Docking places are areas where boats and ships can be securely moored. The most common docking places are wharfs, slips, BERTHS, and piers. Wharfs are large structures built along the shoreline of a body of water, usually with a pier or jetty extending out into the water. Slips are narrow channels that are dug into the shoreline and provide access to the water for boats. BERTHS are designated areas within a harbor or marina where boats can be moored. Piers are long structures that extend out from the shoreline into the water, providing a platform for boats to dock.