Pirates, kingdoms, pilgrims, traders, travelers, have all once used a ship. Ships have always exist since time itself, they commonly made out of bundle of wood and sailcloth, sometimes advanced designs be added but that can cost time and money. Naval warfare have been common with kingdoms, it very useful for them because they can attack any parts land they see as fit, that means landmass and money.
Docks always been heaven of sort for ships, it can include repairs, market, all sorts of tools to sail back on waves.