Abstract: An unmanned mobile communication station is adapted for location in a marine environment and includes a platform adapted for flotation or is semi-submersible, a communication node for sending and receiving wireless signals, a power system for energizing said communication node, a data center, at least one sensor for detecting the geolocation of the platform; and a processor for receiving signals from said sensors and controlling communication to and from communication nodes wherein embodiments include both autonomous and remote controlled navigation and propulsion systems.

Abstract: A water electrolysis device comprises an ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell. The ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell includes an ion exchange membrane, a cathode chamber, an anode chamber, a hydrogen output tube, and an oxygen output tube. An anode is configured in the anode chamber, and a cathode is configured in the cathode chamber. The ion exchange membrane is configured between the anode chamber and the anode chamber. The hydrogen output tube is coupled to the cathode chamber, and the oxygen output tube is coupled to the anode chamber. When water is electrolyzed by the ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell, oxygen is generated by the anode and then exported through the oxygen output tube, and hydrogen is generated by the cathode and then exported through the hydrogen output tube. The hydrogen and the oxygen are exported from the same side of the ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system includes a water intake guide block with a flow guide passage, a propulsion device including a housing connected to the water intake guide block and a propeller mounted in the housing, a fixed nozzle connected to the housing of the propulsion device, a swinging nozzle connected to the fixed nozzle and biasable leftward and rightward relative to the fixed nozzle, and a contra type bossing pivotally connected to the fixed nozzle and biasable up and down relative to the fixed nozzle. When rotating the propeller, water is sucked into the flow guide passage and propelled by the propeller to eject backward through the fixed nozzle, and the swinging nozzle is biased leftward/rightward to control leftward/rightward turning of the boat, and the contra type bossing is biased upward/downward to control the pitch angle of the boat and forward/backward movement of the boat.

Abstract: An outboard motor includes a water jacket provided in a water-cooled engine, a first channel configured to allow a downstream-side end of a coolant flow of the water jacket to communicate with the external air, a thermo-valve provided between a downstream-side end of the coolant flow of the water jacket and an upstream-side end of the coolant flow of the first channel, a second channel configured to allow an upstream side of the coolant flow of the thermo-valve to communicate with the external air, and a second valve configured to open or close a second channel.

Abstract: The subject-matter of the present invention concerns an electrical architecture for power distribution to subsea equipment comprising at least one variable speed drive, VSD, module, wherein said at least one VSD module comprises at least one self commutated line side converter including power semiconductor.

Abstract: A powertrain and an electromechanical apparatus are disclosed. A ring gear is attached to a first distal end of a crankshaft such that the ring gear and the crankshaft are rotatable in unison about a longitudinal axis. A motor-generator includes a motor/generator shaft being rotatable about a first axis spaced from the longitudinal axis. A starter mechanism includes a first starter gear coupleable to the motor/generator shaft and rotatable about a second axis spaced from the longitudinal axis. The first starter gear is movable along the second axis between a first position engaging the ring gear such that torque is transferred from the motor/generator shaft through the first starter gear and the ring gear to the crankshaft to start the engine, and a second position disengaged from the ring gear to rotatably disconnect the starter mechanism from the ring gear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a watercraft having improved characteristics for travel in ice, particularly an icebreaker, supply vessel, cargo vessel or corresponding, which watercraft has a hull, which has at the stern portion a propulsion and steering arrangement, which is mainly responsible for movement and steering of the watercraft and which includes at least one skeg, in which is located at least one propeller device. In accordance with the invention, said skegs comprise two units located on different sides of the center line of the hull. Said propeller device is located at the stern end of the skeg. In addition, the skeg has between the propeller device and the hull of the watercraft, in the longitudinal direction on the skeg, one or more thruster devices to provide a water flow mainly transverse in relation to the hull.

