Abstract: An underwater mobile inspection apparatus is capable of inspecting a subsea pipeline (inspection object) while cruising. The underwater mobile inspection apparatus includes: a cruising body configured to submerge under water and cruise along the inspection object in such a manner as not to come into contact with the subsea pipeline; a first movable arm provided on the cruising body; an inspection tool unit for use in inspecting the subsea pipeline, the inspection tool unit being provided on the first movable arm; and a controller configured to, when the cruising body cruises along the subsea pipeline in such a manner as not to come into contact with the subsea pipeline, operate the first movable arm to move the inspection tool unit, such that a positional relationship of the inspection tool unit with the subsea pipeline becomes a predetermined target positional relationship.

Abstract: The personal safety survival device includes a plurality of elongated inflation members that collectively form a triangular enclosure. The triangular enclosure has an opening at distal ends, which enables an end user to climb into the triangular enclosure. The personal safety survival device includes an auto-inflation system that inflates the triangular enclosure when triggered, and is to be used as a life raft that keeps the end user out of water, and safe from drowning. The auto-inflation system includes a CO2 canister in fluid communication with all the elongated inflation members. Each of the elongated inflation members include a manual inflate nozzle. When deflated, the personal safety survival device is able to be rolled up into a relatively small size, and includes a carrying strap as well as a pull cord.

Abstract: This invention provides a boarding aid [40] for small boats such as a trailer boats [57] which has a rigid stirrup assembly [59] incorporating a foot support [46] which pivots about a transverse axle [44] for the bow roller [56] between an on-deck stowed position to a deployed position at which it is stably supported by abutment against a stop [47] associated with and spaced from the axle [44]. The axle [44] and the stop [47] are part of a support frame assembly [58] which mounts to the boat's foredeck [48]. When the rigid stirrup assembly [59] pivots to its deployed position it is held stably by the abutment [47] in a position at which the foot support [46] is below and forwardly of the bow roller [56]. The boat is also provided with opposed bow rails [50, 51] which may be gripped to enable a user to elevate themselves from the foot support, onto the foredeck [48].

Abstract: A vertical pneumatic fender includes a bob connected to a lower hemispherical portion, an internal space containing a predetermined amount of ballast water, a body portion constituted by reinforcing layers layered between an inner rubber layer and an outer rubber layer, cords of adjacently layered upper and lower reinforcing layers disposed intersecting each other at a predetermined cord angle with respect to a cylinder axial direction, and intermediate rubber layers interposed between the reinforcing layers, where the cord angle in a neutral state is set to at least 15° and no more than 45°.

Abstract: This invention relates to an integrated heavy lift and logistics vessel for receiving another vessel. Further the integrated heavy lift and logistics vessel is able to provide logistical support to the other vessel in remote locations. More particularly, this invention relates to an integrated heavy lift and logistics vessel that is designed to carry out heavy lifting and logistic supply functions in a stable manner. The integrated heavy lift and logistics vessel is also equipped with safe refuge quarters, helipad(s), various forms of storage, and areas for storage.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for body surfing which provide the body surfer a means to stabilize his ride and control his direction/position on a wave are described herein. According to one aspect, a body surfing apparatus includes a body suit having a torso, arms, and legs; a plurality of fins located on the torso; a plurality of fins located on the arms; and one or more fins located laterally on the legs. The fins are preferably attached to the body suit via an adhesive or mechanical means and the fins and suit may include a buoyant layer. In one embodiment, the body surfing apparatus includes a body suit with multiple segmentations and/or fins with multiple sliced cuts.

Abstract: A cable support system for supporting a cable over water includes a base constructed to float on the surface of the water. A cable support is connected to and disposed at least in part above the base. A coupling mechanism couples the cable to the support such that the cable is held by the support above the base.

Abstract: A submersible ROV is provided with four independently controllable swivel thruster assemblies that allow the submersible ROV to simulate the movement of a person equipped with scuba gear. The submersible ROV receives control signals from a controller located on the surface of the water or on land. The submersible ROV senses and transmits audio and visual images and transmits those signals to a base receiver located on the surface of the water or on land. Signals are transmitted to and from the submersible ROV via a tether. The tether may be connected either directly to the controller/base receiver or may be connected to an intermediate floating ROV with a power supply and wireless communication relay station. A person can vicariously experience scuba diving via the submersible ROV while remaining dry and safe on land or on a surface vehicle.

Abstract: A vessel propulsion system includes two propulsion devices that are disposed on a left side and on a right side, respectively, with respect to a central line extending in a front-rear direction through a rotational center of a hull, an operating device that outputs a lateral movement command including a commanded direction, and a controller. The controller is configured and programmed to control the thrust and the steering angle of each of the two propulsion devices so that, when the operating device outputs a lateral movement command, a first propulsion device on a side existing in the commanded direction generates a backward thrust, whereas a second propulsion device generates a forward thrust, and so that an operating point of a resultant force of the thrusts of the two propulsion devices is positioned to deviate to the side in the commanded direction from the central line, and so that a direction of action of the resultant force follows the commanded direction.

Abstract: Floating dock suitable for docking sailboats comprising a floating deck area and two floating arms extending therefrom, the arms having interior edges adjacent an open area therebetween which, in use, is open to the water below, characterized in that the dock further comprises: a support bracket attachable to the interior edges of the arms and adapted to resist a force urging said arms apart; and an arrangement of rollers upstanding from the dock and adapted to support the underside of a boat guided thereon.

