Abstract: A damping (or heave) plate comprises a generally flat plate attached, beneath the surface of a sea, and in horizontal orientation, to a structural member subject to being vertically moved in response to passing surface waves. The plate tends to resist vertical movements and has the effect of adding mass to the structure. A vertically extending structure is added to both major surfaces of the heave plate for increasing the volume of water moved by the plate. For minimizing drag forces generally created by use of the damping plate, the vertically extending structure is shaped to include curved hydrodynamic surfaces for minimizing turbulence in the surrounding water.

Abstract: An embodiment of a launch/recovery device for both surface and underwater vehicles includes a plurality of driven wet-traction members arranged to form a low drag (e.g., water flow-through) ramp design. The wet-traction members provide traction even when wet between the water vehicle and the launch/recovery device. As a result of utilizing driven wet-traction members, the use of conventional hoists, special capture devices such as hooks and tow lines, and personnel located within the water to attach the capture devices to the water vehicle is eliminated. The wet-traction members provide both strength and flexibility to the launch/recovery device. That is, while the wet-traction members are strong enough to support the weight of the water vehicle, they are at the same time flexible enough to deflect a distance (e.g., about 6 to 15 inches) to accommodate a soft landing of the water vehicle on the ramp, while providing recovery forces and motion.

Abstract: An installation vessel has upper and lower decks (40, 50) that are vertically spaced about 3 meters apart, with most of the lower deck covered by the upper one, but with a rear portion (60) of the lower deck being uncovered. The upper deck is used primarily for storage, while the lower deck is the one used for installation of anchor chains, wires, ropes, etc. that pass from a winch (81) to a stern roller (84) at the rear of the lower deck, so dangerous conditions of chains, wires, ropes, etc. moving along a deck during installation are confined to the lower deck. A main crane (72) that lies on one side of the vessel, lies forward of the rear end of the upper deck at a location wherein the crane can reach all portions of the uncovered lower deck portion and most of the upper deck.

Abstract: A pontoon structure consisting of two concrete side members with a buoyancy member interposed between them, a plurality of transverse members linking the side members and a deck extending between the side members.

Abstract: The marine vessel monitoring system of the present invention enables marine vessel owners to monitor their vessels when they are unable or unavailable to personally do so. The system of the present invention provides an efficient method for inspecting and repairing a designated marine vessel at periodic intervals and for reporting the results of such inspections and repairs to the vessel's owner in a timely manner for the owner's review and consideration.

Abstract: A platform for providing an interface between a host vessel and ship-to-shore craft has a water buoyant surface that is transportable on the host vessel, an angled deck within the surface, an inner and outer ramp, and an inner and outer deck of different deck heights within the platform.

Abstract: A wind turbine (1) has a base (5) divided into at least three ballast tanks (12). A vessel (7) has means for displacing the wind turbine between a loading space (25) and an unloading position (26). At its unloading position the vessel has winches (11) with at least three flexible lines (10) that can be connected with horizontally distanced lifting points (23) on the wind turbine base.

Abstract: A boat comprises an elevator and a boat hull having a deck and defining a dive opening. The dive opening extends vertically from the deck to the water and defines an enclosed passageway having upper and lower openings. Depending on the dive opening's location in the boat hull, the passageway may or may not be enclosed on all sides. Means are included for selectively moving the elevator between a raised configuration above the dive opening and a lowered configuration by passing through the passageway. A floor of the elevator is adjacent the boat hull deck when the elevator is at the raised configuration, and the elevator floor is below a water surface when the elevator is at the lowered configuration so a user may easily travel between the water and the elevator. Means for actuating the means for moving the elevator are preferably accessible from inside and outside the elevator.

