Abstract: A foundation structure for locating an object mounted on the foundation structure on a sea bed or a river bed comprises an integral buoyancy device having variable buoyancy and a rigid control surface. The integral buoyancy device is movable relative to the foundation structure to vary the position of the rigid control surface and to control the position of the center of buoyancy relative to the position of the center of gravity. This stabilizes the foundation structure during submergence and surfacing. A method for controlling the deployment and retrieval of the foundation structure is also described.

Abstract: A wet-mateable electrical connector comprises a vertically movable female connector unit 52 locatable over a vertically fixed male connector unit 50. The female connector unit 52 defines a chamber 62 containing a gas to exclude water and the like therefrom and having a closed upper end and an open lower end for receiving an upper end of the male connector unit 50. An insulating sheath 6 is locatable within the upper end of the female connector unit 52 to move it from a first position that protects a first electrical contactor 4 provided on the upper end of the male connector unit 50 to a second position that exposes the first electrical contactor 4. The upper end of the female connector unit 52 houses a second electrical contactor 3 which is engageable with the first electrical contactor 4 upon movement of the insulating sheath 6 from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A wet-mateable electrical connector comprises a vertically movable female connector unit 52 locatable over a vertically fixed male connector unit 50. The female connector unit 52 defines a chamber 62 containing a gas to exclude water and the like therefrom and having a closed upper end and an open lower end for receiving an upper end of the male connector unit 50. An insulating sheath 6 is locatable within the upper end of the female connector unit 52 to move it from a first position that protects a first electrical contactor 4 provided on the upper end of the male connector unit 50 to a second position that exposes the first electrical contactor 4. The upper end of the female connector unit 52 houses a second electrical contactor 3 which is engageable with the first electrical contactor 4 upon movement of the insulating sheath 6 from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A foundation structure for locating an object mounted on the foundation structure on a sea bed or a river bed comprises an integral buoyancy device having variable buoyancy and a rigid control surface. The integral buoyancy device is movable relative to the foundation structure to vary the position of the rigid control surface and to control the position of the centre of buoyancy relative to the position of the centre of gravity. This stabilizes the foundation structure during submergence and surfacing. A method for controlling the deployment and retrieval of the foundation structure is also described.