What is a docking report and who prepares it?

• A. Prepared when a vessel is moved to a docking facility; DCA
• B. Prepared when departing a port; CO
• C. Prepared for every port call; Eng Supervisor
• D. Prepared after repairs; Yard Manager

Answer: (A)

Docking report captures the ship’s condition as it enters a drydock or docking facility, documenting hull status, watertight integrity, known damage, and maintenance needs that will guide the upcoming work. It is prepared by the Damage Control Assistant (DCA), who gathers input from Engineering, Deck, and other relevant departments to present a clear baseline to the ship’s leadership and the dockyard. This timing on arrival ensures the yard can plan repairs effectively and prevents surprises during the docking period. It isn’t something prepared when departing a port or for every port call, and while engineering personnel contribute technical details, the formal responsibility rests with the DCA. After repairs, separate follow-up documentation may exist, but the docking report focuses on the condition at arrival.