Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for deploying an unmanned marine vehicle into water, in which the unmanned marine vehicle includes a float and a glider connected by a tether. The apparatus includes a buoyant frame having a first frame arm, and a second frame arm spaced from the first frame arm to define a receiving bay between the first frame arm and the second frame arm, wherein the receiving bay is sized to receive the float. A glider retainer assembly is coupled to the buoyant frame and configured to releasably retain the glider. The apparatus further includes a payload deployment assembly having an attachment plate coupled to and positioned below the buoyant frame, and a payload compartment releasably coupled to the attachment plate by a payload release, wherein the payload compartment defines a receptacle sized to receive a payload coupled to the glider, and the payload compartment has a density greater than water.

Abstract: A hoisting system is for hoisting a vertically-suspended object. The hoisting system has a winch having a winch drum with a hoisting rope. A first part of the hoisting rope has a first diameter and a second part has a second diameter being larger than the first diameter. The first part is connected with a first end of the second part. The first part is an inner part on the winch drum when the winch drum is completely wound. The second part has a further end that is connectable to the object for hoisting the object. A ratio between the first diameter and the second diameter is such that the minimum breakable load of the first part differs less than a factor of four from the minimum breakable load of the second part, and preferably less than a factor of three. A corresponding method is disclosed.

Abstract: A recovery apparatus and a recovery method is disclosed for recovering a watercraft, in particular for recovering a boat on board a mother ship. A frame actuator pulls a frame of the recovery apparatus relative to a carrying structure from a recovering position into a parked position. A chain drive moves a chain relative to the frame along a closed curve. The chain comprises at least one driver. A watercraft to be recovered is connected temporarily to the chain and is pulled out of the water by the movement of the frame relative to the carrying structure and by the movement of the chain having the drivers relative to the frame.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for retrieving an unmanned marine vehicle from water are disclosed. The unmanned marine vehicle includes a float and a glider connected by a tether. The apparatus includes a buoyant frame having spaced frame arms defining a receiving bay sized to receive the float, and the buoyant frame includes a front end defining an opening of the receiving bay. A glider recovery assembly is coupled to the buoyant frame and includes a first tether guide coupled to the buoyant frame, and a second tether guide coupled to the buoyant frame, wherein the first tether guide and the second tether guide are cooperatively shaped to define a tether capture gap having a tether inlet adjacent the front end of the buoyant frame and a tether stop positioned rearward of the tether inlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lifting device for lifting an upper part of a sea platform, the sea platform comprising a support structure and a top side, the lifting device being constructed to be positioned on a lifting vessel, the lifting device comprising: a base frame constructed to rest on the lifting vessel, at least one console frame connected to the base frame via a flexible connection system, a suspension system connected to the console frame and comprising a leg connector, wherein the suspension system is constructed to allow freedom of movement of the leg connector relative to the console frame, wherein the flexible connection system forms a flexible connection between the console frame and the base frame and allows a predetermined movement of the console frame.

Abstract: A submersible device (2) for deploying or retrieving autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), the submersible device comprising: two or more platforms (130) arranged in a stack (3a, 3b), wherein each platform is configured to carry two or more of the AUVs; a port (300, 310); and a transfer mechanism (200) comprising a transfer device (210) arranged to load or unload the AUVs onto or from the platforms, and an actuator arranged to move the transfer device between the platforms and the port in order to transfer the AUVs between the platforms and the port.

Abstract: The invention has for object a system and a method for the realization of floating platforms formed by the aggregation of floating forms in reinforced concrete, the union set of the modules is made integral forming a single plate inserting and pulling special steel cables that cross the entire platform in sheaths arranged in the walls of the modules themselves, the pulled cables, locked in this position, compress the plate to increase resistance, the present method and system are also characterized by the fact that the quota of the platform does not vary with the tides and the loads to which it is subjected.

