What is meant by "afloat alignment"?

" Afloat alignment" refers specifically to the process of conducting alignment adjustments for onboard systems while the ship is in the water. This terminology emphasizes the need for certain alignments to be performed under operational conditions where the vessel is subject to the buoyancy and movement of water. Conducting alignment in this context ensures that all systems, such as propulsion and weapon systems, are functioning optimally under realistic conditions, which may differ significantly from a controlled environment on dry land.

Alignments performed in a stationary position or after the ship has been taken out of the water do not reflect the complex dynamics that occur when a vessel is afloat, including the effects of wave action and potential load shifts. Consequently, these elements are critical for ensuring the immediate readiness and dependability of crucial onboard systems while the ship is actively navigating.