Abstract: A lifeboat launch control system. The lifeboat launch control system has a wheel trunk that runs along the side of a ship. An axle box is vertically movable in the wheel trunk. The axle box has a pair of wheels on opposing sides of a bar. A shaft is removably inserted into the bar. The shaft is removable from the bar by a handle. When the shaft is removed from the bar, the lifeboat is released from the ship.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a raft carrying case that allows deployment of a life raft while also securing a survival kit for access by the life raft passengers. The case includes two parts, a detachable survival kit and a raft enclosure portion.

Abstract: A lifeboat launch control system. The lifeboat launch control system has a wheel trunk that runs along the side of a ship. An axle box is vertically movable in the wheel trunk. The axle box has a pair of wheels on opposing sides of a bar. A shaft is removably inserted into the bar. The shaft is removable from the bar by a handle. When the shaft is removed from the bar, the lifeboat is released from the ship.

Abstract: An arrangement for evacuating people from an offshore installation having a lifeboat and an arrangement for a free-fall based lifeboat launch with a tilted ramp characterised in that the ramp of the free-fall launching arrangement is mounted on the ramp axle, has a wire rope winch and is movable. The power hydraulic mechanism of the ramp consists of an arrangement of the two lower and upper identical hydraulic cylinders, a gear bar, a gearwheel of the ramp axle and the additional gearwheel of the gear bar. Piston rods of hydraulic cylinders are arranged on two opposite sides of the gear bar and are connected to the ends of the gear bar. The gear bar engages with the additional gearwheel engaging with the gearwheel of the ramp axle.

Abstract: Provided are two drop tubes and two case tubes with each case tube slidably receiving an associated drop tube. A sub-structure below the two drop tubes is formed of two wheels and two side plates. Each side plate is adapted to couple an associated wheel with an associated case tube. A super-structure above the two drop tubes is formed of two wings. Each wing has a C-shaped configuration. The two wings are positionable in a first orientation parallel with the drop tubes. In the first orientation, the two wings are laterally spaced from a vessel when the drop tubes are horizontal for transporting the vessel. The two wings are positionable in a second orientation perpendicular to the drop tubes. In this second orientation, the two wings form a cradle for supporting the vessel thereupon when the drop tubes are vertical for launching and retrieving the vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vessel having an extendable and retractable cursor frame assembly for deploying other vessels into a body of water. The retractable cursor frame assembly on the main vessel may be retracted and secured on a module of the main vessel as the main vessel is in transit. When another vessel is to be deployed into the body of water from the main vessel, the cursor frame assembly is then extended into the body of water to facilitate the launch of the other vessel.

Abstract: A marine gate has a buoyant variable length barrier and a cable management system employing two cables or lines. An opening line extends through the barrier to move the barrier from an expanded position (gate is closed) to a retracted position (gate is open) via a winch. A closing line moves the barrier from the retracted position to the expanded position using a winch. A weight is attached to the closing line for moving a submerged portion of the line to the seafloor when the barrier gate is retracted and the closing line is payed out by operation of its winch. The weighted line allows a portion or the entire cable system to be under tension at all times. The resulting cable geometry allows vessel operators confidence in knowing the cable location in the water depths at the gate, whether the gate is fully or partially opened.