Abstract: A load handling system for submerging of load from a water surface to a position situated under a connected installation vessel. The system includes a submergible load support, which includes a ballast system, and a controllable pendulum system including a first rigid pendulum device, which includes a first end pivotably connected to the support and a second end connectable to the vessel in a first pivot joint, and a second rigid pendulum device, oriented parallel to the first device, which includes a first end pivotably connected to the support; and a second end connectable to the vessel in a second pivot joint, the first ends of the first and second devices are situated symmetrically around a centered vertical plane through the support in a direction parallel to the devices and in that the sizes and connecting positions of the pendulum system allow for controllable pendulum movement of the support.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a docking station whereby an underwater robot can be maintained, repaired and managed all the time. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a docking station can be provided that may comprise: a receiving unit configured to receive an underwater robot therein and positioned under a surface of water; a maintenance unit provided on the receiving unit and positioned above the surface of the water; and a conveyor unit configured to convey the underwater robot from the receiving unit to the maintenance unit.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method of transporting a hydroelectric turbine system, and a vessel suitable for use in implementing said method, whereby the vessel comprises a raised or raisable section, which enables the vessel to pass over a portion of a base of the hydroelectric turbine system, when located in a flooded dry dock, which portion of the base projects above the water line in the dock.

Abstract: A device is for a helicopter deck comprising a supporting, fluid-tight floor. The helicopter deck comprises an overlying, draining top cover formed out of at least two top-cover sections arranged side by side. Each of the top-cover sections comprise a surface portion provided with several drain openings and at least one channel wall projecting downwards, provided with a foot portion which is arranged to be positioned on the surface of the floor. At least one drain channel is defined by the top cover, the floor and two adjacent channel walls. The drain channel is provided with a mouth portion which is connected to a collecting channel. Fluid-transport paths are formed through the at least one drain channel between the drain openings and a drain in the collecting channel. The top-cover sections are detachable from the floor and adjacent top-cover sections.

Abstract: A method for installation of an offshore wind turbine. The method includes prefabrication of a foundation that provides buoyant force and uprighting force to the foundation so as to keep it upright without external forces. The method further includes installation on a dock that includes assembling the offshore wind turbine into a complete set, and finishing testing in a state of the complete set. The method further includes transporting the complete set to an offshore site in a way of floating on the water, and then offshore installation that includes sinking the complete set onto a sea bed by gravity on the offshore site, and fixing the foundation to finish the installation. The present invention also provides a method for recovery of an offshore wind turbine, which is performed generally in steps reversed to the method for installation.

Abstract: A system for automatically launching and recovering marine or underwater vehicles from a carrier ship which remains under way to limit pitching and rolling movements. The system includes an inclinable articulated ramp including a bottom and edges, and hauling means for controlling sliding of the vehicle along the ramp during launch and for hoisting the vehicle up along the ramp during recovery. The ramp has a free end which varies between an immersed position in water and an emerged position in a horizontal position. The system includes buoyancy means allowing the free end of the ramp to float at the surface or near the surface of the water when lowered. The bottom of the articulated ramp also has an external face that is configured to form streamlining ensuring fluidity of the end of the ramp with the water and limiting vertical dynamic movements caused by waves.

Abstract: A marine platform (and method of installation) provides a plurality of buoys of special configuration, a platform having a peripheral portion that includes a plurality of attachment positions, one attachment position for each buoy, and an articulating connection that connects each buoy to the platform at a respective attachment position, the connection allowing for sea state induced buoy motions while minimizing effect on the platform. A method of installation places the platform (including oil and gas drilling and/or production facility) next to the buoys. Ballasting moves the platform and buoys relative to one another until connections are perfected between each buoy and the platform.

Abstract: One of more safety catches attachable to water vessels for preventing rollback during launch and recovery operations. Each safety catch includes a pivotally attached catch arm for mating with a notched groove in an inclined surface to prevent the rollback.

Abstract: A drilling vessel may function both as an ice breaker and, if needed, as a drilling platform for drilling a relief well. The vessel may be provided with a mast that may be stowed when drilling operations are not being conducted.

Abstract: An engagement apparatus for use in the deployment and recovery of a marine craft from a mother ship comprises a receptacle provided on one of the marine craft and the mother ship and an engagement probe provided on the other of the marine craft and the mother ship. The receptacle has a number of spaced channels which receive the engagement probe, engagement between the probe and the channels facilitating alignment between the marine craft and the mother ship. A locking device is also provided to secure the probe to the receptacle to secure the marine craft to the mother ship for recovery. The locking device may be activated by full engagement between the probe and the receptacle.