Abstract: The device provides a motive force by a water collector or conductor (1) that has a hydrodynamic shape, incorporated or affixed to the bottom portion (10) of a vessel hull, and inside which a water flow is generated when the vessel moves through the water, driving a rotor/turbine (6) connected to a rotary shaft or power takeoff (7) coupled to its water outlet (3); the device allow the use various types of machines and equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-speed sealift system which meets the requirement of the 21st century. In the 21st century, the indispensable requisites for a commercial sealift system that is to be deployed across the five oceans are high speed and stability. The present invention relates to a high-speed sealift system which operates at the super-high speed of 40 knots to 70 knots, and which is capable of the marine transport, in a quick and safe manner, of perishable goods, expensive capital goods, goods the volume or weight of which result in them being incapable of being transported via the air, strategic military goods, and capable of the large-scale redeployment of forces, and particularly, parts or equipment and materials which require a timely arrival.

Abstract: A protective system for underwater installation on the propeller inhibits marine growth from fouling the propeller. The system includes a flexible material sized and shaped so as to be capable of enclosing the propeller. A member such as a clamp or clip maintains the flexible material in a state enclosing the propeller. The system further includes a link (such as a piece of line) having one end attached to the member and/or the flexible material and a free second end. The link extends to a location proximate to the boat at or above the waterline of the boat wherein the link can be retrieved by a user. A tug on the link releases the flexible material from the propeller permitting the retrieval of the link, the member and the flexible material as a unit from the propeller without the aid of a diver.

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

Abstract: A marine motor for shallow water boats that has a universal mounting bracket to fit all shallow water boats, the Mud Runner has a mid length drive system with a parallel shaft technology that has the most efficient forward thrust drive system for swallow water boats. The upper drive system is where the reverse drive system happens by way of gears and a drive shaft. The upper drive system and lower drive system are connected together by way of a drive belt. The lower drive system has an output drive shaft that comes down at an approximate 153 degree angle which then than transfers to a 0 degree angle. The 0 degree angle output drive shaft has a propeller attached to the shaft which gives this motor the forward thrust.

Abstract: An improved Exhaust Intake Bonnet (EIB) for an Advanced Maritime Emissions Control System (AMECS) includes a ribbed frame lowered and then drawn around a stack of an Ocean Going Vessel (OGV), and a shroud unfurled over the ribbed frame. The ribbed frame has a more flexible structure to better conform to rectangular and oval stacks. The bonnet includes a peak with a duct for receiving exhaust gasses captured by the shroud. The bonnet is positioned over the stack using a deployment arm. A duct carries exhaust from the stack to an Advanced Maritime Emissions Control Unit (AMECU) where the exhaust gasses are processed before releasing to the air. The AMECU) may reside on a ship, a barge, a trailer next to a docked OGV, or be a stationary AMECU) on a dock.

Abstract: A protective system for underwater installation on the propeller of a boat inhibits marine growth from fouling the propeller. The system includes a flexible material sized and shaped so as to be capable of enclosing the propeller. A member such as a clamp or clip maintains the flexible material in a state enclosing the propeller. The system further includes a link (such as a piece of line) having one end attached to the member and/or the flexible material and a free second end. The link is of sufficient length such that when the flexible material is installed about the propeller the free end of the link extends to a location proximate to the boat at or above the waterline of the boat (such as to the transom or deck of the boat, or to a dock against which the boat is tied) wherein the link can be retrieved by a user of the boat.

Abstract: The present invention allows for the replacement of polluting and inefficient diesel-based marine propulsion systems. A natural-gas burning power plant in combination and at least one renewable energy source are combined to drive a ship's propulsion during times when the power plants are not in use for other activities including desalination and oil exploration. Renewable energies are used judiciously to reduce fossil fuel requirements but the present invention does not fully rely on renewable energy, which is not always available.

Abstract: A differential displacement electromagnetic device providing motion over a support frame. Permanent electromagnets are fixedly mounted to a carriage and angularly oriented relative to the support frame lengthwise axis. Upright anchor columns project transversely from the support frame, and are interconnected by tension springs. A movable block is slidingly carried over both rails including a pair of opposite side spring loaded arms, carrying floating electromagnets. A bracket mount carries two spaced pivotal axles, and pivotally mounted rocker arms carrying corresponding permanent magnet. The rocker arms are sized in such a way as to be pivotably movable between a first limit position, where the permanent magnets abut against the angularly oriented electromagnets, and a second limit position, where the permanent magnets abut against the floating electromagnets.