Abstract: The method for lowering an object to an underwater installation site, wherein a submersible remotely operated vehicle (ROV) having at least one thruster for providing lateral thrust is interconnectable to an object, entails providing a vessel, having a winch and suspension cable; interconnecting and lowering the object and ROV towards the underwater installation site using a suspension cable, providing at least one anchor near the installation site; interconnecting each anchor and ROV with a positioning wire, while the ROV and object are suspended in the holding position; tensioning and adjusting the length of each positioning wire such that the interconnected ROV and object are positioned with respect to the installation site; and further lowering interconnected object and ROV, which are positioned by at least one positioning wire onto the installation site while keeping the interconnected object and ROV suspended from a suspension cable.

Abstract: The invention is a method for lifting and transporting a heavy load by using a heavy lift vessel with at least two heavy lift cranes adapted to operate simultaneously; mounting fly-jibs on the heavy lift crane to increase reach and height of the heavy lift crane; picking up a load from a first location using the fly-jib modules simultaneously; shifting the load from the first location to over a second location on the heavy lift vessel; placing the load on the second location; moving the heavy lift vessel to a second position; using a mooring system to maintain the heavy lift vessel at the second position; picking up the load from the second location using the fly-jib modules simultaneously; shifting the load from a second location to over a third location; and placing the load on the third location.

Abstract: A system and method autonomously clears obstacles and mines from an approach lane. A ship is distantly located from an approach lane spanning a surf zone and beach portion, and the ship has operator control station software in an onboard computer. At least one system delivery vehicle having a storage bay and propulsion system transits from the ship to the approach lane in response to instructions from the operator control station. A line charge is disposed in each bay and has one end coupled to the system delivery vehicle. A line charge delivery vehicle in the bay is connected to another end of the line charge to pull the line charge from the bay and emplace it in a straight path in the approach lane in response to instructions from the operator control station. Explosives in all line charges are detonated to clear the approach lane.

Abstract: An unmanned system for investigating underwater regions utilizes an unmanned mothership and a plurality of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). The mothership transports the UUVs to and from the vicinity of an underwater region, releases the UUVs into the water, and facilitates recovery of the UUVs from the water. Each UUV can traverse an underwater region, generate sonar and image data associated with the underwater region, and transmit the sonar and image data through the water for receipt and re-transmission by the mothership. A docking system mounted partially onboard the mothership and partially onboard each UUV couples each UUV to the mothership and selectively releases each UUV into the underwater region. A guidance system mounted partially onboard the mothership and partially onboard each UUV guides each UUV back to the docking system from positions in the water.

Abstract: A transport, launch and recovery marine craft is provided that is capable of transporting, deploying and retrieving cargo at sea, either while idle or while underway. A hinged well deck selectively lowers the cargo into the water, and lifts the cargo out of the water during retrieval. Means for raising and lowering the well deck include hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders connected between the well deck and an overhead support. A winch may be used for loading and unloading the cargo.

Abstract: A towed raft has a generally U-shaped floating frame and a spine and rib assembly that substantially define a receiving area configured to receive a marine vessel substantially through an open end of the floating frame. At least one lifting device is mounted to said spine. The floating frame comprises a pair of floats connected by a cross brace at the forward end. The assembly comprises a spine spaced upwardly from the frame and generally longitudinally aligned with the receiving area, and a plurality of ribs extending generally outwardly and downwardly from the spine to connect the spine with the frame. The towed raft may be used for transport, launch or recovery of a marine vessel such as a swimmer delivery vehicle (SDV).

Abstract: A stowage system for stowing a smaller boat on board a larger parent boat is provided. A well sized to receive the smaller boat is formed below the aft cockpit deck of the parent boat adjacent the stern. A movable cover assembly in the nature of a hatch(s) covers the well and sits flush at deck level when in a closed position. The cover assembly is movable to expose the well so that the smaller boat can pass through the opening when the cover is in an open position. Also, a skeg assembly with twin skegs provides an improved tracking capability for a powerboat and provides sufficient space for the small boat stowage system. The twin skegs, which provide support for inboard engine shafts, are symmetrically located on opposite sides of a centerline of the hull near the stern. Water flow tunnels between the skegs.

