Abstract: Provided is a floating-type on-water support apparatus comprising: a ball in which a guide groove is formed along a circumferential surface thereof; a floating unit including a floating part which floats on water and supports the ball so that the ball is rotatable; and a support rod of which one end is exposed above the water so that a structure is installable thereon and the other end is heavier than the one end so that the support rod stands vertically and which passes through the circumferential surface and is coupled to the ball, wherein the floating unit further includes a restriction protrusion fitted into the guide groove to restrict the ball from being rotated about an axis of the support rod.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of manufacturing an at-shore water-based apparatus for liquefaction of natural gas. In some cases, the methods can include determining a weight of an air-cooled electrically driven refrigeration system (“AER System”); locating a ballast medium in a hull where the ballast medium has a simulated weight approximate to the weight of the AER System; determining a deflection of the hull caused by the simulated weight; moving the ballast medium off the hull while attaching the AER System; assembling a plurality of liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) storage tanks in the hull; and coupling the AER System with the LNG storage tanks. The ballast medium can be moved off the hull such that the weight of the ballast medium supported by the hull is reduced in order to maintain the deflection of the hull while the AER System is attached.

Abstract: A gyroscopic roll stabilizer includes an enclosure, a flywheel assembly, a bearing, a motor, and a bearing cooling circuit. The enclosure is mounted to a gimbal for rotation about a gimbal axis and configured to maintain a below-ambient pressure. The flywheel assembly includes a flywheel and flywheel shaft. The bearing rotatably mounts the flywheel assembly inside the enclosure for rotation about a flywheel axis. The bearing has an inner race and an outer race. The inner race is affixed to the flywheel shaft, and the outer race is held rotationally fixed relative to the enclosure. The motor is operative to rotate the flywheel assembly. The bearing cooling circuit is configured to transfer heat away from the bearing by recirculating cooling fluid along a closed fluid pathway. The gyroscopic roll stabilizer is configured to transfer heat away from the inner and/or outer race of the bearing to the cooling fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hull-conversion device and method for modifying the underside of a watercraft, more specifically a multihull watercraft. The hull-conversion device comprising a water diverting surface, a kinematic assemblage, and a frame. The hull-conversion device may be operable to adjust the watercraft's characteristics in displacement mode and planing mode. The hull-conversion device may function to provide a more stable, controllable, and efficient platform for operating a multihull watercraft, and provide a suitable wake for towable water sports.

Abstract: A gyroscopic roll stabilizer includes an enclosure, a flywheel assembly, a bearing, a motor, and a bearing cooling circuit. The enclosure is mounted to a gimbal for rotation about a gimbal axis and configured to maintain a below-ambient pressure. The flywheel assembly includes a flywheel and flywheel shaft. The bearing rotatably mounts the flywheel assembly inside the enclosure for rotation about a flywheel axis. The bearing has an inner race and an outer race. The inner race is affixed to the flywheel shaft, and the outer race is held rotationally fixed relative to the enclosure. The motor is operative to rotate the flywheel assembly. The bearing cooling circuit is configured to transfer heat away from the bearing by recirculating cooling fluid along a closed fluid pathway. The gyroscopic roll stabilizer is configured to transfer heat away from the inner and/or outer race of the bearing to the cooling fluid.

Abstract: Wakeboat fluid housing compartment fluid level sensing assemblies are provided. The assemblies can include: a wakeboat having a hull; a fluid housing compartment associated with the hull; a nonconductive sensor chamber positioned within the fluid housing compartment of the hull; and at least a pair of conductive electrodes associated with the sensor chamber, at least one of the pair of conductive electrodes being positioned within the nonconductive sensor chamber and electrically isolated from fluid within the fluid housing compartment. Methods for sensing a fluid level within a fluid housing compartment aboard a wakeboat are also provided. The methods can include: maintaining fluid communication between the fluid level within the fluid housing compartment and a sensor chamber; and determining the electrical communication between at least a pair of electrodes operatively associated with the sensor chamber.

Abstract: Wakeboats that include an aquatic invasive species control apparatus are provided. These wakeboats can include: a wakeboat with a hull; at least one throughhull fitting in the hull of the wakeboat; an irradiation chamber in fluid communication with the at least one throughhull fitting, the irradiation chamber having a radiation source; and at least one water destination aboard the wakeboat. Methods for irradiating invasive aquatic species aboard a wakeboat are also provided. The methods can include: receiving water from outside the wakeboat hull; and irradiating water aboard the wakeboat prior to discharging the water.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a hybrid vessel with a ballast system in which the position of the cabin (102) is changed vertically, from emerged to submerged and vice versa, according to the decision of its operator. Thus, the present invention describes a hybrid vessel with ballast water system comprising at least one cabin (102) and at least one main tank (101) of ballast water, and the tank (101) is connected directly to the CAB (102) or partially above the water level.

