Abstract: A self-propelled semi-submersible column stabilized service vessel for tending offshore production and drilling operations is disclosed. The vessel includes a pair of submersible hulls haing ballast compartments for controlling the buoyancy of the hulls. A rectangular service platform which includes fire fighting equipment, rig inspection equipment, repair facilities, and load lifting equipment is supported by means of vertical stability columns which are compartmented and include ballast chambers for controlling the buoyancy of the columns. The fire fighting equipment includes an extendable fire boom for clearing debris and for positioning explosives on the deck of a burning production or drilling platform. An array of monitors is also provided for establishing a curtain of water for thermally shielding the service vessel and for extinguishing a fire on the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for erecting a temporary emergency walkway for personnel between an offshore oil platform and a marine vessel. The disclosed apparatus includes a first walkway attached to the main boom of a crane mounted on the vessel and a second walkway attached to an extendable articulating auxiliary boom. The auxiliary boom, which is normally stored on the deck of the vessel, preferably includes an articulating section having a pair of pivotably connected subsections and an adjoining section which telescopically engages the articulating section. A rapid evacuation of personnel from the platform can be accomplished even in heavy seas by maneuvering the vessel into a position near the endangered platform, attaching the auxiliary boom to the main boom and by appropriate movements of the crane and auxiliary boom placing the end of the auxiliary boom on the platform.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for fire suppression on offshore oil platforms including a stab receptacle on an outer surface of a platform connected to a fluid distribution system within the platform for distributing fire suppressing fluid to selected locations, a stab carrying a fluid conduit from a self-propelled service vessel, with the stab being in turn supported on a boom extending from the service vessel, a pumping system on the service vessel for supplying fire suppressing fluid through the conduit to the stab and thereby to the preselected locations. The service vessel is preferably a semi-submersible and includes a system for dynamic positioning of the vessel such as side thrusters in addition to a main propulsion unit.

Abstract: A system and method for evacuating endangered personnel from an offshore oil platform. The disclosed system includes; a self-propelled marine service vessel equipped with a large capacity revolving crane, a portable evacuation shelter located on the platform and including a single point connecting eye for attaching a recovery line thereto, and a support for the shelter attached to the platform and engaging the shelter from beneath so as to permit the shelter to be lifted vertically from the platform.

Abstract: A tear-away equipment removal system and method for use in controlling fires on offshore oil platforms. A preferred system includes a stab assembly connected to the end of the tension line and carried by a crane boom on a semi-submersible service vessel. A stab receptacle is provided in an outer wall of an offshore platform and is connected to large equipment units which block access to a fire site. The method includes maneuvering the service vessel and crane to allow connection of the stab assembly to the receptacle and the use of the tension line to physically tear open the outer wall of the structure and to remove the large equipment to provide clear access to the fire site.

Abstract: Blowout containment apparatus for use in offshore areas comprising an inverted funnel adapted for positioning over a wellhead to receive fluids from the well and direct them into a conduit extending from the funnel to surface support and processing equipment. The funnel and conduit are supported from the sea's surface preferably by a vessel such as a barge. The barge carries the equipment to receive the full flow of fluids from the well, to process the fluids, and to conduct the liquids to a nearby tanker where the recovered liquid hydrocarbons may be stored. The method of blowout containment includes the controlled positioning of the support vessel, from which is suspended the inverted funnel, over the wellhead to capture the fluids erupting from the blowout and receiving the fluids from the upper end of the conduit at a rate at least equal to the flow into the funnel end of the conduit.

Abstract: A self-propelled semi-submersible column stabilized service vessel for tending offshore production and drilling operations is disclosed. The vessel includes a pair of submersible hulls having ballast compartments for controlling the buoyancy of the hulls. A rectangular service deck or platform which includes fire fighting equipment, rig inspection equipment, repair facilities, and load lifting equipment is supported by means of vertical stability columns which are compartmented and include ballast chambers for controlling the buoyancy of the columns. The fire fighting equipment includes an extendable fire boom for clearing debris and for positioning explosives on the deck of a burning production or drilling platform. An array of monitors is also provided for establishing a curtain of water for thermally shielding the service vessel and for extinguishing a fire on the platform.