Abstract: A sensor accommodation container, attached to a cap member of a pneumatic fender and installed inside a fender bag, includes a container body attached to a through hole penetrating the cap member so as to be able to move and protrude out of the fender bag and held at a predetermined protruded position, a lid for closing the through hole, a first seal member for sealing a gap between the container body and the through hole, a communication hole for communicating inside and outside of the container body when the container body has been installed inside the fender bag and a second seal member for shutting off the communication between the inside and the outside of the fender bag via the communication hole when the container body has been held at a predetermined protruded position.

Abstract: A portable water level-responsive mooring device has a mooring strap with a ring capable of engaging the mooring device around a dock piling. The mooring strap has a suitable length of cord having a clip or ring on each end capable of releasably attaching to a fender, spacing tubes, and rollers. The spacing tubes and rollers have an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the spacing tubes and an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cord. The cord is positioned within an arrangement of the spacing tubes and rollers, the length of cord being sufficient to wrap around a dock piling.

Abstract: A fender for boats provides a rolled profile with an open section, consisting of an external shell connected at its ends to two straight parallel supporting and containing strips which converge towards the center of the shell without meeting and are capable of bearing against the side of the boat, the rolled profile being filled internally with a core of PVC.

Abstract: An unmanned vehicle comprising a body and a crush zone combined with the body. In a preferred embodiment, the crush zone is a crushable bumper connected to the body. The unmanned vehicle including the crush zone may be used to swarm a vehicle in training during a training exercise. Particularly, the unmanned vehicle including a crushable bumper may be used to swarm a warship during a live fire exercise.

Abstract: A flange free, semi-rigid resilient, hollow, dock fender having a skeletal triangular shape with a set of radiused edges and end fasteners to support the dock fender as the dock fender longitudinally and transversely distorts and flexes to distribute an impact force to protect objects proximate either side of an impact area on the dock fender with the skeletal triangular shape enabling use of low cost manufacturing techniques to form the dock fender from semi-rigid materials where the shape of the dock fender rather than the compressibility of the material of the dock fender enables the dock fender to absorb repeated impacts without damage to the dock fender and the securement of a hanger to end caps to a dock fender allows the dock fender to be used as a hanging dock fender, which inhibits rotation of the dock fender during an impact or the dock fender where the dock fender may or may not be in kit form.

Abstract: A supply vessel (6) equipped with passenger seating (21) for transferring service personnel to and from an offshore facility (1), said supply vessel having a transfer speed of at least 16 knots, wherein an aft deck of the supply vessel (6) has a tug boat layout equipped with at least one towing winch (11), and a tugger winch (12).

Abstract: An anti-collision device made of a buffering energy-absorbing type web-enhanced composite material, including an anti-collision unit. The anti-collision unit includes a housing and a filling material body located in the housing, and the housing is a solid housing formed of a composite material surface layer or a sandwiched housing formed of a composite material surface layer internally filled with a sandwiched material, and the sandwiched material; the filling material body includes a space lattice body and an energy consuming material, the space lattice body is formed of fiber webs arranged in the housing in a single-layered unidirectional, single-layered bidirectional, multi-layered unidirectional or multi-layered multi-directional manner, and the energy consuming material is located between the fiber webs and/or between the fiber webs and inner walls of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for inhibiting damage from impact between a marine structure and an adjacent watercraft, and a related method, are described. The apparatus includes a cushion body forming a mounting surface and a watercraft-engaging surface substantially opposing the mounting surface, at least one rigid support member, the rigid support member defined by or configured for contact with the mounting surface of the cushion body and disposed, during use, between the cushion body and the portion of the marine structure, and attachment means for detachably attaching the cushion body to the portion of the marine structure. The cushion body, when attached to the portion of the marine structure, is sized and configured to prevent destructive contact between the marine structure and a watercraft when the watercraft-engaging surface is contacted by the watercraft.

Abstract: A buoy rope assembly includes a main rope segment having a plurality of rope strands and first and second ends, a first end loop provided on the first end of the main rope segment, a second end loop provided on the second end of the main rope segment, at least one sinusoidal intermediate loop defined by at least one of the rope strands and at least one removable member releasably coupled to the first end loop, the second end loop or the at least one in-plane intermediate loop.