Abstract: A push pole for manually propelling boats, including a shaft and a foot. In a preferred embodiment, the foot is flared at the bottom end in an inverted V-shape, and a pivoting pin is located along one side of the foot, and pivots outwardly from the foot so that it may be used to retrieve lures or as a docking hook. When the pin is not in use, it may pivot back into a receiving cavity within the side of the foot, forming a streamlined edge thereof. In one embodiment, the pivoting mechanism of the pin may include a spring to bias the pin in an outward direction, as well as means for locking the pin into the inward streamlined position when not in use. The pivoting pin may be locked into either the extended or retracted position. Further, the foot may be detachable from the shaft in any desired manner, and replaced by a net, paddle, gig, scrub brush, gaff, docking hook or spike that attaches in the same manner as the foot.

Abstract: A robotic architecture for capturing the autonomous performance advantages the animal models enjoy in the natural environment is disclosed. A biomimesis process is employed to allow selective utilization of basic physical components and adaptation of a common control paradigm for each of different vehicle types. The biomimetic architecture involves five functional elements: a basic biomorphic plant for capturing the biomechanical advantages of the model organism; a neural circuit-based controller consisting of a finite state machine; myomorphic actuators producing linear graded force in response to trains of current pulses for mediating movements; labeled line code output by neuromorphic sensors; and a reactive behavioral sequencer executing command sequences defined within a behavioral library.

Abstract: The invention concerns a marine vessel propulsion system that can be set into an opening of a boat's hull and which comprises a propulsion and steering unit (9) that can be rotated or swivelled about a vertical axis (z) and which is fixed to the hull by a securing mechanism (12) having a predetermined fracture point or level. It is proposed that a protective plate (13) is arranged on the boat's hull in the aft direction (opposite to the direction of travel F) and behind the propulsion and steering unit (9).

Abstract: An autonomous aquatic vehicle with one or more fuel cells, a controller, a plurality of sensors, a battery, and at least one electric motor and propeller. The one or more fuel cells provide power to the battery, and the battery provides power for the vehicle. Seawater is provided to anodes of the fuel cell and air or oxygen is provided to the cathode to produce power for supply to the battery. The seawater-anode reaction creates waste or byproduct that tends to decrease output of the fuel cell. The waste or byproduct is automatically flushed from the fuel cell using seawater.

Abstract: Vessels comprising towed array and an autonomous self propelled instrument array can be use to perform marine laboratory tests as well as other functions. Propulsion can be provided by diesel-electric hybrid engines, by a motion charging device and by an ocean current generator. Data can be collected by the onboard laboratory and transmitted to a central database accessible by remote users. The vessel can also be used to counter natural and man made threats in a marine environment.

Abstract: A marine vessel is constructed with a submerged front rotor/turbine that sheilds the vessel hull from water motion induced resistance force to a degree without significantly increasing the vessels water resistance while abstracting hydrodynamic energy from the vessel motion displaced water that would otherwise be dissipated/lost and couples or connects the resulting rotorary energy through mechanical or electrical means to assist in driving the vessel.

Abstract: A method of indicating a deceleration of a watercraft is disclosed. The method comprises creating a spray of water using a reverse gate of the watercraft. The spray of water extends above a water level of a body of water in which the watercraft operates. The spray of water is created when the reverse gate of the watercraft is in a lowered position and the watercraft is decelerating. An alternate method comprises creating a spray of water using a reverse gate of the watercraft only when decelerating the watercraft. A watercraft for carrying out at least one of the methods is also disclosed.

Abstract: A water craft including a hull having a main longitudinal axis defining a direction of travel of the craft, a plurality of discs mounted at respective opposed sides of the main longitudinal axis to and below the hull and in combination having sufficient buoyancy to support the hull above the water, each disc comprising an essentially circular convex skimming surface adapted to skim upon the water as the craft moves at low speed, wherein the discs are mounted to the hull such that the skimming surface of each disc faces downwardly with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the hull, and adapted for movement between a low speed orientation in which the discs present a portion of the circular convex skimming surface to the water surface and a high speed orientation in which the discs present a portion of the edge of the disc to the water.

