Which type of dock is designed to allow ships to be floated in, with water pumped out to perform repairs?

The correct answer is a dry dock. A dry dock is specifically designed for ships to enter when the water level is raised. Once the vessel is inside, the water is pumped out, leaving the ship supported by blocks, allowing for repairs, maintenance, or inspections below the waterline. This structure is crucial for work such as hull inspections, painting, and repairs to underwater equipment.

Other types of docks serve different purposes. A floating dock, while it can accommodate vessels in a floating condition, does not evacuate water to allow for repairs below the waterline. A graving dock is similar to a dry dock in that it also allows for repairs but is a fixed dry dock constructed from stone or concrete, rather than a self-floating structure. A wet dock, on the other hand, is a facility that allows vessels to enter and exit while remaining in water, making it impractical for the specific requirement of performing maintenance below the waterline. Thus, a dry dock is the appropriate choice for the question posed.