Abstract: Novel precast concrete boxes are disclosed which can be assembled together and/or with structural shapes disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,697,736 and 5,697,473 to form waterfront structures such as seawalls, boathouses and the like. Novel methods of waterborne transport and installation of the boxes are disclosed, including modular vessels having bow and stern sections which can be connected directly together or mounted to a mid-section containing assemblies of concrete boxes, other structural elements or other vessels such as floating drydocks. Modular vessels can be assembled with any or all of the bow, midship and stern sections comprising honeycomb arrays of vertically-oriented hexagonal boxes.

Abstract: A method of deploying a subsea line utilizes a subsea deployment unit. A drum wrapped with the line is mounted to the unit. The unit is lowered on a cable into the sea from a surface vessel. An ROV is lowered on an umbilical into the sea and brought into engagement with the unit. The ROV provides thrust and guidance to move the unit along a desired path above the sea floor. The ROV also supplies power to the motor of the unit to cause the drum to rotate and deploy the line from the drum. The ROV disengages from the unit and connects the ends of the line to subsea components.

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 launch and recovery system for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV) includes a watercraft with a stern endwall movable between a vertical position and a ramp position that is angled downward toward the water surface. A storage platform mounted on the watercraft and terminating at the stern endwall defines a storage area for UUVs. An arm is pivotally mounted to the watercraft at a position forward of the storage platform. The arm has an outboard end that can be extended to positions aft of the watercraft and on either side thereof. The arm is also retractable such that its outboard end is positionable over the storage platform. A capture mechanism is mounted to the outboard end of the arm and is used to capture a UUV that maneuvers thereto in the water. A homing mechanism is coupled to the arm and is used to transmit a homing signal through the water for use by the UUV in maneuvering towards the capture mechanism.

Abstract: The invention describes a cost-effective alternative for deploying and installing subsea equipment using a workboat or other vessel of opportunity. The equipment is not supported directly by the vessel, but is instead supported by one or more buoys below the wave zone. The buoys are controlled by a combination of chain, wire rope, and synthetic line linking it to the workboat. As such, the buoy system described herein decouples vessel motion from the payload by supporting the payload from the buoys below the wave zone. Because the buoys are below the wave action and its associated turbulence, there is little energy and hence little tendency for motion. The result is a stable, inexpensive, maneuverable system capable of servicing large subsea payloads in a wide range of water depths.

Abstract: The invention describes a cost-effective alternative for deploying and installing subsea equipment using a workboat or other vessel of opportunity. The equipment is not supported directly by the vessel, but is instead supported by one or more buoys below the wave zone. The buoys are controlled by a combination of chain, wire rope, and synthetic line linking it to the workboat. As such, the buoy system described herein decouples vessel motion from the payload by supporting the payload from the buoys below the wave zone. Because the buoys are below the wave action and its associated turbulence, there is little energy and hence little tendency for motion. The result is a stable, inexpensive, maneuverable system capable of servicing large subsea payloads in a wide range of water depths.

Abstract: A system for transfer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) between two vessels (1, 2). The system comprises a coupling head (7) mounted at one end of a flexible pipe means (4) and arranged for attachment on a platform (19) at one end of one vessel (1) when it is not in use, and a connection unit (8) mounted at one end of the other vessel (2) and comprising a pull-in funnel (50) shaped for guided pull-in of the coupling head (7) to a locking position in which the pipe means (4) can be connected to transfer pipes (56) on the other vessel (2) via a valve means (31) arranged in the coupling head. The coupling head (7) is provided with a guide means (40) and is connected to at least one pull-in wire (42) for guided pull-in of the coupling head (7) into the connection unit (8) by a winch means (66) an the other vessel (2).