Abstract: A device for launching subsurface mining vehicle into a water mass from a docking well of a floating vessel, and/or recovering said vehicle from the water mass is disclosed. The device comprises a docking frame that is hinge mounted to the vessel, and that comprises first mining vehicle engaging means for guiding the mining vehicle along a longitudinal direction of the frame into the water. The docking frame operatively engages with drive means for tilting the frame in a vertical plane between a substantially horizontal mining vehicle docking position and a substantially vertical mining vehicle launching or recovery position. The device further comprises third engaging means for guiding the mining vehicle when the vehicle extends at least partly underneath a base of the vessel. The device allows lowering or recovering subsurface mining vehicle in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A method of overboarding and lowering a load from a vessel is disclosed. The method uses a vessel-mounted crane to lift the load from a deck of the vessel, to move the load off the deck into an outboard over-water position, and to lower the load from the outboard position into the water. The method further includes placing at least one guide member acting in compression between the load and an upstanding supporting structure of the crane to restrain horizontal movement of the load relative to a boom of the crane. Then, lowering the guide member occurs to continue restraining horizontal movement of the load while lowering the load from the outboard position into the water. A related guide apparatus includes at least one guide member that is movably connected to a mount for movement relative to the mount around and parallel to a slewing axis of the crane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an evacuation system (4) for a vessel (1) or offshore facility, comprising a storage unit (7) having a length, a width and a height defining a volume of the storage unit (7), the storage unit (7) in a storage situation being adapted to house one or more self-propelling, inflatable floatable units (5), the inflatable floatable units each having a capacity of more than 150 persons, and a deployment arrangement (8) having a displacement device, wherein a maximum height of the storage unit is 2.7 meters, and the displacement device is adapted to displace the one or more self-propelling, inflatable floatable units in a substantially horizontal and linear direction out of the storage unit (7) below the maximum height and subsequently lower the one or more self-propelling, inflatable floatable units (5) into the water in a substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: The rescue device for the passengers and crew of a ship includes: a container that contains survival equipment; a system that is intended for stowing said container relative to the deck of the ship and contains at least one strap and a system for multimodally attaching and releasing said container; an airbag-type inflatable balloon set up between a structure, secured to the deck, and said container, said structure defining a passage for the passengers when needed; and a means for releasing the airbag set up on the wheelhouse of said ship. The frame-shaped structure is formed of: two side posts; a lower cradle, on which said container rests; an upper crosspiece; and a plate set up inside the ship and acting as a counterbearing for the airbag when said container is ejected.

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: The present invention relates to an evacuation system (4) for a vessel (1) or offshore facility, comprising a storage unit (7) having a length, a width and a height defining a volume of the storage unit (7), the storage unit (7) in a storage situation being adapted to house one or more self-propelling, inflatable floatable units (5), the inflatable floatable units each having a capacity of more than 150 persons, and a deployment arrangement (8) having a displacement device, wherein a maximum height of the storage unit is 2.7 metres, and the displacement device is adapted to displace the one or more self-propelling, inflatable floatable units in a substantially horizontal and linear direction out of the storage unit (7) below the maximum height and subsequently lower the one or more self-propelling, inflatable floatable units (5) into the water in a substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: A marine evacuation system includes an escape vessel, a platform removably engaged with the vessel, and a conduit. The conduit can enable direct passage of personnel from the facility to be evacuated to the escape vessel, while the platform and conduit can be configured to engage a stabilization system while permitting vertical movement of the platform and escape vessel caused by wave motion. The platform can optionally include movable portions that allow rotation or other horizontal movement of the escape vessel relative to the platform, such as movement caused by severe weather. The system can be stored within a container or skid, with a winch or similar mechanism for deploying and retrieving the system. The container or skid and the chute can be adapted to protect personnel from fire, heat, smoke, explosion, and other hazards.

Abstract: The present invention provides a singlehanded means, by the use of a lift arm mechanism, to lift a small yacht tender or dinghy from the water and stow and retrieve the tender or dinghy from the roof (or suitable support structure) above the yacht's cockpit. The lift arm mechanism includes a pair of lift arm members which are connected with a pivotable connection between the stern of the host vessel and the transom of the tender. Pivot connections permit upward and downward pivoting of the lift arm members with respect to the stern of the host vessel as well as permit pivoting upward and downward of the tender relative to the lift arm members. The mechanism permits the outboard motor of the tender to be easily removed and allows full use of the swim platform when the tender is in the stowed position.

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: There is disclosed a device of an evacuation system, in particular a foldable evacuation means which is arranged to be lowered from a parked folded up position on the vessel to be evacuated to stretched out position on a rescue device, the bottom section of which including a weight device to keep the evacuation means sufficient extended in use position, an including a set of one or more cables/wires connected to a winch arrangement for lowering and lifting the evacuation means. The evacuation device is characterized in that the weight device is arranged to be positioned on the rescue device, and the system includes means to compensate for varying distances between the vessel to be evacuated and the rescue vessel.

