Some docks use a sliding caisson and an outer ship caisson when they receive larger vessels. The sill, dock floor, and prepared blocks must align so the hull is supported without resting at the entrance. Aircraft carriers cannot be handled by the improvised repair methods possible with smaller ships, making purpose-built graving docks essential. A double-ended dock or connected basin can also improve manoeuvring and let a ship move out for fitting-out without losing rapid access to the dock.
Notable Point · 21:42-24:35
Graving-dock geometry and aircraft-carrier handling
Dock entrances, caissons, sill depth, hull blocks, and turning space all affect whether a large ship can enter safely and be supported correctly.