Abstract: The present invention relates to a marine structure comprising a launch and recovery system for a submersible vehicle, and methods of operating the marine structure. The system comprises: a docking receiver, a towing head comprising a locking mechanism and being connectable to the docking receiver (13), a towing arrangement adapted to mechanically connect the towing head to the marine structure and being adapted to control the distance between the towing head and the docking receiver, and a lifting device connected to the docking receiver and being adapted to move the docking receiver relative to the marine structure. The lifting device can arrange the docking receiver in a towing head receiving and/or releasing position in which the docking receiver: (i) is completely submerged into the body of water, and (ii) is prevented from moving relative to the marine structure.

Abstract: A retractable davit assembly includes a davit arm that retracts into a davit arm channel formed within the internal volume of a deck of the superstructure of a yacht or other vessel. An outer end of the davit arm includes a fairing matching a profile of the surrounding outer edge of the deck, such that that davit arm is concealed when retracted.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a broad-based ship that may be facilitated for landing and taking off of multiple aircraft, in accordance with some embodiments. Accordingly, the broad-based ship may include hulls, decks, and elevators. Further, the hulls may be configured to be floatably disposable in a water body. Further, the decks may be supported on the hulls. Further, the decks may include a flight deck and a lower deck. Further, the flight deck may include airstrips configured for allowing landing and taking off of aircraft on the airstrips simultaneously. Further, the elevators may be configured for transporting the aircraft between the lower deck and the flight deck simultaneously. Further, the transporting may include transferring the aircraft from the lower deck to the flight deck simultaneously. Further, the taking off of the aircraft simultaneously may be based on the transferring.

Abstract: An apparatus and method transports, launches, and recovers an unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV) on a boat. A pair of support rails secures the UUV to the boat during the transport across a body of water on the boat. The support rails support the UUV in sliding movement along the support rails during the launch from the boat into the body of water and during the recovery from the body of water onto the boat. A ramp is deployed that extends the support rails into the body of water through a stern of the boat. The ramp includes a pair of alignment rails for aligning the UUV with the support rails during the recovery. A winch pulls the UUV out of the body of water during the recovery, with the winch pulling the UUV into the alignment rails and then onto the support rails in the boat.

Abstract: A distributed acoustic anti-unmanned boat intelligence system (DAAUBS) for detecting unmanned boats (UB) approaching protected sites includes a plurality of airborne defense agents (ADAs) and a base station. Each ADA is equipped with air balloons, tethers, buoys, a directional microphone array, a first computing device, and a transceiver. The first computing device causes at least processor to determine information regarding each approaching UB. The base station includes a control center configured with a wideband communications link configured to communicate with the transceiver of each ADA. The DAAUBS control center includes a second computing device performing an intelligence method. The second processor receives and aggregates the data of each approaching UB and performs adaptive noise cancellation to remove environmental background noise. The second processor uses a deep learning classifier to classify at least one of a type and size of the UB.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for recovering watercraft. A ramp is movable relative to a stationary carrying apparatus between a recovering position and a parked position. The ramp includes a frame and a deformable body, which is fastened to the frame. When the ramp is in the recovering position, the deformable body points toward the watercraft to be recovered and is located at least partially above the water surface. The watercraft travels onto the ramp and deforms the deformable body from above. The watercraft is pulled out of the water and moved onto the carrying apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a floating structure for an autonomous watercraft with a keel deployed and recovered on a vessel. The longitudinally elongate structure includes a floating port-side and starboard lateral edges and a submersible bottom submerged when the structure is in the water, the lateral edges and the bottom defining an interior space at least partly submerged when the floating structure is in the water, the lateral edges defining a prow at the front and, at the rear, an opening towards the rear of the floating structure, which opening is downwardly limited by the submersible bottom with at least one longitudinally elongate slot open towards the rear for the passage of the keel, and the floating structure is configured in order that at least the front portion of the autonomous watercraft including the keel can engage by floating inside the interior space, with the keel engaging in the slot.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a handling system and method for use with a carrier vehicle or structure for unloading from, loading to and storing a smaller vehicle or body aboard the carrier vehicle or structure. The system includes a cradle for supporting a smaller vehicle or body therein. The cradle is mounted to a carrier vehicle or structure and is configured to be pivotable between a tilted position in which a smaller vehicle or body can be unloaded from or loaded into the cradle and a level position in which said smaller vehicle or body is stored aboard the carrier vehicle or structure. The system also includes at least one linear actuator for driving movement of the cradle between said tilted position and said level position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for deploying an unmanned marine vehicle into water are disclosed. The unmanned marine vehicle includes a float and a glider connected by a tether. The float is selectively retained in a buoyant frame by a float clamp assembly. A glider retainer assembly is coupled to the buoyant frame and selectively retains the glider. The glider retainer assembly and the float clamp assembly execute a deployment sequence for deploying the unmanned marine vehicle from the apparatus. In some embodiments, the apparatus is self-propelled to permit remote operation and deployment of the unmanned marine vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a ship provided with an installation for launching and recovering floating or submersible vehicles, that includes a lifting device having a set of cables that holds a basket configured to support the vehicle during launching and recovering operations, the cables being movable vertically between two positions, a high and a low position respectively. The basket includes an upper face that bears against a surface, referred to as a “contact surface”, of the lifting device, only when the cables are in the high position.

