From Keel to Sea Trial

From Keel to Sea Trial

A ship is built from the inside out and from the middle up.

1. Lines. Naval architects draw the hull; the loft turns lines into full-size templates.
2. Steel. Plates are cut, beveled and rolled; shipfitters build sub-assemblies flat on the floor.
3. Blocks. Sub-assemblies become blocks the size of a house, outfitted with pipe and cable before they are lifted.
4. Keel laying. The first block is set on the building way — the ship's birthday.
5. Erection. Blocks are craned into place and welded; the hull grows fore and aft.
6. Outfit. Marine engines, shafts, propellers, generators, wiring, joinery.
7. Coatings. Blasting and painting — the hull's only defense against the sea.
8. Launch. The ship meets water.
9. Sea trial. Engines to full power; the crew, STCW-certified, runs every system; the classification society signs.

Trades on the wall: welder, shipfitter, pipefitter, marine electrician, marine engine technician, painter, rigger, crane operator, STCW crew.