Abstract: Device (10) or apparatus for launching at least one boat (12) from a structure (14), that is at least partially surrounded by water (16), into the water. The device (10) comprises at least one launch ramp (18) and means to effect translational displacement of said at least one launch ramp (18) when the device (10) has been mounted on said structure (14) in order to enable the position of said at least one launch ramp (18) to be changed before launching said at least one boat (12) into the water (16).

Abstract: A small vessel dock racking system provides a three-sided cradle that is rotatably connected to two lateral supports extending outward from one side of the dock. A person in the water can float the canoe or kayak into the cradle and lift it into a secure vertical storage position on the side of the dock without having to get up on the dock. A pivot point extending out into the water has the advantages of both accommodating freeboard and minimizing the distance between the pivot and the boat's center of gravity, thereby allowing for much less effort in lifting. Depending on the depth of the vessel, the cradle can be dimensioned so that the position of the vessel's center of gravity tends to hold the cradle in a vertical alignment after it's been lifted. Where needed, a cradle latch that can be activated from the water side further secures the storage position.

Abstract: A system for launching or retrieving an auxiliary vessel, using at least one support frame, with a connected auxiliary vessel support platform, mounted for rotational and translational movement in Cartesian coordinate directions. The support platform may be inclined to proximate the water level to facilitate launch and retrieval operations.

Abstract: A cradle is shaped to accommodate the hull of a small boat such as dinghy, personal watercraft or other type of boat. A support is mounted to a deck such a boat, pier or dock deck. The cradle is pivotally mounted to the support and can be moved to a loading position in which the cradle is generally vertical, or inclined to horizontal, and an outer portion of the cradle is at the water adjacent to the deck. The small boat is moved upon the water against the cradle. A pair of lines extend from the support and are trained through an inner portion of the cradle. The free ends of the lines are attached to the boat, and the lines are drawn toward the support, for example with a hand wheel or hand winch. The boat is pulled toward the support while remaining in a generally horizontal orientation. The boat pivots the cradle from the loading position to a generally horizontal storage position on the deck where the boat and cradle are secured by the lines.

Abstract: An auxiliary watercraft roll-on, roll-off cradle system removably attachable to an aft platform of a boat consists of a first set of rollers tiltably attached to the platform and a second set of supporting rollers removably attachable to the platform.

Abstract: A boat has a system for converting a utility space used for garaging a dinghy and formed under the cockpit of the boat into an additional living cabin when the dinghy is removed from the garage.

Abstract: An auxiliary watercraft roll-on, roll-off cradle system removably attachable to an aft platform of a boat consists of a first set of rollers tiltably attached to the platform and a second set of supporting rollers removably attachable to the platform.

Abstract: The vessel includes a lifeboat, a housing positioned at the side of the vessel and defining a recess in which the lifeboat is stowed, hatch access to the lifeboat from a boat deck of the vessel, and an element for deploying the lifeboat from its stowed position.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a lifting device for a boat, the lifting device including a first platform and a plurality of linkage members, the plurality of linkage members configured to form at least two four-bar linkage assemblies, each having a first end pivotally attached to the platform and a second end pivotally attached to a boat. The lifting device further including at least one hydraulic cylinder, the cylinder having a first end and second end, the first end being pivotally affixed to the structure of a boat and the second end pivotally attached to at least one linkage member, and a fluid device in communication with the hydraulic cylinder. A load sharing member connects the two four-bar linkage assemblies and prevents uneven or tilted motion of the platform.

Abstract: A flooring system including resin channels having webs and legs mounted on joists with their webs resting on the edges of the joists and their legs straddling the sides of the joists, and a plurality of adjacent resin tiles each having a plate with inner flanges extending downwardly from the plate with slots in the inner flanges receiving pins on the legs of the channels, and outer flanges located outwardly of the inner flanges which rest on the webs of the channels.