Abstract: Boat transfer system (10;110) on a floating vessel (30), comprising at least one deployment frame (14;114) for deployment of a cradle (12), wherein said deployment frame (14;114) is movable in a mainly horizontal direction and the deployment frame (14;114) is equipped with upright guides (18;118) for vertical movement of the cradle (12), and said cradle (12) is connected to a guide system (22;130,132,134) for controlled movement of the cradle (12) in the upright guides (18;118).

Abstract: A laser ablation and filtration process and apparatus wherein liquid containing hydrocarbons or other contaminates is purified. The liquid is exposed to laser energy at one or more selected wavelengths wherein the laser energy travels through the liquid and reaches the hydrocarbons or other contaminates and vaporizes, denatures, breaks down, neutralizes, renders inert and/or separates the hydrocarbons or contaminates from the liquid. A laser source is positioned in or on a vessel based on pre-set parameters to maximize exposure of the liquid to the laser energy, including sizing parameters, angle and inclination of the laser, retention time for the laser process to be applied and geometry of the containment for proper inclination. One or more collection chambers, which may include perforated membranes may be included to collect gases, separated hydrocarbons or contaminates and other by-products of the process. The vessel utilized may be submergible in water to pull or flow contaminated water therethough.

Abstract: A wave-induced motion compensation crane and corresponding vessel and method are disclosed. The crane includes a motion compensation device at a tip end portion of the boom structure to compensate for X-Y wave-induced motion and a heave compensation device for Z-motion. The motion compensation device includes a moveable jib beam that extends in a substantially horizontal direction. The jib beam is slewable about a substantially vertical slew axis and translatable in a longitudinal direction of the jib beam. Preferably, the jib beam can be levelled based on the angular orientation of the boom structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a measurement system for aquatic environments, including a surface vessel and a submersible device, the submersible device including a hull, propulsion, guide, and sensors for taking measurements. The submersible device can either be launched from the vessel in order to then maneuver underwater independently of the vessel during a remote deployment phase, or be stored in a vessel during a non-deployment phase, the vessel including at least one hull and propulsion and guide, the at least one hull of the vessel including a submerged portion located below a waterline. The submerged portion of the at least one hull of the vessel includes a recess designed to receive at least an upper portion of the hull of the submersible device when the latter is stored in the vessel, the recess being arranged entirely below the waterline so that the submersible device remains completely submerged during storage.

Abstract: A system for managing and controlling a subsea module is described herein. The system includes a deployment module configured to releasably receive and accommodate the subsea module and a load-bearing cable. One end of the load-bearing cable is connected to the subsea module and the other end is connected to a cable control device on the deployment module. The subsea module may be lowered out of and retracted into the deployment module. The subsea module may be configured to hold a subsea vehicle, such as a remotely operated vehicle or autonomous underwater vehicle. The subsea module may also be a remotely operated tool.

Abstract: A submarine support ship is preferably a triple-hulled vessel; the lower portion of the ship is a paired-hull catamaran which is capable of deep diving, clasping the submarine at deep sea, and floating upwards together with the clasped submarine. The upper portion of the ship is a buoyancy tank, which can supply air to and pull up the deep-diving lower portion, and can also conduct security of an ocean-going submarine.

