The ship is stopped at the sill of the dock to allow the inhaul line and #1 handling lines to be passed over to the vessel. Once these lines are in place, the Docking Officer will take control of the unit and bring her the rest of the way into the dock. Tugs and "Mike" boats are used in conjunction with the lines to maintain the ship centered to the dock.

OAK RIDGE has taken charge of the HARTFORD and is slowly "warping" her into the dock. Line handlers are keeping her centered in the dock by orders from the linehandling Officer in Charge.

HARTFORD is "fair in the dock" which means she is straight and in the center of the dock. With the clearances between the stern planes and the dock, this is a good place to be.

The ship is slowly moved into the dock's basin. Although she is partially in the dock, the current can still affect the positioning of the unit's stern. The tug and Mike boat assist by keeping the stern centered as directed by the docking Officer.

Just a little more and HARTFORD will be in the confines of the basin. When the stern of the ship enters the basin, the Docking Officer reports to the 01 level and relieves the linehandling OIC of responsibility for positioning of the ship.

HARTFORD is now "rough centered" over the cradle. The Dockmaster will take charge and center the unit exactly over the build in preparations for setting her down.