Abstract: A marine fairing combining the benefits of flexible and rigid fairings. The preferred fairing is made from a material that makes the fairing rigid enough to achieve the superior hydrodynamic performance of rigid fairings, but flexible enough to resist permanent deformation when stored on cables that are reeled onto drums for storage. The material preferably is BASF Elastollan® 1185A, 1995A or other suitable polyether-based thermoplastic polyurethane.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing buoyancy to a towed marine divertor and for reducing drag acting on the divertor as the equipment is towed through water. A float attached to the divertor has a curved leading end oriented toward the tow direction to reduce water drag acting against the float. The float can be integrated within the divertor or can be attached with wire rope or chains to lower the divertor within the water. The trailing end of the float can be tapered, and vane foils can be attached to the float outboard side.

Abstract: A system and method for deploying and retrieving streamers behind a tow vessel in a marine seismic array. Each streamer and attached lead-in cable are individually deployed and retrieved into and from the array, and are connected to adjacent lead-in cables with tag lines having a slidable latch mechanism attached to one or more ends of the tag lines. Each latch mechanism is slidable along a lead-in cable until is engages a tether head at a selected location which restricts further movement. Paravanes move the attached array transversely from the centerline of the vessel movement and retain tension on the tag lines. The system uniquely permits retrieval of a single lead-in cable and attached streamer without requiring retrieval of the entire seismic array.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the efficiency of marine cable tow operations. Indentations such as dimples in the exterior surface of cable fairings reduce cable strumming and reduce frictional drag forces as the cables and fairings are towed through the water. The size, configuration and orientation of the indentations can be selected to control the desired water flow parameters, and overall tow efficiency is increased.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the efficiency of marine cable tow operations. Indentations such as dimples in the cable exterior surface reduce frictional drag forces and reduce strumming of the cables as the cables are towed through the water. The size, configuration and orientation of the indentations can be selected to control the desired water flow parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the efficiency of marine cable tow operations. Indentations such as dimples in the exterior surface of cable fairings reduce cable strumming and reduce frictional drag forces as the cables and fairings are towed through the water. The size, configuration and orientation of the indentations can be selected to control the desired water flow parameters, and overall tow efficiency is increased.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing buoyancy to a towed marine divertor and for reducing drag acting on the divertor as the equipment is towed through water. A float attached to the divertor has a curved leading end oriented toward the tow direction to reduce water drag acting against the float. The float can be integrated within the divertor or can be attached with wire rope or chains to lower the divertor within the water. The trailing end of the float can be tapered, and vane foils can be attached to the float outboard side.

Abstract: A system and method for deploying and retrieving streamers behind a tow vessel in a marine seismic array. Each streamer and attached lead-in cable are individually deployed and retrieved into and from the array, and are connected to adjacent lead-in cables with tag lines having a slidable latch mechanism attached to one or more ends of the tag lines. Each latch mechanism is slidable along a lead-in cable until is engages a tether head at a selected location which restricts further movement. Paravanes move the attached array transversely from the centerline of the vessel movement and retain tension on the tag lines. The system uniquely permits retrieval of a single lead-in cable and attached streamer without requiring retrieval of the entire seismic array.

Abstract: An expandible diverter for use in marine seismic operations. The diverter is stored in a retracted position for transport and handling, and is expandible to increase the amount of surface area in contact with the water. The diverter can be formed with two or more moving components, and can comprise an expandible body. A controller can increase or decrease the amount of surface area in contact with the water to meet different conditions, and can control movement of the diverter as seismic vessel tows the diverter through the water.