Abstract: A portable autonomous vehicle connectivity platform includes a portable case, a local area network (LAN) side adapter, a wide area network (WAN) side adapter, a gateway router, and a controller. The LAN side adapter is communicates with autonomous vehicles (AVs). The WAN side adapter communicates with a remote server. The gateway router bridges communications between the LAN side adapter and the WAN side adapter. The controller is coupled to the gateway router for caching mission log reports received from the AVs and transmitting the mission log reports to the remote server.

Abstract: One or more wavegates are located on a seismic surface vessel to substantially prevent or limit waves from crashing onto a back deck of the vessel. The wavegate may comprise one or more steel gates or doors located at or near the aft portion of the vessel, such as on or near the rear end of the back deck, that may be moveable between a closed position and an open position. Each door may be fixed in position and/or be rotated and/or moveable in a horizontal and/or vertical direction between different positions. The wavegate allows the surface vessel to travel backwards and/or in the face of incoming waves while substantially preventing and/or limiting waves from crashing onto the back deck of the marine vessel. The seismic surface vessel may be a deployment vessel or a hybrid seismic shooting and deployment vessel or another marine surface vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote-controllable underwater device for manoeuvring a vessel. The device comprising at least one housing, a connection unit provided on the housing for rigidly attaching below the water to the vessel to be manoeuvred, at least one propeller mounted on the housing for moving the device and the vessel attached to the connection unit, an antenna for communication with the device from a remote control unit, at least one sensor for path tracking and positioning of the device and the vessel, and a power source for providing power to the connection unit, the propeller, the antenna, and the sensor.

Abstract: A pleasure boat with a system for launching/hauling a water craft is provided. The system includes a platform movable from a first position, in which it is substantially flush with the floor of the parking area of the boat, to a second position, in which it is below the water surface. The system also includes a cradle for the water craft, a guiding system for the cradle which comprises first guides extending in the parking area and second guides extending on the platform, and a handling system. The handling system includes a first handling assembly, arranged in the parking area to move the cradle along the first guides, and a second handling assembly, arranged in the platform to move the cradle along the second guides. The system allows the water craft to be automatically transferred from the parking area to the platform, and vice versa, with no manual intervention.

Abstract: A method includes: loading a vehicle onto a connector boat; loading the loaded connector boat onto the semi-submersible ship; transporting the semi-submersible ship having the loaded connector boat stored thereon to a location; taking water ballast onto the semi-submersible ship at the location; floating the loaded connector boat off of the semi-submersible ship; transporting the loaded connector boat to a second location; unloading the vehicle into water; and transporting the vehicle to a third location.

Abstract: Locking line capture devices for unmanned aircraft, and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A representative system includes a line capture body having a line slot with an open end and closed end, and a retainer positioned proximate the line slot and movable between first position in which the retainer blocks access to the line slot and a second position in which the retainer allows access to the line slot. A locking device is operably coupled between the capture body and the retainer and is movable between an unlocked position to allow movement of the retainer between the first and second positions, and a locked position to block such movement. A release device is operably coupled to the locking device and movable between a secured position with the locking device secured in the locked position, and a released position with the locking device movable between the locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: A swim platform for attachment to a boat includes a rearwardly tapered inflatable body including a top surface capable of supporting a standing person, an outer perimeter including a forward wall, an aft wall, and a port sidewall and a starboard sidewall extending between the forward wall and aft wall. The forward wall is positionable adjacent the transom. The forward wall is longer than the aft wall and is configured not to extend laterally beyond the starboard and port sides at the transom. The swim platform may be left in the water while the boat is moving and is designed not to interfere with the boat's wake.

Abstract: A transportation platform for an underwater towing device, including: a main frame; a support frame; a movable base; operation decks; ladder stands; and main lifting lugs. The main frame includes upright posts, basal tubes, longitudinal tubes, transverse tubes, and diagonal tubes. The support frame includes cushion blocks, transverse beams, stand columns, carrier bars, and stiffeners. The ladder stands include stand pipes and a plurality of deformed bar. The main lifting lugs are disposed on the upright posts of the main frame. The support frame is in the form of a door frame and disposed in the lower part of the main frame. The carrier bars cross over the basal tubes. The stiffeners are disposed between the upright posts of the main frame and the transverse beams. The cushion blocks are disposed on the carrier bars. The movable base is disposed between the carrier bars of the support frame.

