{{Unreferenced, date=October 2007 A floating dock, floating pier or floating jetty is a platform or ramp supported by pontoons. It is usually joined to the shore with a gangway. The pier is usually held in place by vertical poles referred to as pilings, which are embedded in the seafloor or by anchored cables. In shipbuilding and ship operations the term floating dock refers to a floating drydock. Frequently used in

marina A marina (from Spanish language, Spanish , Portuguese language, Portuguese and Italian language, Italian : ''marina'', "coast" or "shore") is a Dock (maritime), dock or basin with moorings and supplies for yachts and small boats. A marina dif ...

s, this type of pier maintains a fixed vertical relationship to

watercraft Any vehicle used in or on water as well as underwater, including boats, ships, hovercraft and submarines, is a watercraft, also known as a water vessel or waterborne vessel. A watercraft usually has a propulsive capability (whether by sail ...

secured to it, independent of tidal,

river A river is a natural flowing watercourse, usually freshwater Fresh water or freshwater is any naturally occurring liquid or frozen water containing low concentrations of dissolved salts and other total dissolved solids. Although the ...

lake A lake is an area filled with water, localized in a basin, surrounded by land, and distinct from any river or other outlet that serves to feed or drain the lake. Lakes lie on land and are not part of the ocean, although, like the much lar ...

elevation. Image:Mohonk Mountain House 2011 Boat Dock Against Reflection of Cliff FRD 3029.jpg, A floating dock at Mohonk Mountain House Image:16 07 231 florence marina.jpg, A floating dock at Florence Marina State Park Image:Floating dock at North Haven.jpg, A floating dock at a private

. The vertical "spud" only anchors the dock sections in place, and does not provide structural support for loads upon the dock. Image:PontoonHuntleysPoint.jpg, A pontoon in Sydney

See also