Abstract: A system for launching and recovering marine or underwater vehicles from a carrier ship which remains under way which limits the amplitude of pitching and rolling movements. The system includes an inclinable articulated ramp including a bottom and edges, and hauling means for controlling sliding of the vehicle along the ramp during launch and for hoisting the vehicle up along the ramp. The ramp has a free end which varies between an immersed position in the water and an emerged position in a horizontal position. The system also includes buoyancy means allowing the free end of the ramp to float at or near the surface of the water when the ramp is lowered. The bottom of the articulated ramp also has an external face configured to form streamlining thus ensuring fluidity of the end of the ramp in contact with the water and limiting vertical dynamic movements caused by waves.

Abstract: A mono hull vessel for retrieving and deploying equipments in offshore region comprising a deck box with an upper deck (2) at its top said upper deck having a lifting and lowering device (3,3?), a hull/pontoon (1) at the base of said vessel, the vessel is characterized in that said hull/pontoon (1) is connected to the deck box by a plurality of columns (4) and said hull/pontoon (1) is made in one piece and is continuous to form the platform for a lower deck (5), the upper and lower deck being configured to allow lifting and lowering of equipment therefrom and thereon respectively.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for loading/unloading a vehicle into/from a carrier ship through at least one opening provided in the rear of said ship comprising an angled vehicle-receiving ramp combined with a motor-driven means for loading/unloading the vehicle, characterized in that the motor-driven means for loading/unloading the vehicle comprises a crossbeam-shaped means for the ship that extends above the ramp and is combined with a vehicle-hoisting/releasing cable, which is in turn combined with a first drive means for hoisting/releasing the vehicle, and in that the crossbeam-shaped means is longitudinally movable, by means of a second drive means above the ramp, between a rear position for hoisting/releasing the vehicle and a front position for storing the vehicle on the ramp in the ship.

Abstract: One of more safety catches attachable to water vessels for preventing rollback during launch and recovery operations. Each safety catch includes a pivotally attached catch arm for mating with a notched groove in an inclined surface to prevent the rollback.

Abstract: A system for retrieving a life vessel from water and drawing the life vessel onto a deck of a rescue vessels comprises a life vessel system comprising: i) a tow-line comprising a first end portion secured to the life vessel and an opposed second end portion; and ii) a deployment system configured to deploy the second end portion of the tow-line into the water. The system further comprises a rescue vessel system comprising i) a towing device on the rescue vessel, the towing device configured to receive the second end portion of the tow-line and retract the tow-line to draw the life vessel towards the rescue vessel; and ii) a retrieval assembly assembled to the deck of the rescue vessel, the retrieval assembly configured to receive the life vessel as the life vessel is drawn towards the rescue vessel and to lift the rescue vessel onto the deck.

Abstract: A system comprising a floating vessel comprising a deck having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis; a plurality of support structures in an array spaced along the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis; a plurality of lateral support members spanning a lateral distance between adjacent support structures; a plurality of longitudinal support members spanning a longitudinal distance between adjacent support structures; a skid beam resting on the plurality of lateral support members and the plurality of longitudinal support members; and a skid shoe resting on the skid beam.

Abstract: A boat hull includes a bow, a stern and a bottom surface extending from said bow to said stern. Said bottom surface includes a substantially flat delta plate, and a keel extension extending, at least partially, across the delta plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for launching and recovering at least one water vehicle includes a frame supported by a base. The base may be mounted to the deck of a boat. The frame includes an elongate stand for supporting the water vehicle. The frame is mounted for being moved relative to the base between a stowed position and a deployed position, so that a rear end of the stand is at a lower elevation in the deployed position than in the stowed position. A guide is carried by the frame and adapted for being moved back and forth along the stand. The guide is for mechanically guiding the water vehicle along the stand.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of building a harbor structure suitable for communicating with a stretch of water. The invention is characterized in that the method consists in making, in a piece of ground, at least one curved continuous wall having a closed outline, in digging out the volume defined by the continuous wall, and in providing at least one opening in the continuous wall, said opening making it possible to cause said volume to communicate with the stretch of water.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for lifting and lowering a load in water, including a hoisting gear with a first hoisting rope and a storage drum with a second hoisting rope, which preferably are arranged on a floating unit. In accordance with the present disclosure, a hoisting gear frame is fastened to the first hoisting rope, whose buoyancy in water is variably adjustable. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a method for lifting and lowering a load in water by using such a device.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for launching and recovering an unmanned, water-born vehicle (UWBV) from a mother ship. The UWBV mimics the behavior of dolphins and is positioned ahead of the ship in preparation for bow riding. The UWBV uses a guidance system to position and keep in the bow wave. A high-frequency (HF) sonar transceiver array aboard the ship computes and sends course corrections to maintain the UWBV within the bow wave. The frequency range of the HF array can be 100 kHz or higher due to the short distance between the ship and the UWBV. Accordingly, the HF array can have a small aperture allowing for accurate bearing resolution. Course corrections can be sent on a near-continuous basis such that changes in thrust and rudder angle can be minimized to allow for accurate control of the UWBV.