Abstract: Boats can include an elevation-adjustable platform. For example, some boats can include an aft swim platform that is elevation-adjustable to facilitate convenient movement of people between the boat and the water. The elevation-adjustable platforms can be integrally manufactured as an extension to the hull or deck of a new boat, or manufactured separately and subsequently affixed to a previously manufactured boat.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a cradle assembly for cradling a boat, the cradle assembly comprising: a support, comprising one or more support fenders; one or more enclosure fenders extending along opposite lengths of the support; an arrestor located at one end of the support; an open-ended enclosure for a boat being formed between the support, the one or more enclosure fenders and the arrestor, the one or more support fenders facing into the enclosure, and the open end of the open-ended enclosure being opposite the arrestor.

Abstract: A powered water vessel includes a unitary section of the bow that is pivotably rotatable about a horizontal axis thereby permitting a closed-bow configuration and an opened-bow configuration. The closed-bow configuration is generally amenable to regular boat operations, while the opened-bow configuration is generally amenable to loading and unloading passengers, vehicles and/or cargo. A folding ramp assembly is extendable through the open-bowed configuration for loading and unloading, with track extensions providing additional extension distance.

Abstract: The instant disclosure pertains to a pontoon boat having various embodiments of an enclosure. Non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the enclosure are configured for habitation.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for handling daughter boats (2) on a mother vessel comprising one davit assembly positioned atop a stationary cradle (5), each of which is located near a side edge (11a, 11b) of a deck (11) of the vessel for launching and retrieving the boats (2) from and onto the stationary cradle (5) characterised in that the apparatus has a plurality of longitudinally movable cradles (7) on the deck (11) of the vessel for securedly holding plurality of boats thereon and in that the longitudinally movable cradles can move back and forth longitudinally and lift up vertically to transfer a boat (2) onto or to receive a boat (2) from, one transversely movable cradle (4) which can transversely move back and forth for placing a boat (2) onto or for receiving a boat (2) from, the longitudinal cradles (7) and any one stationary cradle (5). The invention also relates to a method for launching and retrieving boats from a mother vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus with a remotely controlled hydraulically actuated platform, upon which a swimmer may stand in order to be raised out of the water or lower into the water. One version comprises a scissor mechanism assembly bolted underneath the swim deck of a boat, a hydraulic cylinder that extends the scissor mechanism, a retracting stand platform attached to the scissor mechanism that can slide inward and under the deck of the boat for storage, a hydraulic power unit, and a wireless remote control. The most preferred embodiment comprises a hydraulic cylinder that extends above the swim deck of a boat, an anchor assembly that is bolted underneath the swim deck of the boat, a stand platform with a handle, a hydraulic power unit, and a wireless remote control that operates the hydraulic unit and lifts a single swimmer into and out of the water.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to assist with landing a component, e.g. a blowout preventer or production tree, having a female connector onto a male component which may be a mandrel extending from a top portion of the production tree or a wellhead, respectively. Thrusters are located between the component and the mandrel or wellhead, respectively, extending radially and connected to the bottom portion of the component. Activation of a thruster will cause the component to move in a direction away from the activated thruster. Real-time data is collected related to the position of the component relative to the mandrel or wellhead, respectively, and is used to determine which the thrusters to activate. The component is thus caused to move in a desired direction, until the female connector can be lowered onto the male component thereby engaging the blowout preventer or production tree with the mandrel or the wellhead, respectively.

Abstract: A floating dock hinging latch releasably interconnects a pair of floating dock sections in an adjoined spaced relation for relative hinging motion. The floating dock hinging latch includes a pair of female latch portions secured to the side of one floating dock section and a pair of male latch portions secured to the side of the other floating dock section. The female latch portions and male latch portions are releasably engaged with one another to hingedly connect the floating dock sections by moving the floating dock sections toward one another across the surface of the water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device for fastening, to the stem area of a ship, a ship's boat or an additional component to be detachably carried along, which device comprises a plurality of arms which have a hook-shaped coupling and are rigidly or detachably connected to the ship's boat or additional component, and a plurality of receiving portions which comprise at least one coupling shaft and are mounted on the stem or on an additional part of the ship permanently installed on the stem in such a way that the arms are hooked into the coupling shaft by the hook-shaped coupling and by a rotation of the arm or the receiving portion about the coupling shaft are locked in place when a defined angle of rotation is reached.

