Ships are magnificent vessels that cruise through the water with ease. They are massive structures, built to carry people, cargo, or equipment from one destination to another. It is an interesting question to ask if ships always dock on the port side or not. The answer to this question, however, is not that simple. Let’s explore it in more detail.
For a start, it is essential to know what the port side of a ship is. The port side of a ship is the left side when a person is facing the bow or the front of the ship. Similarly, the starboard side is to the right. The direction is essential as it dictates the entire docking process. It helps the docking crew position the ropes and fenders effectively, reducing the risk of damage to the ship or surrounding docks.
While the port side docking might seem like the norm, it is not a hard and fast rule. There are various factors that affect the docking direction of a ship. Weather, tide, wind, ship size, and the availability of port facilities are all relevant factors. For instance, if the wind is blowing from the starboard side, it may be safer to dock the ship on that side to avoid the risk of the wind pushing the boat into the dock.
The size of the vessel can also affect the choice of docking position. Larger ships may require specific port facilities to dock safely, and therefore, the port of arrival may dictate the docking direction. Lastly, safety is always a top priority, and if docking on the port side presents a safety concern, the crew may choose to dock on the starboard side.
Ships do not always dock on the port side. It depends on various factors such as weather, tide, wind, size of the vessel, and the availability of port facilities. Regardless of these factors, safety remains the top priority, and the choice of a docking position is made to ensure the safety of the ship and the surrounding docks. While docking may seem like a simple process from afar, it requires a seasoned crew and a lot of coordination to execute perfectly.