Abstract: A device for transporting structures on water, as well as dismounting or installation of the structure(s) includes an elongated tilting frame (8) hingedly connected at a pivoting point (10) to a water vessel (6). The tilting frame (8) holds one or more support cribs (5) designed for being displaceable relative to the tilting frame and possibly relative to each other, the tilting frame further being designed to be able to assume an essentially horizontal or slightly tilted position, corresponding to a transport position, and being designed for being able to be tilted about the hinge connection to an essentially vertical position by suitable means, the vertical position corresponding to a lifting or operating position wherein the structure(s) carried by the support crib(s) may be lifted or lowered up from or down into the water, respectively, or up or down above water level.

Abstract: A device for cutting aquatic vegetation is provided. In one embodiment, the device has a plurality of cutting blades that rotate freely on an elongate shaft and cut aquatic vegetation as the device travels through a body of water. In one approach, the device includes an impact accommodating mechanism that permits the device to absorb an impact between the device and submerged objects in the body of water. A method is also provided that includes providing an aquatic vehicle having disposed thereon a cutting device, the cutting device having a shaft with at least one cutting blade journaled for free rotation on the shaft. The vehicle is moved through a body of water to cause rotation of the cutting blade and cutting of aquatic vegetation in the body of water.

Abstract: A high current cursor comprises a outer frame in which a center carriage travels. The center carriage travels between the top and bottom of the outer frame. Movement of the center carriage is limited within the outer frame constraints and its own locking mechanism. Center carriage carries a bend restrictor for an umbilical or lift line. When the center carriage travels down to a predetermined position within the high current cursor, equipment is allowed to exit the high current cursor or is retrieved back into the high current cursor when the bend restrictor reaches a predetermined position within the outer frame, e.g. at its lowest point, allowing dispersal and/or retrieval without obstruction back to a fixed recovery point.

Abstract: A method whereby a relatively faster-moving vessel recovers a relatively-slower moving vehicle includes, in some embodiments, causing a first faster-moving vehicle to move along a first circular path, deploying a cable radially inward from the first circular path such that a free end of the cable circumscribes a second circular path having a radius smaller than that of the first circular path, attracting a second slower-moving vehicle to the free end of the cable, and coupling the second vehicle to the cable.

Abstract: An offshore depot having a vertically symmetric hull, an upper inwardly-tapered wall and a lower outwardly-tapered wall that produce significant heave damping in response to heavy wave action. Ballast is added to the lower and outermost portions of the hull to lower the center of gravity below the center of buoyancy. The offshore depot includes a tunnel formed within or through the hull at the waterline that provides a sheltered area inside the hull for safe and easy launching/docking of boats and embarkation/debarkation of personnel. When the watertight tunnel doors are all shut, the tunnel may be drained to create a dry dock environment within the hull. The offshore depot includes berthing and dinning accommodations, medical facilities, workshops, machine shops, a heliport, and the like.