Abstract: An evacuation refuge for a maritime unit. A rescue station includes at least one space operable to be completely closed from a surrounding environment for longterm occupation therein. A plurality of life boats are arranged within the rescue station for emergency exit. The life boats are operable to be occupied while inside the rescue station prior to deployment. An openable or removable structure is operable to permit deployment of the life boats arranged within the rescue station by removal of the occupied life boats from the rescue station. Breathing air processing devices are operable to maintain air within the evacuation refuge breathable.

Abstract: The carrier includes a cradle having an elongated spine and a number of ribs which are spaced along the length of the spine. The spine is pivotally attached to a larger boat such that an end of the spine may be raised or lowered. When the end of the spine has reached its lowermost extent, it is immersed in water and allows a smaller boat to be floated into the cradle. When the end of the spine is raised to its uppermost extent, the smaller boat is lifted entirely out of water. A hoist or actuator serves to raise and lower the end.

Abstract: A floor assembly includes at least two elongated extrusions disposed adjacent to each other where each extrusion includes a pair of outer leg members and a pair of inner leg members that are connected by a connector which engages the inner leg member and the outer leg member of one of the extrusions and the outer leg member and the inner leg member of the other extrusion. The connector includes a base and first and second end flanges where the first end flange engages the inner leg member of one of the extrusions and the second end flange engages the inner leg member of the other extrusion. A method of making a floor assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided an improved access and evacuation apparatus for an offshore platform, in which the apparatus comprises an articulated arm for rotatably mounting on an offshore platform. The arm comprises an inner part which has first and second ends and an outer part also having first and second ends. The first end of the inner part is adapted for rotatably mounting on the platform and the second end of the inner part is rotatably connected to the first end of the outer part. The arm is selectively moveable between an upper position in which the second end of the outer part is adjacent the platform, and a lower position in which the second end of the outer part is below the surface of the water and remote from the platform. There is also provided a winch and a cable operatively connecting the winch to the arm.

Abstract: A flat plate drive system for controlling the axial rotational motion of a drive shaft for raising and lowering a load, that optimizes frictional engagement while maximizing heat dissipation away from the moving parts of the drive system. The drive system can be generally used for raising and lowering many types of heavy loads, and is particularly suited for loads that are supported by a cable attached to one end of the drive shaft, with the cable extending through a cradle beam which supports a heavy object, such as a boat. The drive system comprises a worm connected to a source of rotational power. The worm frictionally engages a worm gear wheel that axially rotates a drive shaft. The worm and worm gear wheel are connected to a backplate support. The system maximizes the friction between the worm and worm gear wheel.

Abstract: A system for deploying life rafts from ships, wherein the life rafts are of the inflatable type and where there are stocking-like bodies for transfer of personnel from the ship to at least one of the life rafts. The life rafts are arranged in groups which are loosely connected with a common bottom frame, and where each group includes a reception raft and several evacuation rafts detachably connected with the reception raft. The bottom frame is suspended from at least one winch wire arranged from a support frame which can be moved from a parked position inside the ship's side to an operative position outside the ship's side. When the support frame is in an operative position, the bottom frame can be lowered into the water by means of the winch. The winch wires pass through sliding guides in the bottom of the reception raft and sliding guides in a known per se rescue stocking which is stretched between the support frame and the reception raft.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful access and evacuation sytem for an offshore platform, the system comprising a rotating arm for mounting on the support structure of an offshore platform, the arm selectively moveable between an upper position in which an outer end of the arm is adjacent the platform, and a lower position in which the outer end of the arm is below water and remote from the platform; a pick-up adjacent the outer end of the arm for capturing and suspending a boat; a winch for selectively raising and lowering the arm; a boat; a suspension on the boat for mating with the pick-up; and shock absorbers on the suspension whereby to minimize shock to the boat when boat is being captured by the pick-up.

