When does responsibility of the ship transfer during docking?

• A. Once the first part of the ship gets to the docking facility it transfers to DO
• B. At the start of docking conference
• C. After the ship is fully in the dry dock
• D. After salvage operations begin

Answer: (A)

The point at which responsibility passes is when the ship’s first section reaches the docking facility. At that moment, the Docking Officer assumes control for the vessel while it is in the dock, coordinating safety, mooring, lifting, water removal, and repairs.

The ship’s master remains in command of navigation and overall readiness, but once the vessel is entering the dry dock, the yard’s DO oversees the docking operations and the ship’s safety within the dock. Planning or conferences happen before this transfer and don’t replace the operational control switch. Waiting until the ship is fully in the dry dock would delay necessary coordination, and salvage operations are not the trigger for this transfer.