Abstract: Systems and methods for watercraft and marine propulsions systems having marine environment enhancement capabilities are disclosed.

Abstract: An outboard motor support includes a trailer mount attachable to a trailer. A first arm extends from the trailer mount, and a second arm extends from an outboard motor and includes an outboard motor mount. The outboard motor support includes an adjustable coupling connecting the first arm and the second arm.

Abstract: An aquatic device (10) for providing manoeuvrability to a user (11) moving in water. The aquatic device (10) may be propelled through the water in any appropriate way, such as by being towed through the water or propelled through the water by the user (11). The aquatic device (10) comprises a handle means (20) adapted to be grasped by the user (11) with arms extending forwardly, and two fins (21, 22) movable one with respect of one to the other to manoeuvre the aquatic device. The aquatic device (10) can be manoeuvred through movement of the fins (21, 22) to provide directional control or variation to the orientation of the aquatic device. The directional control may include both steering and depth control. The handle means (20) are operably connected to the two fins (21, 22) whereby the user can manually control movement of the fins one with respect to the other.

Abstract: An apparatus for retarding and/or changing the direction of travel of a sailing vessel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a watercraft (10) with moveable flaps (12A, 12B, 12C) internal ballast tanks, solenoid banks (20) and explosive activated nut and bolt clamps. The watercraft (10) is manually navigated or navigated by remote control. A method of utilizing the watercraft (10) to retard and/or change the direction of travel of the sailing vessel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for operating a marine engine (1) in combination with a catalytic partial oxidation reformer (2) and, optionally, an exhaust gas aftertreater (3) , wherein: (a) a mixture of a first fuel and air, is introduced in the combustion chamber of the engine (1); (b) exhaust gas is discharged from the engine and optionally partly recirculated to the combustion chamber of the engine (1); (c) a second fuel and oxygen and/or steam are supplied to the catalytic partial oxidation reformer (2) to produce synthesis gas, wherein the second fuel comprises Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel; (d) at least part of the synthesis gas is supplied to: (i) the exhaust gas aftertreater (3); (ii) the combustion chamber of the engine (1); or to both.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method to an apparatus and method for securing an outboard boat motor during transportation. More particularly the invention is directed towards a removable support mount capable of attaching to the hydraulic trim cylinders mounted on the transom of a boat. Once attached, the opposite end of the support mount rests beneath the motor keeping it away from the transom in a tilted upward position in order to avoid contact with the road or objects on the road during transportation.

Abstract: The invention, relates to means for absorbing, extracting or using for propulsion, wave energy occurring naturally in water. The invention overcomes existing breakwater devices of the type that were prone to puncture or were expensive to maintain, were inertial dependant or had mooring loads. One breakwater device comprises first and second structures, (100, 102) arranged substantially parallel one to another, said structures having neutral buoyancy and energy absorbers (111) mounted therebetween, whereby in use, the devices absorb energy from incident and waves as a result of relative motion between the structures. Preferably a third structure is positioned parallel to the second structure, there being a second energy absorber positioned between the second and third structures. Energy absorbers may be arranged to generate an electromotive force or pump a material or fluid. Advantageously a plurality of devices (206) can be interconnected, in the form of a chain or caterpillar to provide a breakwater system.

Abstract: An Advanced Maritime Emissions Control System (AMECS) includes several Exhaust Intake Bonnets (EIBs) of different size and/or shape, an Emissions Capture System (ECS), and an Advanced Maritime Emissions Control Unit (AMECU) mounted on an Unpowered Seagoing Barge (USB). The EIB includes a cage formed by downward curved ribs, a shroud which is lowerable to cover the ribs, a belt near a lower edge of the EIB for retaining and sealing the EIB to a stack, and a mechanism for tightening the lower edge of the EIB (and thus the belt) around the stack. The ECS lifts one of the several EIBs onto the stack of an Ocean Going Vessel (OGV). Exhaust from the stack is drawn through a large diameter duct to the AMECU. The AMECU processes the exhaust through multiple treatment stages. The stages include pre conditioning the exhaust, oxidizing, reducing, polishing, and precipitating.