Abstract: A Towed Body Recovery Drone facilitates the safe recovery of fragile towed sensors by surface craft. The TBRD comprises a buoyant sponson section sized to give the TBRD minimal buoyancy necessary to keep the sensor on the surface in a static condition. Structural elements and skids are arranged to protect the sensor from impact with rigid objects and allow the TBRD to be pulled aboard a surface craft by means of a ramp structure. A capture device manages the sensor's tow cable and restrains the sensor within the TBRD structure.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a watercraft launch and storage assembly including: a mounting assembly; a first step; a watercraft cage pivotally carried by the mounting assembly having a launch position and a storage position; a continuous loop included in the watercraft cage for receiving and surrounding at least a portion of a watercraft; and, a watercraft cage plane defined through the watercraft cage that is generally perpendicular to the waterline when the watercraft cage is in the storage position so that when a watercraft is received by the watercraft cage and in the storage position an angle defined between a plane running through the width of the watercraft and the watercraft cage plane is greater than 90° reducing the amount of water and debris that can enter the watercraft in the storage position.

Abstract: Method and vessel for performing marine acoustic survey of a subsurface. The vessel includes a launching module configured to deploy an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) underwater; a recovery module configured to recover the AUV; a homing device mounted on the recovery module and configured to guide the AUV to the recovery module; and a management module connecting the launching module to the recovery module and configured to transport the AUV.

Abstract: A cargo loading apparatus of a vehicle luggage room may include a rail mechanism including a fixation rail fixed to a rear back beam and a movable rail that moves forward and/or rearward along the fixation rail, a pair of left and right side plates connected with the movable rail to move together with the movable rail, an upper plate in which a rear side surface is rotatably connected with the side plates through a hinge stopper to be rotatable substantially perpendicularly to the side plates and a rear end is connected with a bumper door, and a lifter installed so that one end of which is connected to a side plate of the side plates and the other end of which is connected to the upper plate, the lifter maintaining a rotational state of the upper plate while a length of the lifter is varied when the upper plate rotates upward around the hinge stopper.

Abstract: A semi-submersible platform that is suitable to serve as a logistics hub at a remote offshore location. The semi-submersible platform is configured in a V-shape to reduce motion of the semi-submersible platform caused by rough sea conditions. The semi-submersible platform has a vessel docking area within the platform and a balancing unit to balance the unsymmetrical load of the platform that protects a vessel in the docking area from rough sea conditions.

Abstract: An inflatable launch and recovery system for a towed body is provided. The system is containerized for ease of transport. A container houses a tow body, tow cable, a winch, winch controls, an inflatable ramp, deployment and retrieval equipment, power junctions and air line connections. Inflatable arch shaped tubes and spacer fabric form the ramp structure from which the tow body can be launched and recovered. The ramp can be ballasted to provide hydrodynamic stability and to provide sufficient system depth to accommodate retrieval of towed bodies operating below a liquid medium surface. Additional control can be achieved using inflatable or rigid fin elements or downward lifting surfaces. A rigid clamping fixture connects the ramp structure to the vessel. A snubber element dampens vibrations and transient tow loads.

Abstract: An underwater base handles an autonomous underwater vehicle. The underwater base includes a storing part configured to store the AUV; a control part configured to control the storing part; and a support part configured to support the control part and the storing part and to prevent a burial of the underwater base into the ocean bottom. The control part is further configured to guide the AUV while approaching a desired target position on the ocean bottom.

Abstract: A buoyant structure having a hull, a planar keel defining a lower hull diameter, a lower cylindrical portion connected to the planar keel, a lower frustoconical portion disposed above the lower cylindrical portion with inwardly sloping wall at a first angle, an upper frustoconical portion directly connected to the lower frustoconical portion, and the upper frustoconical portion with outwardly sloping wall, the inwardly sloping wall abutting the outwardly sloping wall forming a hull neck with a hull neck diameter. The buoyant structure having a main deck, a moon pool, and propellers attached to the planar keel, which are operated by a motor or a generator. The buoyant structure connects over a chambered buoyant storage ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for recovering an unmanned underwater vehicle. In order to ensure a safe recovery of an unmanned seconder underwater vehicle 2 by the primary underwater vehicle 1, the invention provides a recovery into a tender garage 4 for receiving the underwater vehicle 2 wherein the underwater vehicle 2 is centered in an entrance area 7 in front of a gate 5 of the tender garage 4 by means of at least one positioning current 8, which is generated outside of the peripheral area of the gate 5 and is oriented toward the entrance area 8. The underwater vehicle 2 is subsequently introduced into the tender garage 4.

