Abstract: The present invention relates to a marine structure comprising a launch and recovery system for a submersible vehicle, and methods of operating the marine structure. The system comprises: a docking receiver, a towing head comprising a locking mechanism and being connectable to the docking receiver (13), a towing arrangement adapted to mechanically connect the towing head to the marine structure and being adapted to control the distance between the towing head and the docking receiver, and a lifting device connected to the docking receiver and being adapted to move the docking receiver relative to the marine structure. The lifting device can arrange the docking receiver in a towing head receiving and/or releasing position in which the docking receiver: (i) is completely submerged into the body of water, and (ii) is prevented from moving relative to the marine structure.