Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of rapidly and inexpensively converting an ocean deck or cargo barge so that it may be used as a U.S. Coast Guard approved manned service and construction barge. This is accomplished by providing the cargo barge with modular components mounted to the deck of the barge. Such modular components include crew living quarters modules, a kitchen module, a mess module, storage module and a central services module. The central services module functions to distribute the utilities required for manned use. Such utilities include electrical power, potable water and fire water. The barge is also provided with generators, fuel tanks, bulk storage potable water tanks and a crane.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for working on a submerged object comprising a work platform having jetting means carried thereby for excavating the floor beneath the body of water and around the object.

Abstract: A gyro compass positioning apparatus is disclosed for use in lowering and accurately orienting a first object such as an underwater pipeline junction manifold to the floor of a body of water. The gyro compass positioning apparatus comprises a north seeking gyro compass in combination with a closed circuit television camera, all enclosed in a pressure housing. The closed circuit television camera is mounted above the north seeking gyro compass such that it is continuously viewing the orientation of the needle of the compass and displaying this orientation on a television monitor which is located on the surface ship. The first object or underwater pipeline junction manifold is attached to the bottom of the pressure housing by a mounting bracket and in predetermined orientation thereto.

Abstract: A method of coating a pipeline comprising the steps of:Welding joints of pipe, end to end to form a continuous pipeline having an entry end and an exit end, winding said pipeline onto a reel, and coating the interior thereof by inserting a pig into the pipeline at one end thereof and affixing a cap at the other end thereof, introducing a coating liquid into the pipeline on the reel, and rotating the pipeline while the pig is maintained in a relatively static position so that the pig smoothly and evenly coats the pipeline as it rotates.

Abstract: An underwater trenching machine comprising a carriage and a pair each of fore and aft pivotal frames, each of which carries a drive roller means for intimately contacting the pipeline, said front and rear frames being adapted to mutually exclusively pivot outwardly upon command so that the frame carrying the roller means resting at that time on the pipeline takes over the drive function performed by the roller means on both pair of frame means theretofore, and further including improved jet legs each divided into multiple sections for enabling differential water velocity while minimizing water pressure loss through the length thereof, all while the machine is maintained at a predetermined buoyance and attitude.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading pipeline from the shore onto a reel mounted on a vessel adjacent to the shore whereby the reel may be pivoted from its normal operational position in which the reel axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vessel to a position in which the reel axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vessel so as to thereby permit the vessel to be anchored parallel to the shore while the pipe-loading operation is being conducted.

Abstract: A reel and bending apparatus and method for laying pipelines from a floating vessel on the floor of a body of water in which the pipeline is capable of being unreeled from either the top or bottom of the reel and then translated through two pair of independently housed horizontally disposed rollers working in conjunction with the reel for straightening the pipe in the vertical plane.