Dock master

A dock master is the officer in charge of operations within an enclosed wet dock, a dry dock, or a locked basin, controlling the movement of ships through the entrance lock and their berthing inside. In an impounded dock the dock master times lock operations to the tide and the impounded water level, sequences vessels through the gates, and directs tugs, line handlers, and the lock keepers. In a dry dock or graving dock the role covers docking the ship onto the keel and bilge blocks, controlling pumping and flooding, and signing the docking plan. The dock master works under or alongside the harbor master, who holds wider port authority over the whole harbor.