Abstract: A method of deploying a subsea line utilizes a subsea deployment unit. A drum wrapped with the line is mounted to the unit. The unit is lowered on a cable into the sea from a surface vessel. An ROV is lowered on an umbilical into the sea and brought into engagement with the unit. The ROV provides thrust and guidance to move the unit along a desired path above the sea floor. The ROV also supplies power to the motor of the unit to cause the drum to rotate and deploy the line from the drum. The ROV disengages from the unit and connects the ends of the line to subsea components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a building transportable by water, which comprises means for the transport thereof and transport premises for the accommodation of the transport personnel during the transport, which premises meet the safety regulations required of waterborne vessels. The building further comprises functional premises to be reserved by clients, which premises are dimensioned for a maximum number of clients C, and which do not meet the safety regulations required of waterborne vessels. The invention further relates to a method for arranging the delivery of the building to a desired location, a reservation system for the premises and a method for reserving the premises.

Abstract: A method for removing a jacket of a drilling or production rig using a vessel provided with a deck includes manoeuvring the vessel close to the jacket, hoisting the jacket, and tilting the jacket relative to a tilting point located close to an edge of the deck of the vessel until the jacket lies on the deck, wherein the side of the jacket directed toward the vessel is supported during the tilting, such that the jacket can be removed in one operation and carried away using the vessel. A vessel with a deck and a device for removing a jacket of a drilling or production rig is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a integrated operation using buses to pick up passengers at outlying locations, transfer the passengers to a monorail system for ferrying the passengers to a floating dock structure where the passengers connect to a riverboat for using river-based transportation for communting.

Abstract: The invention is a integrated operation using buses to pick up passengers at outlying locations, transfer the passengers to a monorail system for ferrying the passengers to a floating dock structure where the passengers connect to a riverboat for using river-based transportation for communting.

Abstract: An improved modular dock structure with adjustable fixtures. Structural members are shown having one or more retention channels for cooperating with captive mounting structures various fixtures. Fixtures are adjustably mounted to the structural members using one or more mounting structures, each having a captive nut and collar retained in an associated retention channel. Fixtures described include a coupling hinge structure to couple modular sections together; floatation devices; clete structures; railings; watercraft bumpers; support legs; support legs with augers affixed; and support legs with wheels rotatably attached.

Abstract: A loading device for marine transfer of fluids, via a flexible loading hose, from a petroleum production platform to an ordinary tanker vessel has a main hull which includes a submerged hull and a structure resting on the submerged hull an rising above the waterline. A loading hose is arranged in a crane boom and is connected upstream to the flexible hose and arranged for transferring fluid to the tanker vessel. The loading device further includes fixed contact surfaces having upwards directed surfaces on the submerged hull. The submerged hull is arranged for being ballasted and deballa ted for docking towards the bottom of the tanker vessel's hull, using direct contact friction. A power device is arranged for moving the loading device into and out of a catching position with the tanker vessel, and is arranged for controlling the position of the tanker vessel during the operation of fluid transfer.

Abstract: Craft for embarking/landing loads, particularly personnel and/or vehicles, on unequipped shorelines, of the catamaran type, comprising:

Abstract: Apparatus for gripping and moving underwater craft and the like (101,102) comprising a crane (103) mounted on-board a ship (100) and provided with articulated arms (1, 2) and a crane cable (214), said crane being connected at its free end to a device (200) for gripping the craft to be recovered, wherein said device (200) essentially consists of: a head (210) pivotably mounted on the free end of the arm (1) of said crane and able to pivot with respect thereto; a gripping unit (220) mounted on floats (222) and provided with propulsion means (226) which are controllable by associated means (227) and allow movement of the device parallel to the surface of the water.

Abstract: A system for use in performing maintenance work on an unmanned offshore platform, comprising a sea-going support craft (22) for transporting a maintenance crew to the platform (23) for performing maintenance work on the platform, a power generator (73) on the craft, at least one operating device (1, 72) on the platform, a line (18) connected to said operating device, and connector means (21) for connecting the line to the power generator (73) such that the latter can supply power to said operating device. Preferably, the or one of the operating devices is a hoisting apparatus (1) for raising the support craft to an elevated position, enabling the crew to transfer from the craft to the platform superstructure to carry out maintenance work.

