Dry Docking Sequence of Events HMAS ARUNTA
4:00 am: Early morning on the Indian Ocean, skies clear, and a gentle breeze blowing in from the south. At BAE Shipyard, Henderson, Western Australia, it marks the start of the dry-docking evolution for HMAS ARUNTA. From my office, I assess the day’s conditions: temperature at 59 degrees, wind at 5 mph, and following seas at 2 meters.
5:00 am: I contact the pilot at the naval base to cross-check the weather at the pilot station and shipyard. After receiving confirmation, I alone will decide to either authorize or halt the operation.
6:00 am: I brief the ship lift operator before he lowers the platform, maintaining 1.5 meters between the ship’s lowest point and the cradle’s highest.
6:00 am: I brief the dock worker on safety and job assignment before he inspects the docking lines and equipment. Conditions: Temperature is 68 degrees, skies are clear, wind is 7 mph.
6:30 am: I confirm that the ship lift platform has been lowered and is ready to receive HMAS ARUNTA. The shipyard is active with sounds and movement. Conditions: temperature is 72 degrees, the sky is clear, and the wind is at 8 mph.
6:30 am: I briefed the docking crew on safety, work tasks, and required Take 5s. Each member understands their role for the day.
6:45 am: I deploy the docking crew to man their line-handling stations and hauling capstans, stressing safety and operational efficiency. The team is instructed to remain vigilant and follow procedures.
6:50 am: I conduct a radio check with all stations.
7:00 am: The ship lift is ready to receive the ship, marking a key milestone in the day’s operation. I assumed control of the vessel as it crossed the dock head of the ship lift. Under my direction, lines are passed through the most suitable fairlead and secured to an inboard bollard, and handling lines are passed from the ship lift to the ship. Conditions: temperature is 73 degrees, the skies are clear and sunny, with a wind of 7 mph.
7:10 am: The ship is warped into the dry dock as the sun rises.
7:25 am: The ship is move over to the port side of the ship lift, at which point the pilot disembarks. This phase demands deliberate control to maintain stability and precise positioning. The dock team operates seamlessly, reflecting discipline and teamwork.
7:30 am: Hauling resumes. Rigorous equipment checks and close inspections mark this stage, with the team operating in precise sync.
7:55 am: The ship is now centered over the ship lift platform. These tasks highlight the crew’s close coordination and precise execution.
8:50 am: The ship is centered over the cradle. When in this position, I order the ship lift operator to raise the platform.
8:55 am: The platform is raised.
9:00 am: Before divers enter the water, I command all nearby ships to shut down operating machinery until I verify divers are clear of the water. Conditions: temperature is 88 degrees, skies are sunny, and wind is 9 mph.
9:15 am: I look over the diver qualifications, lead the dive brief, verify that the ship lift’s cathodic protection is off, and confirmed that the ship has shut off all machinery.
9:45 am: The divers enter the water to inspect the ship’s underside and confirm alignment with the cradle.
10:00 am: Lifting continues until the ship has landed on the cradle, after which the divers perform a final inspection. The platform is then raised until the ship is secure. Conditions: temperature is 95 degrees; the skies remain sunny, wind at 7 mph.
10:15 am: Once the ship is fully landed on the cradle, lifting continues to ground level. At ground level, the final inspection is made, and any necessary adjustments to the ship and cradle are completed. The operation is recorded in Ship Lift Operation Record WF-04-713-8.
11:00 am: Once ready for transfer, the ship is towed to the designated berth. If the rotary system is needed, the cradle is positioned and rotated until it is aligned. Conditions: temperature 100 degrees, the skies are clear and sunny, wind at 5 mph.
Services: When the ship reaches its dry berth, hotel services are installed.