Abstract: A rub rail system for a vessel including a rigid track extrusion attached to a vessel, a resilient flexible fender extrusion, and a shock absorbing inner core. The inner core is disposed in the fender extrusion and the core is substantially softer than the fender extrusion. The fender extrusion is configured to matingly engage the track extrusion. The fender extrusion has an upper barb engaging an upper receiving cavity of the track extrusion and a lower barb engaging a lower receiving cavity of the track extrusion. The track extrusion has an upper tang engaging an upper recess of the fender extrusion and a lower tang engaging a lower recess of the fender extrusion. The track extrusion also includes an upper lip configured to engage a top portion of the perimeter of the vessel and a lower lip configured to engage a lower portion of the perimeter of the vessel.

Abstract: A segmented flotation device available in a plurality of colors, sizes, and configurations is disclosed. Each flotation device includes one or more buoyant members strung together with an elastic band. A recessed cup at each end of the device stores a coupler which is in turn secured to the elastic band. The coupler is configured with couplers for interconnecting flotation devices to create a variety of shapes and structures such as grids, float mats, and long float lines. A cord lock may be provided on the elastic band for adjusting the preloaded tension. A plurality of flotation devices can be packaged with other accessories connectable to the devices for creating a seat, mat, island or other structure, for holding beverages, or for providing awning structure.

Abstract: A frame rail assembly for a boat dock structure includes a first frame rail member, a second frame rail member and a corner bumper member. The first frame rail member is secured to a first side of the boat dock structure and includes a first channel and a second channel The second frame rail member is secured to a second side of the boat dock structure and includes a first channel and a second channel. The corner bumper is positioned at a corner between a first end of the first frame rail member and a first end of the second frame rail member. The corner bumper member includes a first section and a second section. The first section includes coupling members engaged with the channels of the first frame rail member, and the second section includes coupling members engaged with the channels of the second frame rail member.

Abstract: A rub rail system for a vessel including a rigid track extrusion attached to a vessel, a resilient flexible fender extrusion, and a shock absorbing inner core. The inner core is disposed in the fender extrusion and the core is substantially softer than the fender extrusion. The fender extrusion is configured to matingly engage the track extrusion. The fender extrusion has an upper barb engaging an upper receiving cavity of the track extrusion and a lower barb engaging a lower receiving cavity of the track extrusion. The track extrusion has an upper tang engaging an upper recess of the fender extrusion and a lower tang engaging a lower recess of the fender extrusion. The track extrusion also includes an upper lip configured to engage a top portion of the perimeter of the vessel and a lower lip configured to engage a lower portion of the perimeter of the vessel.

Abstract: A boat protection device includes a boat fender having a cushion, a first attachment element and a second attachment element. The first attachment element has a first keyhole aperture. The first keyhole aperture has a first slot and a first passage contiguous with the first slot. The second attachment element has a second keyhole aperture. The second keyhole aperture has a second slot and a second passage contiguous with the second slot.

Abstract: A pontoon boat fender comprises a shell portion with a hollow interior and a bumper portion slidably received in the shell portion hollow interior. The bumper portion is movable between a navigating position and a docking position. In the navigating position, the bumper portion is retracted into the shell portion hollow interior. In the docking position, the bumper portion is extended from the shell portion hollow interior. The shell portion has a tab adjacent to a longitudinal end of the shell portion and a hook adjacent to a longitudinally opposite end of the shell portion. The tab and hook cooperate with each other to enable securing the boat fender to a fence and deck of the pontoon boat.

