Abstract: A method and apparatus for the water-based transfer of heavy loads. The invention is a lightweight apparatus is reconfigurable, and it includes a gantry arrangement mounted on beams or a platform and the apparatus is used to transfer heavy load items. The apparatus reconfigurable and may be used in a water-based loading environments in performing a variety of loading functions in situations involving one or more watercrafts and/or a pier or the like.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards a boom assembly attached to a side of a parent ship, for capturing and refueling smaller vessels at a safe distance from the parent ship to enable refueling while the parent ship is travelling at about 5 to about 8 knots. The boom assembly includes a first boom segment and a second boom segment pivotally connected to each other, with the second boom segment connected to an upright pivotable post. The boom assembly includes a vessel capturing device for capturing the smaller vessels. The boom assembly may be adjusted to a stowage configuration and an operational configuration.

Abstract: A load transfer accessory for a loading apparatus such as a crane. The load transfer accessory is a holding mechanism that reduces unwanted movement in cylindrical cargos. The holding mechanism includes an attachment frame, a receiving member and an indexing clutch. The receiving member includes a curved surface for receiving the cylindrical cargo. The indexing clutch can be adjustably locked by wire rope tension to clock the receiving member in a desired angular orientation for loading operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the water-based transfer of heavy loads. The invention is a lightweight apparatus is reconfigurable, and it includes a gantry arrangement mounted on beams or a platform and the apparatus is used to transfer heavy load items. The apparatus reconfigurable and may be used in a water-based loading environments in performing a variety of loading functions in situations involving one or more watercrafts and/or a pier or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing and fueling a surface water vessel at a floating receptacle that is towed by a parent ship. The surface water vessel may be a manned or an unmanned surface vehicle, for example. According to the invention, the surface water vessel includes a retractable probe for securing the water vessel to the floating receptacle and also for receiving fuel from the parent ship via the floating receptacle. The floating receptacle has first and second arms pivotally attached to a mounting block, forming a substantially V-shape having an adjustable apex angle.

Abstract: A method and device to permit a water vessel to releasably capture a line. The water vessel may include a step cutout portion to receive a line capturing device. The line capturing device includes a device housing having a capturing notch and a pivotal guide arm. The guide arm may be pivoted to a deployed position. When presented with a line, a water vessel with the line-capturing device may capture the line by deploying the guide arm to guide the line into the notch, where the line is releasably latched. Also included is a system for towing a smaller water vessel to a parent vessel, the smaller water vessel including a device for capturing a line. The line may be attached at one end to the parent vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing and fueling a surface water vessel at a fueling block, connected to and remote from a parent ship. The surface water vessel may be a manned or an unmanned surface vehicle, for example. According to the invention, the surface water vessel includes a probe for securing the water vessel to the fueling block and also for receiving fuel from the parent ship at the fueling block. The fueling block includes an opening for receiving the probe therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a surface water vessel to a floating station. The surface water vessel may be an unmanned surface vehicle, and the floating station may be attached to a larger parent ship. According to the invention, the surface water vessel includes a forwardly projecting elongated probe and the floating station includes a receiver having a receiver opening for receiving the elongated probe therein. The elongated probe includes a spherical tip having a circumferential groove. The receiver includes movable spheres that are moved into engagement with the circumferential groove, thereby locking the probe within the receiver. This locking arrangement secures the surface water vessel to the floating station.

Abstract: A method and device to permit a water vessel to releasably capture a line. The water vessel may include a step cutout portion to receive a line capturing device. The line capturing device includes a device housing having a capturing notch and a pivotal guide arm. The guide arm may be pivoted to a deployed position. When presented with a line, a water vessel with the line-capturing device may capture the line by deploying the guide arm to guide the line into the notch, where the line is releasably latched. Also included is a system for towing a smaller water vessel to a parent vessel, the smaller water vessel including a device for capturing a line. The line may be attached at one end to the parent vessel.