Abstract: U-tank active roll dampening system and method for active roll dampening of a vessel provided with a U-tank enabling controlling of fluid level in side tanks in anti-phase in front of vessel roll motion period.

Abstract: Wakeboats that include an aquatic invasive species control apparatus are provided. These wakeboats can include: a wakeboat with a hull; at least one throughhull fitting in the hull of the wakeboat; an irradiation chamber in fluid communication with the at least one throughhull fitting, the irradiation chamber having a radiation source; and at least one water destination aboard the wakeboat. Methods for irradiating invasive aquatic species aboard a wakeboat are also provided. The methods can include: receiving water from outside the wakeboat hull; and irradiating water aboard the wakeboat prior to discharging the water.

Abstract: Wakeboat ballast compartment fluid level sensing assemblies are provided that can include: a wakeboat having a hull; a ballast compartment associated with the hull; a nonconductive sensor chamber in fluidic communication with the ballast compartment; and at least two conductive electrodes associated with the nonconductive sensor chamber, wherein at least one of the two conductive electrodes is electrically isolated from fluid within the nonconductive sensor chamber. Methods for sensing a fluid level within a ballast compartment aboard a wakeboat are also provided. The methods can include maintaining fluid communication between the ballast compartment and a nonconductive sensor chamber having fluid therein, and determining the electrical communication between at least two electrodes operatively associated with the sensor chamber while at least one of the electrodes is electrically isolated from the fluid within the sensor chamber.

Abstract: Floating construction comprising: a flotation base, comprising at least one essentially hollow body selectively fillable with ballast, where the maximum horizontal dimension of the flotation base is greater than the maximum vertical dimension of the floating base; a building supported by said flotation base preferably comprising a telescopic tower; downward impelling means; and at least three retaining cables the corresponding upper ends of which are attached to said flotation base, preferably in peripheral positions of the flotation base, and the corresponding lower ends of which are attached to said downward impelling means, such that said retaining cables are taut and apply a downward force on said flotation base that increases the stability thereof. And the installation method for this floating construction.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides hydraulic power sources for wakeboats are provided. The power sources can include: a wakeboat having a hull and an engine; a hydraulic pump mechanically driven by the engine; and a hydraulic motor powered by the hydraulic pump. The power sources may also include a load powered by the hydraulic motor. The present disclosure also provides methods for hydraulically powering a load from aboard a wakeboat are also provided. The methods can include: comprising: mechanically driving a hydraulic pump with an engine of the wakeboat; using the hydraulic pump to power a hydraulic motor; and using the hydraulic motor to drive a load.

Abstract: A propulsion system is described that includes an AC generator configured to produce AC current, and a plurality of propulsors configured to receive the AC current from the AC generator and provide thrust based on the AC current from the AC generator. The propulsion system further includes an AC distribution system configured to deliver a first portion of the AC current to a first group of propulsors from the plurality of propulsors, and a second subsystem configured to deliver a second portion of the AC current to a second group of propulsors from the plurality of propulsors.

Abstract: Boat propulsion assemblies are provided that can include: a water pump operatively coupled to a first conduit in fluid communication with one portion of a hull of the boat; and a water source in fluid communication with the water pump. Methods for propelling a boat are also provided that can include using a water pump to express water outwardly from one portion of a hull and propelling the boat. Propulsion assemblies may also be configured with: a first conduit extending from a first portion of a hull of the boat to a second portion of the hull of the boat; and a first pump operatively aligned along the first conduit and configured to convey water between the first and second portions of the hull of the boat. Methods for propelling a boat can also include: intaking water at a first portion of the hull of the boat; conveying the water to a second portion of the hull of the boat; and expressing the water at the second portion of the hull to propel the boat.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a line comprising a line, such as a mooring line, umbilical, pipeline, or riser. connected to an offshore structure including a control processor located on the offshore structure, a wireless network comprising a plurality of communication nodes positioned along the line, and a plurality of measurement devices embedded within the communication nodes. When the line is being monitored, the output of each of the measurement devices is in continuous wireless communication with the wireless network via at least one of the communication nodes positioned along the line and the wireless network is in continuous communication with the control processor.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a marine vessel in a body of water at a selected position and orientation includes a global positioning system that determines a global position and heading of the vessel and a proximity sensor that determines a relative position and bearing of the vessel with respect to an object near the vessel. A controller operable in a station keeping mode is in signal communication with the GPS and the proximity sensor. The controller chooses between using global position and heading data from the GPS and relative position and bearing data from the proximity sensor to determine if the vessel has moved from the selected position and orientation. The controller calculates thrust commands required to return the vessel to the selected position and orientation and outputs the thrust commands to a marine propulsion system, which uses the thrust commands to reposition the vessel.

