Docks are structures built along the shoreline where ships and boats can be moored, loaded, or unloaded. They provide a safe place for vessels to access land, allowing for the transfer of goods and passengers. Docks can be found in various sizes, from small marinas for recreational boats to large commercial ports that handle cargo ships. There are different types of docks, including floating docks, which rise and fall with the water level, and dry docks, which are used for maintenance and repairs when the water is drained. Docks play a crucial role in maritime trade and transportation, connecting land and sea.