What marks the first milestone in the history of a ship?

The laying of the keel marks the first significant milestone in the history of a ship. This event signifies the official start of the vessel's construction and is often considered the moment when a ship begins to take shape as a maritime entity. It involves placing the first structural component into position, which provides a foundation for the rest of the shipbuilding process.

This phase is critical because it establishes the dimensions and design of the vessel, setting the stage for all subsequent assemblies and installations. Other milestones, like the launch of the vessel and the commissioning ceremony, occur later in the ship's lifecycle, while the first light off involves starting up the ship's machinery, which is also a subsequent process. Hence, the laying of the keel is the pivotal moment that initiates the journey of a ship from concept to reality.