Abstract: A multi-purpose mariner safety and motor housing arrangement for the secure enclosure of the lower drive unit of an inboard/outboard or outboard motor for a boat. The multi-purpose housing preferably comprises a left half housing and a right half housing hingedly connected along a front edge thereof. The left half housing and the right half housing are arranged to lockably enclose a lower drive unit of a motor. The housing arrangement encloses a plurality of accessible, watertight sub enclosures disposed within the left and the right half housings for safe containment of emergency gear therewithin, to provide floatation and safety to mariners even when the housing is removed from the motor.

Abstract: A tail light to be installed onto the end of a boat motor propeller, to increase visibility of the propeller when the boat is being hauled on a trailer. The tail light includes a light fixture secured to a mounting plate. The mounting plate is configured to fit onto the propeller hub. A strap releasably secures the tail light in position on the hub. The tail light is wired to wiring of the trailer to illuminate the location of the end of the propeller when the boat is secured on the trailer.

Abstract: A protective containment device is provided to serve as a strain relief component for hoses, wires, and push-pull cables extending through a front surface of an outboard motor. The protective containment device is formed from first and second portions that are assembled together with a flexibly connected divider that segregates certain components within the protective device from other components. A cylindrical ring, made of first and second retainers, is disposed around an outer surface of the cylindrical conduit to hold the first and second portions together and to retain a flexible tube in place.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lighting system for illuminating the interior of a trolling boat wherein the light is attached to or contained within the trolling motor assembly. The invention comprises in one form thereof, a trolling motor assembly having a motor control compartment, a shaft and a motor/propeller assembly. The motor control compartment further comprises a light assembly attached thereto. In a particular embodiment of the invention the light assembly is fixedly attached to the motor control compartment as to provide a lighting means for the interior of the boat. A further embodiment is contemplated wherein the lighting means is contained within the motor compartment and portion of the motor compartment housing is the appropriate material to permit the passage of light through the motor compartment.

Abstract: An engine control unit enablement circuit is disclosed that selectively closes a conductive path between a chargeable electrical energy source and electronics of an engine/motor. An engine position sensor provides feedback as to the rotational position of a rotating component of an engine to the enablement circuit. When the rotating component, e.g. crankshaft or flywheel, is rotating, the enablement circuit closes the conductive path and allows the transference of electrical energy from the energy source to the engine and motor electronics. Conversely, when feedback is received indicative of non-rotation of the rotating component, the enablement circuit opens the conductive path. As such, energy stored in the energy source remains stored. With a subsequent detection of rotation of the rotating component, the conductive is closed and the stored energy is allowed to pass to the engine and motor electronics thereby allowing faster powering of the engine and motor electronics.

Abstract: A method for calculating parameters about an axisymmetric body in a cavity is provided. The user provides data describing the body, a cavity estimate, and convergence tolerances. Boundary element panels are distributed along the body and the estimated cavity. Matrices are initialized for each panel using disturbance potentials and boundary values. Disturbance potential matrices are formulated for each panel using disturbance potential equations and boundary conditions. The initialized matrices and the formulated matrices are solved for each boundary panel to obtain panel sources, dipoles and cavitation numbers. Forces and velocities are computed giving velocity and drag components. The cavity shape is updated by moving each panel in accordance with the calculated values. The method then tests for convergence against a tolerance, and iterates until convergence is achieved. Upon completion, parameters of interest and the cavity shape are provided.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a power system for a marine vessel including a plurality of power sources. A propulsion power distribution unit is coupled to the plurality of primary power sources. A plurality of propulsion devices are coupled to the propulsion power distribution unit. A weaponry power distribution unit is coupled to the propulsion power distribution unit. A plurality of directed energy weapons are coupled to the weaponry power distribution unit.

Abstract: The invention is directed to dead bolt receiver lock that is installed in a boat between the transom and the clamp that mounts an outboard motor to the boat. The dead bolt prevents the unauthorized removal of the outboard motor from the boat. To this end, there is used a dead bolt having at end thereof a rounded head and a another end thereof a threaded end. At the threaded end there mounted a fastening which receives a locking cylinder operated by a key to lock the dead bolt in a locked position to prevent the dead bolt receiver to be removed from the transom clamp combination to prevent any unauthorized removal of the outboard motor from the boat.

