Abstract: Both an offshore platform mating system and method are disclosed in which adjacent first and second jacket sections are provided with a plurality of corresponding docking poles and receptacles, respectively. Alignment of the adjacent jacket sections is facilitated by using at least one extended or lead docking pole on the first jacket section which projects further toward the second jacket section than do the other docking poles and is thus the first to engage one of the horizontally aligned receptacles when the first and second jacket sections vertically approach. Mating procedures for the first and second jacket sections continue with rotational alignment of the first and second jacket sections about the lead docking pole which acts as a pivot while alignment of the other receptacles is adjusted with respect to the other docking poles.

Abstract: An offshore platform mating system of the present invention is disclosed in which an upwardly open lower receptacle is provided on upper extensions of leg portions of a jacket bottom section of the offshore platform for receiving a mating pin so as to project a docking pole upwardly. Downwardly open upper receptacles are provided on the lower extensions of each leg portion of the corresponding jacket top section and are disposed to receive the upwardly projecting docking pole of the mating pin. A connection is provided for securing the jacket top section to the jacket bottom section. A method is also disclosed for installing the offshore platform utilizing the mating pins.