New Dry Dock Code

The UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) Defense Equipment and Services has commissioned Gifford, BMT Marine Projects Ltd, and Fleet Support Limited to produce a new Dry Dock Code of Practice. Clearly focused on the goal of safe dry-docking, the Code is aimed at the MoD, shipyards and other military and civil organizations involved in the dry docking of mono-hulled surface ships of over 500 tons.
The Code provides a comprehensive and methodical framework for ship and dock owners and operators to review, and if appropriate further develop, the procedures and measures required for a safe dry docking.
Although not prescriptive or intended for direct application, the Code provides a valuable framework for the development of safe in-house procedures. The Code is designed to assure that:
The ship is suitable to be dry-docked. This section of the Code is aimed primarily at ship owners and operators and covers areas such as ship configuration, condition, stability and structural strength, crew skills and emergency procedures.    
The dock is suitable to receive ships. This section of the Code is aimed primarily at dry-docking organisations and covers areas such as the dock gate, dock shape, dock condition, docking arrangements, staff skills, and flood defences and pumping.
Dry-docking is undertaken safely. This section of the Code is aimed at both ship and dock owners and operators and covers areas such as planning, procedures, tidal movements, and pre-docking and pre-undocking inspections.