Abstract: A method for converting a single-hull tanker to a mid-deck configuration is disclosed. The midship cargo section of the tanker is cut longitudinally along a horizontal plane well below the normal laden water line. A spacer member including a new transverse mid-deck is interposed between the lower and upper portions of the midship cargo section. The port and starboard outer sections of the midship cargo section of the vessel are cut longitudinally away from the central portions of the midship sections of the vessel, and new longitudinal bulkheads are added. In this way the vessel is provided with port and starboard wing ballast tanks between the hull plating and the port and starboard wing cargo tanks. The center cargo tank is also divided the upper and lower sections, such that the lower section can be converted to ballast in the event double-hulled tankers become mandatory for oil transport.

Abstract: A device for rescuing personnel from water comprising a crane positioned on a boat or other rescue structure and including a horizontally and vertically movable crane boom. An elongated member is vertically movable with respect to the crane boom, and a float is positioned beneath the elongated member for floating on the water. A net extends below the float, and means are provided for supporting the net from the elongated member.

Abstract: A semisubmersible, loading, mooring and storage (LMS) facility for handling petroleum products at offshore locations. The LMS facility is comprised of a submerged storage section and a central tower section. The submerged storage section is comprised of a plurality of dual crude/water tanks, each of which has a flexible diaphragm therein to prevent any contact between the crude and the water. The central tower section contains crude only tanks through which the LMS facility is loaded and offloaded with crude and has an offloading and mooring structure on the top thereof. When the LMS facility is in an operable position and the dual tanks are filled with water, the profile of the LMS facility in the water is fixed and will not substantially change during loading or offloading of crude. The LMS facility is loaded by flowing crude into the crude only tanks and then filling the dual tanks from crude only tanks at a rate necessary to compensate for the water being displaced from the dual tanks.