Abstract: A modular dock unit and system for making large modular dock systems is disclosed. The dock unit includes a molded floatation shell, a molded decking piece and a molded dri-loc retainer ring. The floatation shell has column supports molded therein suitable for holding support members. In use, support member are placed in flanges molded into the support columns and the floatation shell rim. The dri lock retainer is placed on the side support members and the decking piece is opposed to the dri-loc retainer. Mounting aids such as tongue and groove members are molded in opposing pieces of floatation shell, retainer and deck and secured where necessary. The dock unit also includes a boat bumper system that mates with the dock units to surround the modular dock system. When assembled, the dock unit comprises a water-tight flotation cavity protecting the internal components and providing buoyancy to the dock unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for attaching a safety device to the hull of a boat. In one embodiment, the safety device is a net that is held tightly in tension against the hull. The net is attached to the boat while it is in the water, and if the weather or sea state is threatening. If the boat capsizes, there will be sufficient tightness of the net against the hull such that the arms of an unconscious person can be placed through the netting, and the person will be kept safely above the water line. In yet other embodiments, a sheathing is attached to the hull that is a substantially continuous cover. The cover is attached to the boat prior to beaching the boat and protects the hull against abrasion by sharp objects.

Abstract: A concealable fender assembly comprising a fender; a cover having an external surface form compatible with the lateral surface form of the boat hull in closed position; mechanism for actuating the cover for closing and opening thereof with respect to the boat hull lateral surface; wherein the cover is associated with the fender such that when the cover is in open position, the fender outwardly extends from boat hull lateral surface.

Abstract: A dock catway is comprised of a catway frame adapted at a near end to be secured to a dock. The dock catway has a nose piece structure at a far end of the catway frame. At least one dock bumper is secured to a side wall of the catway structure. A platform is provided on a top end of the catway frame. The nose piece is molded with two layers of polyethylene. An inner one of the layers is of a lighter contrasting color than an outer one of the layers, wherein the outer one of the two layers is at least partly machined to form delineations having increased translucency to conduct light from one or more internal light sources secured inside the nose piece.

Abstract: A portable water level-responsive mooring device has a mooring strap with a ring capable of engaging the mooring device around a dock piling. The mooring strap has a suitable length of cord having a clip or ring on each end capable of releasably attaching to a fender, spacing tubes, and rollers. The spacing tubes and rollers have an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the spacing tubes and an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cord. The cord is positioned within an arrangement of the spacing tubes and rollers, the length of cord being sufficient to wrap around a dock piling.

Abstract: A rub rail system for a vessel including a rigid track extrusion attached to a vessel, a resilient flexible fender extrusion, and a shock absorbing inner core. The inner core is disposed in the fender extrusion and the core is substantially softer than the fender extrusion. The fender extrusion is configured to matingly engage the track extrusion. The fender extrusion has an upper barb engaging an upper receiving cavity of the track extrusion and a lower barb engaging a lower receiving cavity of the track extrusion. The track extrusion has an upper tang engaging an upper recess of the fender extrusion and a lower tang engaging a lower recess of the fender extrusion. The track extrusion also includes an upper lip configured to engage a top portion of the perimeter of the vessel and a lower lip configured to engage a lower portion of the perimeter of the vessel.

Abstract: Described is a boat mooring assembly and method for preventing a boat from being damaged during docking and mooring. The boat mooring assembly can be used to moor a boat while allowing the boat to adjust to rising and falling tides. The latter advantage is of particular benefit when a boat is being moored in bodies of water that experience large tidal changes.

Abstract: A portable water level-responsive mooring device has a mooring strap with a ring capable of engaging the mooring device around a dock piling. The mooring strap has a suitable length of cord having a clip or ring on each end capable of releasably attaching to a fender, spacing tubes, and rollers. The spacing tubes and rollers have an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the spacing tubes and an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cord. The cord is positioned within an arrangement of the spacing tubes and rollers, the length of cord being sufficient to wrap around a dock piling.

Abstract: Mechanical member (1; 100; 200) for a means of transport such as a boat—where said mechanical member has a support shaft (2; 101; 201), provided with a main axis (Y) that is mountable on the means of transport. Sliding bodies (3; 108; 202) are connected to the support shaft (2; 101; 201) through a union or connector (4; 203), which includes shaped disks (5;6;102;103;104;105;) and radial shock absorbers (17) mounted at the end of the shaped disks so that the sliding bodies (3, 108, 202) come into contact with any adjacent structures to direct the movement of the means of transport and prevent damage to adjacent structures.

