Abstract: A drain valve for a vessel having a bilge (4) which is elevated above external water level when the vessel is floating in unladen condition. The valve comprises a drain cylinder (1) located in a drain port (2) and attached at its upper end to the bilge; the cylinder axially containing a spindle bearing (14) in which is slideably located a spindle (20) of a buoyant closure member (32) engageable with the lower end of the cylinder. Opening and closing of the valve is controlled by the pressure differential existing between external and internal water levels.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing access to the underside of a bridge deck. A tower is supported vertically beside a bridge deck by means of a launch frame mounted on a stabilized support pillar; the tower in turn supporting a platform horizontally beneath the bridge-deck by means of a centilever frame. The apparatus is made quickly deployable by providing that the tower is engageable with the launch frame so as to allow it to be launched over the parapet of the bridge-deck while being supported in a substantially horizontal position with the platform supported substantially vertically to the tower, and to be rotatable into a substantially vertical portion adjacent the bridge deck to bring the platform into position underneath the bridge-deck. Access is gained to the underside of the bridge deck by climbing down the tower and onto and along the platform.