Abstract: The device comprises at least one pair of flexible ballasts which extend laterally along the length of the inflatable structure and each comprise an orifice, acting as a vent, situated at the front, and a scoop system situated at the rear. Between the ballasts, at least one pipe connects the cavities of said ballasts to equalize their level of fill and the stagnation pressure of the water obtaining in said cavities when the inflatable structure is pulled along in the inflated state. This scoop system consists of a component moulded in a rigid or semirigid thermoplastic or is made of an assembly of cutouts from a flexible material of watertight fabric. This scoop system is bonded and/or welded to the ballast.

Abstract: A boat protective extension platform apparatus for use in connection with watercraft lifting platforms is provided. The extension platform is preferably attached to the stern of a boat and serves to at least partially cover a gap created between the boat and the lifting platform when the lifting platform is in a lowered position. The extension platform can include a retractable screen that is removably attachable to the lifting platform such than when said screen is extended, the aforementioned gap is further covered, thus preventing items carried by passengers and crew from falling or rolling into said gap and being lost or damaged.

Abstract: A crew boat for transporting personnel to and from an offshore platform is equipped with a passenger capsule and a basket-like cradle, which retains the passenger capsule adjacent a passenger deck during the voyage. The passenger capsule forms a watertight enclosure, which can serve as a life raft in emergency. The passenger capsule is equipped with its own automated heave compensation system, power supply, and stabilization means. The passenger capsule is equipped to be lifted and lowered onto the cradle using platform-mounted cranes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a three-armed pivot system, the two upper pivot arms having a V shape and representing part of a parallelogram, and the lower arm being a single, centrally situated pivot arm which represents the second part of the parallelogram. The active cylinder is assisted by a gas spring, and a personal protection safety net covers the gap between the vehicle and the platform, which may optionally be horizontally displaced. The active cylinder has a lift sensor which is connected to the controller, and the offset positioning of the active cylinder with respect to the bracket and of the fastening point to the pivot arm or support produces an improved lifting force.

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: Method and vessel for performing marine acoustic survey of a subsurface. The vessel includes a launching module configured to deploy an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) underwater; a recovery module configured to recover the AUV; a homing device mounted on the recovery module and configured to guide the AUV to the recovery module; and a management module connecting the launching module to the recovery module and configured to transport the AUV.

Abstract: The invention comprises a tender pick up (1) having the appropriately formed retainer (4) hinged on a chock (2). The retainer (4) is manually or by means of cylinder (5) and spring (6) preloaded and slip-free, and clamps a tender (22) with docking mean (29). If necessary, the use of sensors (30) register the exact position, before the appropriate functions are activated by the controller (19). Is a drop down stair (8) or a platform (80) or a deck (51) fixed onto the transom (20) of the watercraft, then by using the swiveling arms (7) the tender (22) is tilted out when lowering or extended by a sledge (81). The weight of the platform (80) or stair (8) and the tender pick up (1) can be compensated by means of the static lifting force of the lifting body (14). To bring up the platform (80) or stair (8) safely, a gas spring (37) can be used as a supportive measure.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for launching, recovering, and handling a large number of vehicles on a ship to enable lower cost ocean survey. In one aspect, the system may include a shipping container based system with an oil services vessel. The vessel may include rolling systems through end to end shipping containers. One or more columns of containers may be accessed using a crane, an A-frame, or any other suitable transportation system. The system may enable the ability to launch or recover more than one vehicle using the launch and recovery system (e.g., AUVs, buoys, seaplanes, autonomous surface vessels, etc.). In one configuration, the system includes a stacking/elevator system to place the vehicles onto a second or higher layer of containers. The system may allow for modularized deployment of the vehicles, launch and recovery system, operation center, and more from self-contained shipping containers.