Abstract: As typically embodied, the present invention's add-on device includes two wedge-shaped structural components that are oppositely congruent and symmetrically connected. In profile, the device describes a pair of nearly triangular quadrilateral figures that are enantiomorphs (mirror images) with respect to the linear bisector (mirror line) at which they join. The device's V-angular upper surface defines the same V-angularity (“deadrise”) as does a V-angular hull bottom, the device thus fitting beneath the hull bottom. The device's V-angular lower surface defines a different angularity, which is imparted to the hull bottom when the device is attached thereto. According to typical inventive practice, the device alters the hull bottom's V-angularity by at least 1° and, at least, covers approximately 100% of the hull bottom's widthwise expanse along approximately 50% or more of the hull bottom's lengthwise expanse.

Abstract: A boat bumper and a securing harness for mounting the boat bumper to a boat hull. The securing harness includes a main strap which is flexible and sufficiently stiff to be self sustaining to maintain its shape, and securing straps for securing a bumper roll to the main strap. The main strap has an elongated section and at least one generally transverse section. Each section has at least one free end to which a suction cup is releasably attached.

Abstract: An inflatable fender for a boat comprises an enclosure (2) mounted on the boat hull (5) and connectible to a fluid supply, an inflatable flexible member (4) mounted within the enclosure and capable of extending therefrom when inflated by fluid supplied to the enclosure, and separate retraction means (8) associated with the enclosure and operable to withdraw the inflatable member into the enclosure when deflated.

Abstract: A protective cover for a mooring buoy utilizes a plurality of interconnected buoyant chambers, connected in series and separated by flexible spacers. A plurality of ballast filled chambers are located adjacent to and extend beneath the buoyant chambers. The ends of the cover are configured to be connected by snaps or equivalent attachment devices, to form a circular enclosure. A guide ring is connected to one of the buoyant chambers to allow the cover to be slid from the moored vessel, along mooring lines, and then over the buoy, such that the buoyant chambers remain at the waterline. The deployed cover thus provides protection from impact with the hull of the vessel by the buoy. A retrieval line is provided to withdraw the cover from the buoy and return it to the vessel when the vessel is departing the mooring. Included as well is the method of deploying the protective cover from a moored vessel onto a buoy.

Abstract: An improved boat docking line and related method for docking a boat, comprising: a first line section at least three feet in length; a second line section at least three feet in length; a juncture at which the first and second line section meet; and a fixed-circumference docking loop at said juncture. An alternative embodiment further comprises a boat fender attached to the second line section.

Abstract: A method for adjustably positioning a boat fender on the side of a boat utilizes a flexible strap having a plurality of openings therein having a boat fender rope threaded therethrough. The boat fender rope can be quickly moved through the openings in the strap to raise or lower the boat fender to lock the boat fender in place on the side of the boat.

Abstract: A separation and guidance structure comprises an arm having an inner end with a crosspiece secured in use to a pontoon or the like, and an outer end provided with fenders extending above and beyond the end of the arm. Flotation is provided to support the outer end of the arm, and may be in the form of a flotation member or be provided by the fenders. In use a number of such structures are secured in parallel to a pontoon or dock to form a berthing system.

Abstract: A fender for boats is described which provides for a rolled profile (2) with an open section, consisting of an external shell (11) connected at its ends to two straight parallel supporting and containing strips (12) which converge towards the centre (30) of the shell (11) without meeting and are capable of bearing against the side (5, 10) of the boat, said rolled profile (2) being filled internally with a core (3) of PVC.

Abstract: A bumper unit of a vessel for leisure according to the present invention includes a hull; a bumper housing that is fixed to the hull and formed so that its one side is opened; a bumper arranged at the bumper housing to be selectively expanded/contracted by a working fluid; a driving module supplying the working fluid to the bumper; and an opening/closing module opening/closing the bumper housing whose one side is opened. Therefore, the bumper is protruded outside the hull by the use's manipulation when the vessel comes alongside the pier, which may alleviate shocks exerted to the hull, and the bumper is retracted inside the hull, which prevents the outer appearance of the vessel from being spoiled.