Abstract: A plurality of support vertical extensions are attached to the rear surface or transom of a boat, or to a dock. Each support vertical extension has a horizontal member so that a dinghy or the like can be supported transversely to the boat or dock. The vertical extensions, and thus the horizontal members, are raised and lowered by at least one hydraulic cylinder driving each of the vertical extensions. The vertical extensions are preferably telescoping into fixed vertical support members.

Abstract: The roller construction of the invention affords a high degree of support and stability to the launching and recovery of personal watercraft by lowering and raising a cradle through the use of rollers, some of which are positioned above the cradle while others of which are positioned below the cradle--and wherein each roller bears against a side of a polygonal-shaped vertical post along which the cradle rides.

Abstract: An apparatus installed on board any maritime support for hoisting and handling loads at sea, the apparatus having at least one winch on which a cable is wound that enables the load to be raised, a gantry carrying suspension systems for the cable, and enabling the cable together with the load to be moved overboard relative to an edge of the maritime support in order to launch the load, and any fixed guidance and deflection systems close to the edge of the support and capable of receiving the cable after the launching and while the load is in use.

Abstract: A small craft carrying device includes, a platform having two ends where one end is attached to the stern of a mother boat above the water line, a cradle attached to the other end of the platform in pivotal relationship so that the cradle can tilt towards and away from the mother boat, sling for attaching to the small craft, and power device for attaching to the sling for pulling the small craft onto the cradle and securing the small craft to the mother boat.

Abstract: A water survival device has an inflatable liferaft and a pressurized gas bottle packed in a container. The container has a first waterproof compartment containing the liferaft and a second waterproof compartment containing the pressurized gas bottle. The first and second waterproof compartments are separated by a substantially planar rigid watertight partition. The second waterproof compartment can be opened without opening the first waterproof compartment so that it is possible to inspect the pressurized gas bottle without opening the first waterproof compartment.

Abstract: A storage structure for a craft is mounted in a recess 1 which is disposed inside the ship 10 and at a safe distance from the water line of the ship 10 so as to store a craft 20. A guide rail 6a of a launching device 6 is installed on a deck 3 which is the ceiling plate of the recess 1 in such a manner that the guide rail is inclined downward toward the port 1a of the recess 1. At the gate 1a, a lower gate 13 and an upper gate 12 are installed. A winch 15 for opening/closing the lower gate 13 is mounted on the deck 3. The upper gate 12 is automatically opened by the movement of the craft 20 by gravity caused by the removal of a stop 6d. A winch 11 is mounted for the launching of the craft. 20.

Abstract: A system for launching a lifeboat (13) from davits (14) on an off-shore drilling platform (10) comprises a submerged buoyancy device (16) tethered to the bow of the lifeboat (13) by a cable (17) which passes between the device (16) and the lifeboat. The cable (17) is retained by an inverted hook (18) and passes around pulleys (20 and 22) and is anchored to the sea bed (at 23). In use, as the lifeboat descends, a ring (26) attached to the cable (17) releases same from hook (18) causing buoyancy device (16) to ascend rapidly to the surface thus towing the lifeboat away from the platform (10) to a position (13') some 100 meters away from the platform.

Abstract: Apparatus for lifting and storing a dinghy or similar watercraft on the transom or swim platform of a larger boat includes a substantially U-shaped cradle secured to the swim platform by means of pivoting arms providing an over-center arrangement in which the cradle may be swung from a deployed position behind the swim platform to an over-center, storage position in which essentially the entire weight of the cradle and the dinghy is transferred to the swim platform while the dinghy remains in essentially a horizontal position.

Abstract: The davit 10 has an arm structure 16 with an indentation 44 therein within which it "hugs" the object 14 suspended from the same so as to reduce the objects's dynamicism on the mother vessel 2 when the vessel is underway and reacting to the water. This follows from the fact that in the relatively retracted position of the arm structure (FIGS. 1 and 2), wherein the object is stored until there is a need for it, the recess 48 of the indentation is disposed substantially entirely on the relatively inboard side of the vertical plane of the horizontal axis 40 about which the arm structure is pivotally mounted, and the object is suspended from the arm structure so that the relatively inboard side 24 of the object crosses the vertical plane of the axis and advances within the recess to locate the center of gravity of the object in more of a dead center relationship with that of the davit.