Abstract: A system and method for the safe conveyance of fuel from the shore to a floating watercraft refueling dock. A cable is stretched between a floating dock to a cable support structure on the shore which contains a reel for adjusting the length of the cable in response to changes in floating dock position, as in response to changing water levels. A fuel hose is suspended underneath the cable by removable lanyards. The fuel hose is connected on the shore to a hose reel which allows the length of hose to be adjusted in accordance with the cable length. Fuel is supplied through the hose on the hose reel along the suspended span of fuel hose to fuel dispensers on the floating fuel dock. The suspended fueling system retains the fuel hose off the terrain and is capable of being retracted or extended to accommodate the rise and fall of the floating dock in response to the water rising and falling.

Abstract: A method for disposing of an offshore platform jacket comprises suspending the jacket in one piece under a tow vessel, towing it to the disposal site and safely and quickly releasing the jacket at the disposal site. Once the jacket foundation piles have been severed, the first end of the jacket is lifted using a derrick barge crane or winch connected to a first lift rigging device until the first lift rigging device engages with a first release device. The second end is lifted in a similar manner with a second lift rigging device and a second release device until the jacket is suspended substantially beneath the tow vessel. The lift rigging device include a spreader bar having at least one skid shoe attached thereto, at least two padeyes attached at opposite ends of the spreader bar, a lift sling attached to the padeyes and at least two jacket support slings. Each release device is attached to the tow vessel and includes at least one rocker beam having a connector.

Abstract: A ship convertible to a floating aircraft runway supported above water level by slender vertical buoyant legs, and capable of remaining stable during inclement weather conditions. The slender buoyant legs lifts the upper hull above the water level by pivoting downwardly from a retracted horizontal configuration to a vertical configuration by shifting ballast. Waterjet propulsion units maintain or change the position of the ship when the legs are in the horizontal or the vertical configuration. The runway has an area sized to launch and land large fixed-wing aircraft in a substantially horizontal direction without a need for a catapult or a landing assist method.

Abstract: A floating multi-unit structure to be used for various operations offshore, on lakes, rivers, etc. It comprises two types of main units, termed propulsion/support unit and operative unit, respectively. Each such main unit includes at least one functional member. The two main units are adapted to be interconnected through their functional members and functionally integrated in a manner resulting in synergetic effects of the totality of the interconnected units. The propulsion/support unit includes one or more vessels equipped with propulsion machinery and equipment to meet support functions. When the propulsion/support main unit is comprised of several vessels, the individual vessels are functionally integrated in a manner resulting in a synergetic effect providing the propulsion/support main unit with the intended combined properties. The operative main unit includes one or more barge members equipped to perform the intended operations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the installation of a deck on an offshore substructure. The invention is particularly useful with a floating substructure. Two independent pontoons each have two columns spaced apart from each other that extend upwardly from the pontoons. On each pontoon, a support beam attached to the columns spans the space between the columns. In another embodiment, there is no support beam across the space between the columns. Each pontoon is provided with ballast tanks that allow the pontoons to be selectively ballasted or de-ballasted to control pontoon depth for receiving a deck or installing a deck on an offshore substructure. The pontoons may be ballasted down during transit of the deck such that the main body portion of the pontoons is below significant wave action and the columns present a relatively small water plane area. The pontoons allow the deck to be placed directly above the offshore substructure.

Abstract: A landing guidance system is disclosed for use with helicopters or other aircraft during the terminal phase of approach to a marine structure, such as a moving ship at sea. Signals from shipboard pitch and roll position sensors are routed to a signal processor that computes stabilization corrections which, in turn, are applied to a multi-axis electromechanical system that moves internal elements of an optical system to compensate for motion of a shipboard platform resulting in a stabilized optical presentation in inertial space to the pilot of an approaching aircraft. A dual display is provided through the use of a spectral beam splitter that allows both an infrared and visible display to be presented to an approaching pilot. This allows the pilot to use the display with and without night vision devices. The visible energy display to the pilot is color-coded with three distinct colors.

