Abstract: In a broad aspect, the invention relates to a new design for a fairlead that is capable of being remotely uninstalled from and then reinstalled on an offshore drilling and production vessel, while the vessel is in its moored position, in the event that the fairlead develops mechanical difficulties that require repair. Thus, the present invention discloses a fairlead that may be remotely uninstalled and reinstalled while the fairlead is underwater and without ballasting the vessel far enough to raise the fairlead above the water surface. The need for this invention primarily arises in connection with fairleads that are mounted to a vessel of the type where the ballasting process can be a very difficult, time-consuming, and expensive process.