role to play in the operation of the dock. Alexandra Graving Dock, c.1900
Keel blocks are the large blocks on which ships rested while in the dock. Hamilton Dock in 1872.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Man-Made Features • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.
Location. 54° 36.387′ N, 5° 54.683′ W. Marker is in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Marker is on Queens Road, on the left when traveling north. Part of the Titanic Belfast complex. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Hamilton Dock, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT3 9DT, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Operating the [Hamilton] Dock (here, next to this marker); Nomadic in Hamilton Dock
Also see . . . The Hamilton Graving Dock. (Submitted on June 13, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 14, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 89 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 13, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
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