Abstract: A dock, for launching and recovery of a lifeboat, rescue boat or like small boat on a vessel, a floating platform or a fixed installation. The boat (14) is normally stored on the dock. The dock is provided with buoyant elements (1) fixed to a frame (3). The boat (14) is supported in a cradle (2) within the frame (3). On launching and recovery of the boat (14), the dock is lowered to a floating position on the surface of the water. In order to fix the boat (14) to the dock, a locking device (9, 15) is provided. By modifying the configuration and size of the buoyant elements, the dock is given rolling and pitching periods which coincide as closely as possible with those of the boat (14). The dock and the boat (14) will thereby behave in approximately the same manner in the water, which makes it relatively simple to run the boat (14) into the dock even in a very heavy sea.

Abstract: A remotely operated ROV service vessel. The remotely operated vessel utilizes dynamic positioning. The vessel is remotely controlled by radio telemetry, preferably modular in construction, and may be semi-submersible. The vessel contains a radio telemetry package, one or more generators, an umbilical winch for lowering and raising an ROV, space for receiving and storing an ROV, and ballast control.

Abstract: The present invention provides an airport and a method of operating an airport in which, when an aircraft lands on a runway of the airport, the aircraft drives onto or otherwise boards a vehicle and is transported on the vehicle to a disembarking/embarking site. Here, inbound passengers leave the vehicle and proceed to a terminal building. In addition, outbound passengers board the vehicle, which then transports the aircraft to the runway from where it takes off. Various activities take place whilst the aircraft is on the vehicle. Thus, passengers embark/disembark the vehicle, pass through immigration and check-in areas and their baggage is unloaded/loaded. In addition, the aircraft is serviced whilst on the vehicle.

Abstract: An underwater testing platform assembly includes first and second rails for disposition in part in a body of water, each of the rails having facility for connection to a surface vessel. The rails are disposed vertically, parallel to each other. A cage comprising a network of struts is mounted on the rails. A skid is mounted on, and is movable in, the cage, and can receive and retain an apparatus to be tested. First and second travelers are fixed to the cage and are movably mounted, respectively, on the rails, such that the cage is vertically movable on the rails. Instrumentation is mounted on the cage. A transmission line is connected at a first end to the instrumentation and extends to the surface vessel. A receiver on the surface vessel has a second end of the transmission line connected thereto and receives data signals from the instrumentation.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for attaching one or more unmanned, hydroamically shaped, autonomous, undersea platforms to the bow of a submarine. An array of depressions, each matching the shape of the platforms, is provided in the bow of the submarine, equally spaced about the circumference of the submarine. Once seated in the depressions and attached to the submarine, the platforms provide a smooth, hydrodynamic shape to the bow of the submarine. Additionally, conformal arrays on the platforms mate with conformal arrays on the bow of the submarine to form a continuous conformal array and the platforms' weapons systems provide the submarine with forward deployed weapons when the platforms are attached. A platform is launched by detaching it from the submarine bow and raising the leading edge of the platform slightly into the water flow around the bow. Hydrodynamic forces lift the platform away from the submarine for an acoustically quiet launch.

Abstract: A constant force dock compensator that provides an mooring system for floating docks. The dock compensator is comprised of constant force power springs, a reel around which sufficient lengths of cable are wound, and a case containing the springs, cables and reel. The dock compensator is attached underneath a floating dock. The cables are withdrawn from the dock compensator and attached to weights placed on the floor of the body of water. The springs maintain a constant pull-force on the cables to hold the dock in place, and the cables automatically dispense or retract to compensate for changes in water level. Thereby, the dock has some leeway in terms of movement in response thereto, but is eventually stabilized by the dock compensator.

