Abstract: A platform for a small boat or the like is pivoted to the free end of a pair of arms which are pivoted at their opposite ends to a larger boat such as a yacht. The arms are controlled by an hydraulic jack and a second hydraulic jack is arranged to drive or be driven by the first jack to control the platform so that it is always horizontal for any position of the arms. The arms can position the platform below the water line for launching or receiving the small boat or well above the water line.

Abstract: A carrier adapted to move between a movable vessel, such as a boat, and a stationary platform. The carrier has an extendable and retractable intermediate uphaul line adapted to be connected to a crane on the platform. It also has a downhaul line connected between the carrier and the vessel. When the carrier is being lifted from the vessel, the downhaul line is payed out at a controlled rate with the uphaul line extending and retracting to keep the carrier out of contact with the vessel which may be rising or falling due to wave action of the water. At a predetermined elevation, the tension in the downhaul line is decreased so that the uphaul line retracts to move the carrier out of the area of possible contact with the vessel. The reverse operation is followed to move the carrier from the platform to the vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices and methods to control the movement of boats and other objects, for example container loads, which are being moved above the deck of a ship moving in a seaway. In particular it is concerned with devices to restrain a boat or other object with respect to lateral swinging movement when suspended by a ship-mounted hoist. The invention is of particular, but by no means exclusive, application to the launch and recovery of inflatable and rigid inflatable rescue, life and work boats.