Abstract: A deep water mooring system including a connector element which is nonbuoyant, has connections to a submerged pipeline and which is supported by flotation tanks that are anchored to the bottom, and a device for retrieving the connector element from the water and to connect to a suitable floating surface storage system for flow between the storage system and the submerged pipeline. The retrieval line with a buoy holding its upper end at the surface coacts with the vessel in which the storage system is contained, or to which it is connected, for quick and easy retrieval and connection of the connector element to the vessel. Additionally, the retrieval line buoy may be provided with sufficient buoyancy capacity to provide an additional lift to the connector element and thus aid the flotation tanks in maintaining the connector element when not in use at a preselected depth in the water.

Abstract: Rigid conduit sections have a flexible hose interconnecting their ends with in a cardan joint. One end of the hose has a flange that rotatably seals in fluidtight relationship with a flange on the adjacent end of the associated rigid pipe section, thereby to relieve torsion in the hose.

Abstract: A coupling is established between a buoyant body and a submerged anchor, by drawing down an internal bush until it is aligned between the lower ends of a pair of holes through upstanding parallel cheeks secured to the anchor. The holes have larger lower ends than upper ends. A pin is then inserted through the bush; and when the buoyant body is released, its buoyancy draws the coupling up until the pin lodges in the upper ends of the holes through the cheeks attached to the anchor.

Abstract: A single-point mooring buoy comprises a vertical column which is secured at its lower end to the sea floor. The buoy is connected to the column for rotation relative to the column through 360.degree. about a vertical axis. A conduit extends from the lower end of the column to a swivel joint connection for a hose on the column. The buoy is mounted on the column by its own bearing, which is below that swivel joint assembly. There is a passage through the buoy in alignment with the column, which extends from above the water level to below the swivel joint.

Abstract: A mooring system for carrying out production tests for gas and oil drilling on the high seas, comprises a vessel with rigid arms pivotally interconnected therewith for relative vertical swinging movement. The arms are connected with a slender vertical buoy by universal joint, and a float is connected to the arms at a distance from the buoy. The buoy has a taut but flexible connection with an underlying anchor on the sea floor.