Abstract: A combined towing and docking hitch for watercraft. The hitch includes an elongated frame with a cable winch, a rearward yoke subframe, and a forward coupler. The coupler is adapted for mating with a complementary receptacle or receiver, mounted either on the stern of a towing boat or a boat dock. A cable or fiber web extending from the winch is attached to the bow eye of the towed or docked watercraft. The cable is advanced forwardly to draw the bow into nested engagement with the yoke. The yoke includes a pair of rearwardly diverging stabilizer arms having resilient bumpers on each end. A V-shaped roller is provided adjacent the converging region of the arms to accommodate the front bow stem of the towed watercraaft. The frame is pivotally attached to the coupler to accommodate wave-induced pitching movement, between the two vessels or between the moored watercraft and the dock.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the installation of a deck on an offshore substructure. The invention is particularly useful with a floating substructure. Two independent pontoons each have two columns spaced apart from each other that extend upwardly from the pontoons. On each pontoon, a support beam attached to the columns spans the space between the columns. Each pontoon is provided with ballast tanks that allow the pontoons to be selectively ballasted or de-ballasted to control pontoon depth for receiving a deck or installing a deck on an offshore substructure. The pontoons may be ballasted down during transit of the deck such that the main body portion of the pontoons is below significant wave action and the columns present a relatively small water plane area. The pontoons allow the deck to be placed directly above the offshore substructure. For a floating substructure, the pontoons are ballasted while the floating substructure is simultaneously de-ballasted to transfer the deck to the floating substructure.

Abstract: A pier comprising a floating pierhead structure which has transverse thrurs to assist maneuvering operations and four pedestal cranes to move cargo from and to ocean going ships docked at the structure. At the stern of the structure is a stern ramp receiving platform which is used during cargo off loading operations to allow access to the structure from ships equipped with stern ramps. The mooring system for the floating pierhead structure consist of a single point mooring anchor system located at the bow of the structure and four anchor legs located at the stern of the structure. This mooring system ensures minimal movement of the floating pierhead structure at its bow where the floating pierhead structure interfaces with a fixed position approachway, but allows the structure to be rotated over an arc of ninety degrees. The approachway for the rapidly deployed pier is a fixed position roadway connecting the floating pierhead structure to the shore line.

Abstract: A construction jack-up barge comprising a barge (11) supporting a tower (13) in a stowed horizontal position for transport and a vertical position for deployment. The tower (13) has three fold-out legs (15), each equipped with a footing assembly (17). The tower (13) is supported for rotation between a horizontal stowed position and a vertical position for deployment, about the barge (11), by a pivotal connection (19). The tower is also supported in a traveling frame (20) which has concave shaped rollers (21) which track each chord of the tower (13), allowing the tower (13) to be moved up and down relative to the barge (11), when the tower is being deployed. In the vertical position the tower (13) is received through an opening which extends through the deck to the hull of the barge (11). A central cut out portion (33) extends from the stern of the barge (11), to the opening, to provide a pathway for the tower (13) as it rotates between the horizontal and vertical positions.

Abstract: A number of embodiments and accessories for a watercraft that is comprised of a main hull that defines a berthing area to receive a small self-propelled watercraft. The main watercraft hull has no propulsion device of its own and is adapted to be propelled by the propulsion device of the smaller watercraft. The controls of the smaller watercraft are accessible from the passenger compartment of the main hull so that the main hull need carry no controls of its own. Various arrangements for accommodating passengers, permitting attachment of an outboard motor to the main hull for its own propulsion and for improving the utility of the main hull are disclosed.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting a watercraft using a boat including a frame shaped for receiving one end of a personal watercraft, means for securing the frame to the aft of a boat, and means for securing the personal watercraft to the frame. A housing is connected to the frame to allow for storage of cargo or fuel. Latches are provided on the frame to allow for quick engagement and disengagement of the trailer and the watercraft. A flexible or rigid member is attached to the latches to allow for remote operation.