Abstract: The on board dinghy cradle comprises a framework of hollow tubings which are secured together by fittings and connectors. The framework produced includes bottom cross members which extend across the width of the dinghy at a predetermined distance below the bottom surface thereof. Side tubings are also provided for positioning one side of the dinghy close to a supporting surface for the cradle, such as a swim platform, and to keep the dinghy from moving away as it is being boarded or left. The cradle is pivotably mounted to the supporting structure so it can be pivoted to a vertical storage position, having the dinghy, with or without a small motor attached thereto, up and out of the water.

Abstract: A combination cradle and davit lift for small lighweight boats, in particular inflatable boats, comprise a pair of shallow V-shaped tubular cradle members joined by longitudinal members. The longitudinal members are adjustable lengthwise and the cradle members are each adjustable widthwise on either side of the bottom of the V. Detachable hinges are provided for attachment to a swim platform or stern of a large boat. The cradle lift is constructed preferably of suitable hollow rigid plastic tubing for approximately neutral bouyancy whereby the cradles submerge with the outboardmost longitudinal member remaining above the water surface or, in the alternative, the cradle lift is provided with means to prevent sinking of the lift beyond a suitable depth in the water.

Abstract: A liferaft deployment apparatus comprising a frame, a platform, and a liferaft container receptacle. The platform is positioned within the frame and is movable between a liferaft retention position and a liferaft deployment position. The liferaft receptacle receives containers of liferafts. The frame includes a first guide member and a second guide member which extend for the length of travel of the platform. The first guide member and the second guide member are parallel to each other. The frame further includes a stop at the ends of the travel of the platform. The platform includes a first angle member, a second angle member, and a plate extending between the angle members. The platform is mounted on a plurality of rollers. Lock members are included within the frame and the platform so as to fixedly maintain the platform in either the liferaft retention position or the liferaft deployment position.

Abstract: A boat carrier wherein a wheel supported frame is detachably connected to the existing oar lock apertures provided in the gunwhales of the boat, whereby the boat may be easily transported by one person. The wheel supported frame may also be folded to an inoperative position for storage.

Abstract: A system for towing and launching a waterborne craft (10). The system includes a pair of tracks (26) which are floatable and are streamed from the shore (16) onto the surface (28) of a body of water (14) into which the craft (10) is to be launched. A carriage (12) is provided for supporting the craft (10), the carriage (12) including a pair of wheels (18) which have concavities (24) formed in outer peripheral surfaces thereof. The concavities (24) receive the elongated, generally cylindrical, tubular tracks (26) therein so that, as the carriage (12) is fed from the shore (16) into the water (14), the tracks (26) will be maintained at a distance from one another approximating the distance between the wheels (18). Additionally, the tracks (26) which were floating on the surface (28) of the water (14) will be urged downwardly in the water (14) and onto the bottom (40) thereof. When not in use, the tracks (26) can be easily removed from the body of water (14).

Abstract: Personnel evacuation apparatus for use with an offshore platform. A launching ramp that is mounted to the platform by a gimbal is stowed in a vertical position with a survival vessel secured in the entry end of the ramp. A release mechanism activatable from the deck of the platform enables flotation members secured to the exit end of the ramp, to pivot the ramp about the gimbal to its deployed position. The gimbal further permits the ramp to maintain a usable orientation in spite of inclination of the deck of the platform by 25.degree. due to pitch, roll or yaw. The exit end will pivot under wave action so as to gravity launch the survival vessel downwind and, upon release of the boat securement, carry the vessel safely away from the platform.

Abstract: The invention provides a side scanning sonar apparatus for detecting gas bubbles in water. This apparatus transmits low frequency sonar signals horizontally through the water and detects the resultant echoes. The echoes due to bubble columns can be discriminated from those due to simple reflection from solid objects. The invention also provides a special handling apparatus to permit launching and recovery of a towed sonar apparatus in which the upper part of the fairing is relatively fragile.