Abstract: A hydrostatic coupling device for rapidly releasing a first object immersed in water from another object resting on the sea bed. The device comprises a seal mounted in a groove in the first object, which in use will be pressed against the other object. The groove is formed as a closed loop delimiting a space at the surface of the first object facing the other object. The seal is formed as a membrane mounted along its sides and dividing the groove into an outer part, open to the ambient water, and an inner part, which via a pipe can be connected to a reservoir above the water surface. This reservoir maintains a liquid column pressure in the inner part, being a certain amount higher than the ambient water pressure. A pumping device removes water from the space delimited by the seal and both objects.

Abstract: The location of azimuth thruster propellers at the parallel hulls of semisubmersible offshore vessels, is arranged so the water jet from a propeller at one hull, which is occasionally directed towards the adjacent hull will pass mainly below last-mentioned hull. When thruster propellers are arranged in pairs the bottoms of the hulls will preferably be inclined upwardly/outwardly within the portion around a thruster propeller located outside of a longitudinal middle plane through the hull. In order to facilitate the docking of the vessel, the bottom plating in the fore and aft bodies of the hulls, where the thruster propellers are mounted, should be raised sufficient to prevent the propellers projecting below the base lines of the hulls.

Abstract: In order to make possible a "self-docking" of a floating dock, the dock is divided into a middle pontoon and two end pontoons, which are interconnectable in alternative positions in the vertical direction, so either the middle pontoon, or the end pontoons may be lifted out of the water. The pontoons are held together by bolts, which are accessible from cofferdam-like spaces, formed when two pontoons are fitted together, and which may be maintained watertight. Male and female coupling members are furthermore provided to secure the pontoons in their two operative positions. During a disconnecting and connecting operation the pontoons are guided by rigid link arms, chains or the like.

Abstract: A floating dock of the type comprising a bottom structure and two side walls is provided with a service tunnel extending longitudinally through the bottom structure, and housing the ballast pumps. The bottom plating is inclined upwardly from the longitudinal middle line of the dock, and the outlets from the ballast pumps are formed so as to direct the flow of expelled water outwardly along the inclined bottom plating.

Abstract: In the shipbuilding industry a number of temporarily erected scaffolds are needed and these scaffolds are carried by brackets mounted at various ship's structures, said structures usually being provided with permanently attached fittings for this purpose; certain internal components of a ship are provided with apertures without impairing their strength, which makes possible a very easy mounting of scaffolding brackets; the apertures are formed as horizontally running slots, and an attaching member at the bracket is formed as a flattened bolt head arranged vertically; when mounting a bracket, this is rotated 90.degree. in relation to its working position, whereby the flattened head will be oriented horizontally and can be inserted through the aperture; upon rotation of the bracket back to its working position, the head will engage the back face of the wall and the bolt may be tightened.