Abstract: An air suction device for a surface boat having a filter element of paper type arranged in an air suction passage of an engine. The filter element is composed of a core made of a filter material and a permeable waterproof sheet arranged at the upstream side surface of the core in the air suction passage.

Abstract: A differential displacement electromagnetic device providing forward thrust over water of a watercraft. This electromagnetic device includes an elongated rigid rail member anchored against the watercraft bilge, a first magnet module, slidingly carried by one end portion of the rail member, and a second magnet module, slidingly carried by another end portion of the rail member. The second module has the same mass as the first module but has a pivot mount at a central portion thereof. A pair of elongated rigid arms are pivotally mounted at their inner ends to the second module member pivot mount, while a pair of electromagnets are fixedly mounted to corresponding outer ends of the rigid arms.

Abstract: A propulsion system and method for driving one or more accessories in an outdrive of a boat having an engine coupled to a drive shaft to supply torque thereto are provided. The torque received by the drive shaft is principally used to propel the boat. The propulsion system includes a driven shaft dedicated to drive the one or more accessories, and further includes a gear assembly for passing a portion of the torque received by the drive shaft to the driven shaft so that each of the one or more accessories coupled to the driven shaft receives driving torque therefrom.

Abstract: A system and method for operating an auxiliary device from an internal combustion engine driven tool without materially affecting the primary function of the tool. The system and method is particularly useful for operating a blender from an outboard motor.

Abstract: A process for forming an improved anodizing film on the surface of an aluminum alloy material. The film is impregnated with an amorphous substance which fills pores formed in the film during its growth. If the film has a flaw reaching the aluminum alloy material, the amorphous substance and aluminum form a layer of passivity which restrains the corrosion of the aluminum alloy material.

Abstract: A device for handling a boat gimbal housing. The device includes an upright member having an upper end and a lower end. A cross-member is connected to the upright member adjacent the upper end. A counterweight is connected to the cross-member, and a lift connection location is positioned at the cross-member between the counterweight and the upright member. A clamp mounting structure is connected to the upright member adjacent the lower end. A clamp is provided for clamping the gimbal housing. The clamp is connected to the clamp mounting structure and is positioned beneath the cross-member.

Abstract: A propulsion system and method for driving one or more accessories in an outdrive of a boat having an engine coupled to a drive shaft to supply torque thereto are provided. The torque received by the drive shaft is principally used to propel the boat. The propulsion system includes a driven shaft dedicated to drive the one or more accessories, and further includes a gear assembly for passing a portion of the torque received by the drive shaft to the driven shaft so that each of the one or more accessories coupled to the driven shaft receives driving torque therefrom.

Abstract: The invention concerns a housing (1) for an angle gear box device of a boat propulsion motor designed to be immersed and to contain an angle gear box device comprising: two shafts rotating relatively to two perpendicular axes (XX′, YY′) whereof the first shaft (Y, Y′) is driven in rotation by said motor and a second shaft (XX′) drives at least a propeller in rotation; and mechanical elements comprising gears and roller bearings enabling the transmission of rotation of said first shaft to said second shaft.

Abstract: A system for supplying cooling water to a process on board a floating vessel for the production of hydrocarbons, wherein the vessel (1) is anchored by means of a bottom-anchored turning unit (20) mounted in a receiving space (7) in the hull (34) of the vessel and allowing turning of the vessel (1) about the turning unit, and wherein the turning unit (20) supports a swivel unit (24) for the transfer of hydrocarbons from production risers (28) extending between the seabed and the turning unit (20), the system comprising a conduit means (30) depending from the vessel (1) to a depth for taking in cooled sea water, and a pump means (44) for pumping of the sea water from the conduit to a place of use for the process.

Abstract: A outboard marine electrical generator unit capable of installation on the transom of a marine vessel which provides an electrical generating unit for small and medium sized marine vessels. The invention thus provides an A/C and D/C electrical power source capable of providing electrical power for appliances, air conditioning units and other electrical loads, even while the primary propulsion system is off and the vessel is docked or at anchor.