Abstract: A watercraft system (10) comprising a pressure hull module (100) having a longitudinal axis (114) which extends between an aft end (116) and a forward end (118) of the watercraft system (10), and which defines a first interface element (112). The system further comprises a bridge fin module system (200) which extends from the pressure hull module (100) in a direction away from the longitudinal axis (114). The bridge fin module system (200) comprises a first bridge fin sub-module (210) which defines a second interface element (222) configured to be coupled and uncoupled from the first interface element (112); the first bridge fin sub-module (210) extending from the second interface element (222) to terminate at a third interface element (232) the bridge fin module system (200) further comprises a second bridge fin sub-module (220) which defines a fourth interface element (242) configured to be coupled and uncoupled from the third interface element (232).

Abstract: A method of training a machine learning, ML, algorithm to control a watercraft is described. The watercraft is a submarine or a submersible submerged in water. The method is implemented, at least in part, by a computer, comprising a processor and a memory, aboard the watercraft. The method comprises: obtaining training data including respective sets of environmental parameters and corresponding actions of a set of communicatively isolated watercraft, including a first watercraft; and training the ML algorithm comprising determining relationships between the respective sets of environmental parameters and the corresponding actions of the watercraft of the set thereof. A method of controlling a watercraft by a trained ML algorithm is also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an underwater charging arrangement comprising a first connector coupled to a daughter craft and a second connector coupled to a mother craft, wherein the first and second connectors are arranged to couple underwater to facilitate the transfer of energy from the mother craft to the daughter craft.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided an underwater vessel comprising: a body; a thruster operable to produce thrust, wherein the thruster is deployable from the body; an actuator assembly connected to the thruster and operable to deploy the thruster, wherein the actuator assembly is operable to deploy the thruster in a first configuration in which the thruster is oriented to produce a thrust having a vertical component when the thruster is operated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system comprising: a first, underwater, vessel provided with a substantially flat lower surface; and a second, surface, vessel, comprising a floodable well deck arranged to receive and accommodate the first vessel.

Abstract: A watercraft system (10). The watercraft system (10) comprises a submarine or a submersible configured to be submerged in water. The submarine or submersible have an external hull (12) which defines a hull outer surface (20). There is provided a releasable mounting system (100) for carrying a payload unit (202, 204) external to the hull outer surface (20). The releasable mounting system (100) is operable to release the payload unit (202, 204) from the hull (12). The watercraft system (10) further comprises a payload unit (202, 204) which is neutrally buoyant.

Abstract: A watercraft system (10), wherein the watercraft system (10) is a submarine or a submersible configured to be submerged in water. The watercraft system (10) may comprise: a hull (12) having a longitudinal axis (14) which extends between an aft end (16) and a forward end (18). The hull (12) may comprise at least a first hull module (100) and a second hull module (200). The first hull module (100) may define the aft end (16) and a first interface element (102) which defines a first hull module opening (106). The second hull module (200) may define the forward end (18) and a second interface element (202) which defines a second hull module opening (206). The first interface element (102) and second interface element (202) being configured to couple with each other to form a sealed joint. The first interface element (102) and second interface element (202) may be configured to be uncoupled from one another.

Abstract: A method of training a machine learning, ML algorithm to control a watercraft is described. The watercraft is a submarine or a submersible submerged in water. The method is implemented, at least in part, by a computer, comprising a processor and a memory, aboard the watercraft. The method comprises: obtaining training data including respective sets of sensor signals, related to respective deterrents, and corresponding actions of a set of communicatively isolated watercraft, including a first watercraft; and training the ML algorithm comprising determining relationships between the respective sets of sensor signals and the corresponding actions of the watercraft of the set thereof. A method of controlling a watercraft by a trained ML algorithm is also described.