Abstract: A method of inspecting or utilizing tools in the underwater environment of a nuclear reactor vessel, a spent fuel pool or equipment pit includes floating a platform for transporting inspection devices and/or tools over an underwater target site and deploying the devices or tools to the underwater target site. The platform may be coupled to a boom whose opposite end is carried by a cart movable about a floor area surrounding the pool. Alternatively, the platform may be independently movable along the water surface by thrusters.

Abstract: A method of servicing a nuclear reactor during a reactor outage is provided. The reactor includes a primary containment vessel and a reactor pressure vessel positioned in the primary containment vessel. The method includes positioning a servicing platform above the reactor pressure vessel and performing predetermined servicing operations on the reactor. The servicing platform includes a frame having a plurality of interconnected beams, a support structure attached to the frame, and a floor attached to a top of the frame. The floor includes a reactor access opening sized to permit access to the reactor pressure vessel. The servicing platform also includes at least one auxiliary platform movably coupled to the frame and extending into the access opening. The at least one auxiliary platform is movable along a perimeter of the access opening of the floor.