Abstract: A load absorbing device or other resilient device, such as a fender, bumper, or rub rail, for protecting an object, such as a dock or boat, from an impact force delivered by another object includes a leaf spring portion connected to the object. The leaf spring portion includes a fixed end and a free end operable to transmit to the object a fraction of the impact force and is designed to collapse upon loading with the impact force to thereby absorb energy that would otherwise be transferred directly to the object. In a preferred embodiment, the leaf spring portion is extruded of a high-strength abrasion-resistant plastic material having a low coefficient of friction, such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The leaf spring portion may include multiple mounting holes sized to receive mounting fasteners for rigidly connecting the device to the object.

Abstract: A portable water level-responsive mooring device has a mooring strap with a ring capable of engaging the mooring device around a dock piling. The mooring strap has a suitable length of cord having a clip or ring on each end capable of releasably attaching to a fender, spacing tubes, and rollers. The spacing tubes and rollers have an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the spacing tubes and an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cord. The cord is positioned within an arrangement of the spacing tubes and rollers, the length of cord being sufficient to wrap around a dock piling.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus for guiding a watercraft, including: at least two center members of relatively hard material; each of the at least two center members having a tube of relatively soft material forced thereover; the tube of relative soft material contacting a rubrail of the watercraft; and no other part of the apparatus contacts any portion of the watercraft.

Abstract: A modular dock unit and system for making large modular dock systems is disclosed. The dock unit includes a molded floatation shell, a molded decking piece and a molded dri-loc retainer ring. The floatation shell has column supports molded therein suitable for holding support members. In use, support member are placed in flanges molded into the support columns and the floatation shell rim. The dri lock retainer is placed on the side support members and the decking piece is opposed to the dri-loc retainer. Mounting aids such as tongue and groove members are molded in opposing pieces of floatation shell, retainer and deck and secured where necessary. The dock unit also includes a boat bumper system that mates with the dock units to surround the modular dock system. When assembled, the dock unit comprises a water-tight flotation cavity protecting the internal components and providing buoyancy to the dock unit.

Abstract: A method for adjustably positioning a boat fender on the side of a boat utilizes a flexible strap having a plurality of openings therein having a boat fender rope threaded therethrough. The boat fender rope can be quickly moved through the openings in the strap to raise or lower the boat fender to lock the boat fender in place on the side of the boat.

Abstract: An assembly (1; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600) for operating fender elements (P) suitable to protect a boat during the movement and/or mooring including articulation means (2; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601) which are connected to the fender element (P) and moving means (3; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602), suitable to be coupled with the boat, operatively connected to the articulation means (2; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601) for moving them between at least a working position in which they dispose the fender element (P) at least partly laterally protruding from the boat, and at least a rest position in which they dispose the fender element (P) receding with respect to the boat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for transporting a blade for a wind turbine, comprising the steps of lowering said wind turbine blade into water, whereby it floats, and transporting said blade in the water. The invention further relates to a wind turbine blade with its holes sealed, making the blade transportable by floating, and a blade comprising a keel, propeller and a rudder.

Abstract: A portable water level-responsive mooring device has a mooring strap with a ring capable of engaging the mooring device around a dock piling. The mooring strap has a suitable length of cord having a clip or ring on each end capable of releasably attaching to a fender, spacing tubes, and rollers. The spacing tubes and rollers have an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the spacing tubes and an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cord. The cord is positioned within an arrangement of the spacing tubes and rollers, the length of cord being sufficient to wrap around a dock piling.

Abstract: A watercraft bumper has an elongate body. The elongate body has a generally C-shaped cross-section. A protrusion extends from one of the end portions of the cross-section and extends towards the other end portion. A watercraft having the bumper is also disclosed. The watercraft has a lip over which the bumper is disposed. The lip has a depression formed in an upper side thereof. The protrusion of the bumper is disposed in the depression and is biased against the upper side.