Abstract: An automatic reversing-reposition rocker arm includes a rocker arm body, and the rocker arm body is a steel box beam. A rocker arm pivoting shaft is attached on a middle of the body. The rocker arm body has a ballast tank, a water inlet, and a water outlet. The ballast tank is located in a back end of the rocker arm body. The water inlet is located in an upper edge of the ballast tank. The water outlet is located in a lower edge of the ballast tank. A left side and a right side of a lengthwise forth end of the rocker arm pivoting shaft match each other, and a plurality of connecting devices are attached on the forth end of the rocker arm body. A plurality of gas-liquid buffers connects with the rocker arm body via the connecting devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a stable maritime platform are disclosed. The platform is pivotally supported by a superstructure of a floating vessel, the platform to receive a downward force from an object. A platform trunnion is connected to the platform to convert the downward force on the platform into rotational movement. A counterweight axle is connected to the platform trunnion to transform the rotational movement into angular displacement that moves a counterweight away from the superstructure of the floating vessel. Thus, the downward force of the object may be counteracted to balance the floating vessel.

Abstract: A system comprising a floating vessel comprising a deck having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis; a plurality of support structures in an array spaced along the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis; a plurality of lateral support members spanning a lateral distance between adjacent support structures; a plurality of longitudinal support members spanning a longitudinal distance between adjacent support structures; and a skid beam resting on the plurality of lateral support members and the plurality of longitudinal support members.

Abstract: Presented is an advance naval ship's stern appendage called an LCAC (Landing Craft Air Cushion) Lander, Launcher and Lifter (L4 system) to provide for landing and launching of amphibious hovercraft and increase the delivery capacity of amphibious hovercraft by naval vessels. The stern appendage which may be retrofitted on existing vessels or fully designed into new hull forms of new ships. Included in the stern appendage are longitudinally extending cantilever wingwalls, at least one hoistable platform with a backstop fold up gate, a med-moor ramp, drainage ducts, a resistance reduction leading edge, locking pins and a transfer conveyor system for amphibious hovercraft to gain access to and from the ship's decks above the waterline, and a hoisting system for raising and lowering the hoistable platform between said cantilever wingwalls.

Abstract: A method of dynamic positioning of a vessel (16, 32), wherein a positioning system controls at least one positioning machinery (18), and where two or more buoys (1), each comprising at least one positioning machinery (18), are coupled to the vessel (16, 32).

Abstract: Disclosed is a pontoon boat. The pontoon boat includes a deck, a pair of pontoons, an elongated channel member and a boat. The pair of pontoons is disposed on a water side portion of the deck for supporting the deck above a water level. The elongated channel member is disposed on the water side portion of the deck between the pair of pontoons. The elongated channel member is configured to have longitudinal sliding movement with respect to the water side portion of the deck. The boat includes a body portion and a pair of lip portions. The pair of lip portions is configured to be slidingly received in the elongated channel member for removably securing the boat to the water side portion of the deck.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of a dock system for launch and recovery of a stowed boat, which is capable of launching and recovering the boat during navigation of a marine vessel at a high headway speed. The launch and recovery apparatus has a stern dock (2) for accommodating the boat (10) therein. The apparatus launches the boat outboard through a stern opening and recovers the boat from the outboard area by entry of the boat into the dock. The apparatus is provided with a conduit device (11) so that seawater surrounding the vessel is drawn through an intake port (12) and is delivered to the dock through an outlet port (13). In the dock, a backward water stream is generated, which is to be discharged outboard through the stern opening.

Abstract: A building over the water, maneuvering methods for the building and hosting sites of the building. The buildings including a superstructure (A) provided a floor structure (1) that is placed over a water surface (2) on which an inhabitable subassembly (3) is positioned, a support (B) sitting on ground (4) positioned under the floor structures (1), and mobile floating docks (C) with variable and controllable buoyancy that includes a load carrying platform (5) positioned under the floor structure (1). The superstructure (A) is held above the water surface (2) by the supports (B), that sit on the ground (4), and respectively carried by the floating docks (C), the superstructure being detachable from the ground (4), and transportable on water on the mobile floating docks (C), thus being possible to reposition the superstructure (A) on ground (4), at a destination of choice.

