Silly Dolphin Question

[RufusM]

On harbour plans and some sailing directions "Dolphins" are mentioned

It is probably a silly question /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif but what are they??

I know we are all keen to see our wonderful marine wildlife but not even Admiralty Hydrographer's can be certain where they will appear!!??

Is flipper really that reliable? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[cliff]

[ QUOTE ]
On harbour plans and some sailing directions "Dolphins" are mentioned

It is probably a silly question /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif but what are they?

[/ QUOTE ]Basically they are breakwaters protecting harbours or harbour basins.
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[RufusM]

so something like a concrete post / pillar?

 

[Vara]

A not particularly good pic of Dolphin off entrance to Beaulieu River:

 

[Skyva_2]

Also:

Dolphin

a group of piles driven close together and placed to protect portions of a bridge exposed to possible damage by collision with river or marine traffic

 

[cliff]

Could be.
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"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"
sailroom <span style="color:red">The place to auction your previously loved boatie bits</span>

 

[ShipsWoofy]

not brilliant explanation

 

[RufusM]

Thanks all - got that cleared up now /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[pcatterall]

I have come accross 'breasting dolphins' which ships lay alongside to discharge oil.

 

[gjeffery]

Also Dolphins used to swing ship during compass adjustment.

 

[andy_wilson]

They are nothing realy to do with breakwaters.

They ar either a protection for another structure set in water like a bridge abuttment, or a mooring pile or pillar.

In the latter case they are often to be found in a line some way from a short quay or jetty, so ships warps can be led further fore and aft.

The edit bit.....

Not sure why the one off Beaulieu is dolphin, or the one of the Mountbatten breakwater in Plymouth are called dolphins, they are just nav. markers consisting of 3 pillars and some paint.