Abstract: An underwater vehicle may be configured to perform vertical profiling and diagonal profiling. The vehicle may include a body having an elongated shape with a central longitudinal axis orthogonal to a central lateral axis. The vehicle may include lateral control surfaces. The lateral control surfaces may be disposed outside of the body and mechanically coupled with the body at a position proximal to the central lateral axis. The lateral control surfaces may be configured to rotate about a control axis parallel to the central lateral axis in order to control an attitude of the vehicle during ascent or descent. A given one of the lateral control surfaces may have a portion extend from the mechanical coupling in a direction perpendicular to the control axis.

Abstract: A vehicle (20) consisting of a frame (22) with a pair of paddles (72) extending longitudinally and rotatably supported by the frame (22) in pendulum fashion for swinging movement between an extended position engaging the surface and a retracted position moved vertically out of engagement with the surface. A pair of foot platforms (74) are operatively connected to the paddles (72). A pair of depressors (84) interconnects the foot platforms (74) and the paddles (72) to rotate the paddles (72) between the extended position and the retracted position. The paddles (72) include a propulsion bar (86) and an oar (88) connected by a lost-motion connection to slide relative to one another between the extended position and the retracted position. The oars (88) have a fin-shape to propel the vehicle (20) over water and include a striker (90) to propel the vehicle (20) over land. The vehicle (20) allows movement over a surface of water and land using an elliptical motion similar to the natural motion of walking.

Abstract: A stern drive is for a marine vessel. The stern drive comprises a gimbal housing that is configured for connection to the marine vessel, a gimbal ring that is steerable with respect to the gimbal housing about a vertical steering axis, a driveshaft housing that is connected to the gimbal ring, and a trim actuator that is configured to trim the driveshaft housing about a horizontal trim axis. The trim actuator has a first end that is pivotably connected to the gimbal ring at a horizontal first pivot axis and a second end that is pivotably connected to the driveshaft housing at a horizontal second pivot axis. A resilient driveshaft housing vibration isolator is located along the second pivot axis. The resilient vibration isolator isolates vibration forces on the driveshaft housing. A resilient gimbal ring vibration isolator is located along the trim axis. The gimbal ring vibration isolator isolates vibration forces on the gimbal ring.

Abstract: A buoy arrester comprising a boat hook body having a U-shaped with parallel sides and a first free end angled away from the U-shaped opening, a line securing ring integrally formed with said boat hook body and positioned at the U-shaped opening and a removable handle that is pole shaped that can be attached to the second free end of said boat hook body. A resilient line retainer catch can be positioned across the boat hook U-shaped opening to prevent the mooring line from detaching from the boat hook body. A securing line is attached to the line securing ring on the boat hook body.

Abstract: A system for collection of rainwater in the open ocean may include: (a) one or more ocean-going vessels, wherein each ocean-going vessel is configured for collection and storage of rainwater, wherein each ocean-going vessel is configured to drift with surface ocean currents in order to navigate to one or more delivery locations, wherein each delivery location is on or near to a land mass; and (b) one or more delivery stations located at the one or more delivery locations, wherein each delivery station is configured to receive stored rainwater from one or more of the ocean-going vessels.

Abstract: A fin for a water sports board including leading and trailing edges, and a base extending therebetween along a longitudinal base axis. A fin axis extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal base axis, both axes residing within a longitudinal plane. First and second opposed side faces are formed on generally opposed sides of the longitudinal plane. First and second insert pre-preg sheets formed of structural strands bonded by a resin material are disposed adjacent respective ones of the first and second side faces on generally opposed sides of the longitudinal plane. An injection molded resin material is disposed between the first and second insert pre-preg sheets. A core is positioned between the first and second insert pre-preg sheets and is of a density less than the injection molded resin material.

Abstract: A steering control system for ski boat with an inboard motor and a single, non-steerable propeller. The control system augments the traditional aft rudder with a forward rudder (located immediately in front of the propeller), and controls one or both rudders to improve steering when backing and in low forward speed conditions. The control system may control only the forward rudder, while the pre-existing controls operate the aft rudder, or optionally controls both rudders. The rudder angle control algorithm calculates proportional rudder angles based on helm and throttle settings, or optimal rudder angles based on more sensed conditions including the operator's helm and throttle controls, the ski boat's direction and speed, propeller RPM and thrust direction, and each rudder's angle. An electronic controller sends control signals to the rudders to achieve the optimal rudder angles.

Abstract: An inflatable kayak includes an inflatable floor made of high pressure drop stitch material; and inflatable sides made of high-pressure drop stitch material formed at port and starboard sides of the inflatable floor, respectively. The drop stitch inflatable sides can be glued or welded directly to the port and starboard sides of the inflatable floor, and the inflatable sides are configured to be inclined outboard from the inflatable floor. Alternatively, the inflatable sides may be glued or welded to a non-inflated fabric floor and the inflatable floor made of high pressure drop stitch material may be positioned and attached to a top of the non-inflated fabric floor with the inflatable sides pressing against the inflatable floor.

Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the boat's centerline and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the boat's centerline. Each wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface at a trailing portion of the plate-like member. Each wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis that is horizontal or inclined no more than about 35° from horizontal. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.

Abstract: A rope stopper system for a fiber rope (30) is described, where a rope stopper (10) is placed on a deck of an anchor handling vessel (50) or the like, and is arranged to grip and secure the fiber rope (30), that runs through the rope stopper (10). The rope stopper (10) comprises a frame (12) equipped with at several rotary stopper elements (14), where the stopper elements (14) are arranged in an opening (16) in the frame (12), said opening (16) being a through-running opening to receive the fiber rope (30), and where the stopper elements (14) are placed radially in the opening, and about the through-running fiber rope (30), arranged to lock the fiber rope (30), and the rope stopper (10) is equipped with a back support (22), in where the back support (22) is designed with an arched back side.