Abstract: A standoff system for keeping a containment boom or other floating barrier device spaced at a desired standoff distance away from a structure. The system includes an inner side member, an outer side member, and a plurality of compression members disposed between the side members. The system has a collapsed configuration in which the distance between the inner and outer side members is less than the desired standoff distance, and a deployed configuration in which the distance between the side members is greater than or substantially equal to the desired standoff distance. Alternatively, the system can be collapsed longitudinally by moving the adjacent compression members into abutting relationship with each other. The system is towed into place in the collapsed configuration, and once in place, is transformed into the deployed configuration by applying tension to the side members.

Abstract: A swingable spacing dock is configured to berth a ship spaced from the shoreline and includes a support positioned on shore, a swingable dock arm pivotally mounted on the support, and a powered drive. The dock arm is driven by the powered drive to swing between a ship docking position where the dock arm extends outwardly beyond the shoreline to engage the berthed ship and a storage position where the dock arm is positioned substantially entirely over the shore.

Abstract: An inflatable member for a protection device for the hull of a ship, characterized in that the inflatable member includes a deformable casing (1B) housed in a textile flexible pocket (1D) unattached to the casing (1B), the flexible pocket (1D) limiting the deformation extent of the deformable casing

Abstract: An improved boat hull protector comprises a rod member, a tether and a boat bumper. The rod member is UV resistant and non-abrading and disposable in the fishing rod holders of a boat fender. The rod member includes a countersunk hole through which the tether is looped. The tether is spliced together after looping through the rod hole, and is adjustable. The opposite end of the tether is connected to a boat bumper. To use the invention, the tether is adjusted to dispose the boat bumper between a vessel hull and dock, and the rod member bearing the tether is inserted into a boat rod holder. To remove the device, the rod member can simply be removed from the boat fender and stored as appropriate.

Abstract: Variations of a bumper systems are disclosed. A bumper system may have one or more rotatable members and/or non-rotatable members configured to protect a vessel or structure during docking maneuvers and mooring. The rotatable and non-rotatable members may be located at any one or more desired locations on the vessel and/or its mooring. In use, rotatable members are rotated from a first rotational position to a second rotational position. Various components of the bumper system may be configured to provide protection due to their compressibility, tiltability, flexibility and/or moveability. The connection between a rotatable member and its substrate may serve as an axis of rotation of the rotatable member, may be configured to include one or more mechanisms for rotating the rotatable member and may also include mechanisms for absorbing and/or dissipating the energy transmitted during physical interactions between vessels, and/or structures.

Abstract: A method of significantly reducing marine fouling is taught, incorporating the use of light in the area around an underwater surface, to detract zoo plankton and salps. These marine organisms are generally nocturnal to avoid optical predators such as fish. As a result they will avoid bright areas. Lights can be provided in fenders around a boat or the like, which can direct light to the area around an underwater surface of the vessel. Alternatively lights could be positioned over the underwater surface. In addition, the underwater surface can be made reflective to increase the light levels around the vessel. In a further alternative, the underwater surface can be coated in a bio or chemo-luminescent coating.

Abstract: A system for protecting a modular barge, which includes a plurality of modular barge sections assembled together using male and female connections, is provided. Each modular barge section has a top surface, a bottom surface, a side wall extending between the top and bottom surfaces, and at least one male connector projecting from the side wall. Some of the male connectors are exposed at an outer peripheral of the barge. A bumper is coupled with the at least one exposed male connector. The bumper extends between the top and bottom surfaces of the modular barge section to which it is attached.

Abstract: Variations of a bumper systems are disclosed. A bumper system may have one or more rotatable members and/or non-rotatable members configured to protect a vessel or structure during docking maneuvers and mooring. The rotatable and non-rotatable members may be located at any one or more desired locations on the vessel and/or its mooring. In use, rotatable members are rotated from a first rotational position to a second rotational position. Various components of the bumper system may be configured to provide protection due to their compressibility, tiltability, flexibility and/or moveability. The connection between a rotatable member and its substrate may serve as an axis of rotation of the rotatable member, may be configured to include one or more mechanisms for rotating the rotatable member and may also include mechanisms for absorbing and/or dissipating the energy transmitted during physical interactions between vessels, and/or structures.