# Private dock and boat lift basics

Learn the main dock, lift and shoreline system types, who does each task on a waterfront project and what a PrivateDock listing can and cannot tell you.

- Level: Foundations
- Length: 40 minutes
- Exam questions: 9, pass mark 80%, up to 3 attempts
- Certificate: valid for 12 months

## What you will learn

- Tell floating, fixed and removable docks, boat lifts and shoreline work apart by the questions each one raises.
- Read a PrivateDock listing and separate source data, owner details and paid placement.
- Name the tasks on a waterfront project and ask who owns each one.
- Explain why owning waterfront land does not by itself give permission to build into the water.

## Lessons

1. [Dock, lift and shoreline system types](https://privatedock.fyi/academy/private-dock-foundations/dock-and-lift-system-types.md) (12 minutes)
2. [What a PrivateDock listing tells you](https://privatedock.fyi/academy/private-dock-foundations/read-a-marine-contractor-listing.md) (12 minutes)
3. [Who does what on a waterfront project](https://privatedock.fyi/academy/private-dock-foundations/who-does-what-on-a-waterfront-project.md) (14 minutes)

## Questions

### Is this course about building a dock myself?

No. It is for people who plan, buy or compare dock and lift work. It teaches what to ask a contractor and an authority, not how to build.

### Does the course tell me which permits my site needs?

No. Rules depend on the country, region and waterway. The course shows you which questions to ask the authority. It is not legal advice.

### Does the certificate show I can design or approve a dock?

No. It is a certificate of completion from this site. It records that you passed the exam. It is not a licence or a professional qualification.

Also on the [web page](https://privatedock.fyi/academy/private-dock-foundations).