Abstract: An apparatus for deployment and recovery of an underwater vehicle can be introduced into a recovery tube of an underwater recovery vehicle. The apparatus has a moveable tube provided with an insertion/extraction device at one of its ends. The device is in the form of a tube or of a ring in a retracted state and in the form of a funnel in an extended state. There is also disclosed a method for deployment and a method for recovery of an underwater vehicle by way of the above-mentioned apparatus that is introduced into a recovery tube of an underwater recovery vehicle. Additionally, there is disclosed a method for docking an underwater vehicle at a recovery tube of an underwater recovery vehicle provided with the above-mentioned apparatus.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system is provided for connecting two vessels to each other or for connecting a vessel to a land-based structure for the transfer of objects. The system according to the invention comprises at least one projecting body adapted for attachment to one of the vessels and at least one receiving means adapted for attachment to the other vessel or to the land-based structure, the receiving means also comprising side members with recesses for cooperation with the projecting bodies. The invention also comprises a method for transferring material and a landing vessel for connecting to a cargo vessel.

Abstract: A heave compensation apparatus and method for a winch or crane system, the winch or crane system preferably for a vessel and including a lift wire for attachment to a load. The apparatus includes a vessel motion measurement device which may be in the form of a motion reference unit for measuring the motion of the vessel, and a control device or computer capable of receiving an output from the vessel motion measurement device and controlling the winch or crane system according to the movement of the vessel, so as to stabilise the load. The apparatus may further optionally include one or more of a lift wire tension measuring device for measuring the tension in the lift wire; a lift wire distance measurement device which measures the length of lift wire that has been paid out; and a load motion measurement device for measuring the motion of the load.

Abstract: A modular naval complex comprises a basic vessel provided with means for varying the height of the waterline thereof and housing the bottom of which is formed by a platform that can be moved between a raised position and a submerged position by operating said means to vary the height of the waterline, the naval complex comprising equipped floating modules suitable for being inserted into said housing and to be extracted floating from the latter when the platform is in the submerged position, the modules resting on the platform when it is in the raised position, on the equipped modules active operating means being integrated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a stable maritime helicopter platform are disclosed. In one embodiment, a ship that may be converted into a spar buoy includes a flipping mechanism to convert the ship to the spar buoy, a takeoff and landing platform for helicopters and other VTOL vehicles, and an actuation and balance system to deploy the platform.

Abstract: Sub-ordinate and host maritime vessels are connected to each other by a tow loop trailed by the host vessel through a capture frame which engages the sub-ordinate vessel. The capture frame acts to engage the sub-ordinate vessel in the transitional coordinate space shared jointly between the sub-ordinate and host vessels, which vessels can be either or both surface-going, submersible, and/or non-surface vessels. The capture frame possess features which allow it to disengage from the host vessel while remaining semi-related and recoverable by a linkage of one or more tensioned lines to the host vessel during the time that its tow loop is connected to the sub-ordinate vessel.

Abstract: A ship has interchangeable mission modules. For example, a ship has a frame with a mission-module bay disposed therein. The bay is operable to receive a mission module having a mission-module system and an interface that facilitates the coupling between the mission-module system and the ship. As such, a plurality of different types of mission modules can be interchanged quickly and easily to provide the ship with different mission capabilities. Each mission-module is generally self-contained such that all the equipment necessary to perform the specific mission is contained within the single mission-module. Each mission-module is either a single unit or multiple units combined together to form an integrated unit. Thus, the ship is capable of transitioning from one mission to another simply by ejecting one mission module and replacing with another mission module.

Abstract: A vessel transfer system utilizes a larger, surface effect vessel with a hull and a cargo deck, having a pressurized volume of air under its hull. The larger vessel cargo deck is lowered relative to a water surface in order to receive a smaller vessel. Lowering is achieved by depressurizing the volume of pressurized air under the hull. Movable propulsors on an air cushion vehicle permit efficient operation under way in an outer position, while minimizing the envelope dimensions for stowage in a well deck, providing clearance from bridges, docks, etc. in an inner position. In the outer position, the propellers operate in more uniform inflow conditions, resulting in improved performance and lower noise levels. In addition, the craft can be arranged to use a full width stern ramp resulting in time saved during cargo loading/unloading. The propellers will be less likely to ingest green water in high sea states.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cargo transfer at sea, more particularly, a flow-through vessel and related method for the at-sea and underway launching and loading of air-cushion vehicles. The vessel includes a hull having a forward end and an aft end, a continuous deck extending from the forward end to the aft end of the hull, a forward ramp attached to the continuous deck at the forward end of the hull, and an aft ramp attached to the continuous deck at the aft end of the hull. At least a portion of the continuous deck is uncovered and accessible from above the deck.