Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method is used for tracking crew members on an offshore unit. A static map is created in software and interfaces with a network of receiver nodes physically installed at a predetermined set of measurements to provide coverage to designated areas to locate and identify crew members, who have or wear Bluetooth beacons. During operations, crew members are located and identified in real-time through the network of receiver nodes installed over prespecified coordinates. Cameras and visual recognition processing can operate in the designated areas. The designated areas can include muster stations for crew members to gather in an emergency or can include designated areas in which personnel are restricted while equipment is operating or moving.

Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method is used for tracking crew members on an offshore unit. A static map is created in software and interfaces with a network of receiver nodes physically installed at a predetermined set of measurements to provide coverage to designated areas to locate and identify crew members, who have or wear Bluetooth beacons. During operations, crew members are located and identified in real-time through the network of receiver nodes installed over prespecified coordinates. Cameras and visual recognition processing can operate in the designated areas. The designated areas can include muster stations for crew members to gather in an emergency or can include designated areas in which personnel are restricted while equipment is operating or moving.

Abstract: A first permissible operating range of the self-elevating vessel is determined based on a first structural analysis of the self-elevating vessel under a first set of conditions. A structural utilization ratio of the self-elevating vessel is determined based on a second structural analysis of the self-elevating vessel under first and second sets of conditions. Safety of lowering the self-elevating vessel from an elevated state to a first hull draft level is determined when the structural utilization ratio is less than a predetermined value. Safety of lowering the self-elevating vessel from the first hull draft level to a second hull draft level is indicated when positional displacement data obtained while the vessel is at the first hull draft level indicates that the positional displacement of the self-elevating vessel while at the first hull draft level is within the first permissible operating range.

Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method is used for operating a crane on an offshore unit on which entities (e.g., personnel and/or equipment) operate. A dimensional map of the unit is created so locations of the entities can be tracked in the dimensional map of the unit. For example, wireless monitoring is received from wireless devices associated with both the entities and the offshore unit to perform the tracking. Dynamic operating parameters of the crane are also obtained while the crane is operating on the unit. These parameters can be received remotely from the crane. A programmable control device calculates a lifting zone that moves dynamically in the dimensional map based on the parameters, detect a conflict of a tracked location interfering with the zone, and outputs the detected conflict for appropriate action.

Abstract: A system dynamically controls position of a mobile offshore drilling unit relative to a subsea operation, an offshore location, or the like. The system has navigation units, acoustic units, and inertial units. The navigation units obtain position from one or more satellite navigation systems, and the acoustic units obtains position from one or more acoustic positioning reference systems. The inertial units obtains position of the unit from one or more inertial navigation systems, and this inertial position for each unit is based at least in part on the positions obtained from respective ones of the navigation and acoustic units. A control unit in operable communication with the inertial units determines dynamic positioning information from the inertial position of at least one of the inertial units. In turn, the control unit then operates equipment on the drilling unit to control its position dynamically.

Abstract: A dual tower rig includes a hull supported by one or more legs and includes a cantilever assembly coupled to the hull. Dual towers are supported by a skidding system that is coupled to the cantilever assembly. The towers are configured to conduct independent operations and are movable relative to each other and to the hull by the skidding system and the cantilever assembly.

Abstract: A fluid handling system comprising an annular sealing device and a flow control system to divert fluid flow from an annulus of a riser package to a control system located on a rig. A method of installing a fluid handling system on a riser package from a rig comprises connecting the fluid handling system to an upper end of a riser string, supporting the fluid handling system and the riser string using a first tubular handling device, and lowering the fluid handling system and the riser string to an operating position.

Abstract: A fluid handling system comprising an annular sealing device and a flow control system to divert fluid flow from an annulus of a riser package to a control system located on a rig. A method of installing a fluid handling system on a riser package from a rig comprises connecting the fluid handling system to an upper end of a riser string, supporting the fluid handling system and the riser string using a first tubular handling device, and lowering the fluid handling system and the riser string to an operating position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a functional package from a jack-up rig to a fixed platform is provided. A functional package comprising a drilling package, a construction crane, a rocket launch module, or other heavy apparatus may be directly placed upon a fixed platform without exceeding the load bearing limits of a fixed platform. This placement occurs using a cantilever beam that is spliced so that it may be separated into a shuttle portion and a base portion to reduce the weight effect of the cantilever beam upon the fixed platform. The cantilever beam may be provided with a new and unique splice section that permits detachment of the distal shuttle portion upon which rests a functional package. The distal shuttle may be deposited onto a fixed platform. The distal shuttle may be reattached after operations are completed for transfer of the functional package to another location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting and using a drilling apparatus or a construction crane apparatus from a single moveable vessel is provided. Either a drilling apparatus or a construction crane apparatus is skidded onto the deck of a jack-up rig which is then floated to a remote location for use of the apparatus. The skidding of the construction crane apparatus is facilitated by a new and unique pony structure to raise the base of the construction crane apparatus above a skid on the jack-up rig.

Abstract: A skidbase 16 and a drilling structure 18 are adapted for transfer between a jack-up platform 12 and a fixed platform 14. The jack-up platform 12 is moved into position adjacent the fixed platform 14 and raised to a height aligned with the fixed platform 14. The skidbase 16 is then transferred onto the fixed platform 14 to provide a base on which the drilling structure 18 is next placed. The jack-up platform 12 is raised to a vertical height aligned with the skidbase 16. To ensure proper location of the top surface of the jack-up platform 12 relative to the skidbase 16, a connection means 47 automatically engages and aligns the jack-up platform 12 with the skidbase 16 so that skid rails 32, 44 located on the deck of the jack-up platform 12 and on a top surface of the skidbase 16 are positioned a precise distance apart and at the same vertical height. The drilling structure 18 is then skidded onto the skidbase 16 so that drilling operations may be performed from the fixed platform 14.

Abstract: A jack-up type of offshore oil-drilling platform is adapted for rocket launching, wherein the rocket is assembled on a mobile launch pad in a protected on-shore facility then loaded onto the floating jack-up barge for transport to a launch site miles offshore. The barge is jacked up to create a stable, sea-bottom supported structure; a particular feature is the used of a movable cantilever structure on which the rocket and its supporting pad are loaded while in the on-shore facility, then this structure is moved to a central location on the barge, the barge is floated, and the floating barge is towed to the launch site. At the launch site the structure is moved back to a cantilevered position for launch. In this manner the exhaust gasses from the rocket motors can be directed harmlessly into the sea.