Abstract: A ship hull microbubble system is adapted to reduce drag on a ship hull traveling through water. The ship hull microbubble system includes a ballast pump, mechanically coupled to a ballast main pipe which is further connected to a forward peak tank with a forward peak tank valve. A venturi injector is joined to the ballast main pipe with a riser pipe. A discharge pipe is joined to the venturi injector and further piercing the ship hull. An air water mixture is formed when water pulled into the ballast pump receives air from the venturi injector. Discharging the air water mixture through the discharge pipe creates a plurality of microbubbles against the ship hull that reduces the drag on the ship hull when travelling through water.

Abstract: A camera drone has an array of eight camera-light units arranged so as to enable capture of photographs and video providing a spherical 360°×360° field of view. Such an expansive field of view enables image capture for use in virtual reality, augmented reality, and similar uses. The camera drone is preferably spherical in shape so as to minimize any obstructions in the expansive field of view. The camera drone is modular with separate but coordinated modules for a main body module, a base module along an equator of the main body, a thruster module, and a camera-light module. The camera drone is also capable of operation in air or water (submersible) having both a tethered and autonomous version.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a gravity structure intended for a marine civil-engineering construction, comprising a slab configured so as to be placed on a sea bed and secured to a shaft directed in a principal direction substantially orthogonal to said slab, characterized in that the gravity structure comprises at least one anchoring tie rod extending in said shaft and in the slab, the gravity structure being configured so that, in a service position of the gravity structure, said at least one anchoring tie rod is anchored in the sea bed.

Abstract: A system for simulating wet runway conditions by using a liquid container that is placed inside an aircraft. The liquid container is connected to a nozzle that sprays water in front of the wheels of the aircraft. A valve is used to control the flow of water from the nozzle. Systems, such as the braking system of the aircraft, can then be tested in wet runway conditions simulated by the system. The amount of water sprayed from the nozzle can also be electronically controlled in relation to the speed of the aircraft, such that the nozzle sprays a nearly uniform layer of liquid in front of the wheels. The system can also be modified to include two tanks to manipulate the center of gravity of the aircraft.

Abstract: A boat includes: a pair of buoyancy units spaced from each other; a bottom plate structure connecting the bottoms of the pair of buoyancy units to each other; and a water storage defined by the pair of buoyancy units and the bottom plate structure, open rearward at the stern to take water from the outside, and keeping the water flowing therein. The boat can keep the balance more stable, is free from a common waterproof problem, and can improve a running ability.

Abstract: A floating platform is provided including the following: a covering element; at least three buoyant bodies, which are separated from each other, are fixedly mounted to the lower face of the covering element, are open toward the bottom, and are made of a gas-tight, pressure- and corrosion-resistant flexible material. The buoyant bodies enclose a closed hollow space when coming into contact with a liquid surface. At least one compressed-air generating device is also provided for generating an overpressure in the individual hollow spaces.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a partially inflatable vessel having an open region at the bow and optionally at the stern of the vessel. A removable covering such as a tarp is provided at the bow region to allow access through the open region when the tarp is removed. The hull tarp covers the bow region to improve stability and operation of the vessel when moving through water at significant speeds.

Abstract: An offshore wind turbine comprising a buoyancy structure intended to provide a buoyancy force to support the wind turbine, wherein said buoyancy structure comprises at least one floater tank and a damping structure extending radially outward from the floater tank to damp forces due to heave, pitch or roll.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drillship having a vortex suppression block with a recessed flow stabilizing part in a moon pool. The flow stabilizing section is formed so that a bottom of the vortex suppression block that protrudes from a bottom of a hull toward a stern in the moon pool is recessed in an upward direction of the hull to stabilize a flow in the moon pool and reduce a variation in resistance of the drillship. The flow stabilizing section (30) is formed by partly recessing the bottom of the vortex suppression block toward an upper portion of the hull. The drillship having this configuration provides resistance performance improvement and flow stabilization of the drillship.

Abstract: A Method and Apparatus for Insta Fill Wake System have been disclosed. By using a gate that can be positioned as closed, flood, and drain and deployable on a boat, controlled filling/emptying/holding of water in ballast tanks is possible without the use of pumps.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a vessel includes a hull structure, a foundation, a plurality of springs, and plurality of hydraulic jacks. The hull structure is configured to float on water. The foundation is mounted on top of the hull structure and has significant mass. The foundation is configured to support a turbine structure and to absorb at least a portion of the forces or kinetic energy from the turbine structure. The plurality of springs are positioned between the hull structure and the foundation. The plurality of springs are configured to isolate the foundation from the effects of deflections in the hull structure, to absorb at least a portion of the forces or kinetic energy transferred from the turbine structure, and to transfer at least another portion of the forces or kinetic energy from the turbine structure to the hull structure.

Abstract: A swinging motion reducing apparatus includes a flywheel 20, a gimbal 11, a gimbal supporting section 12, a damper 13 and a lock mechanism 14. The gimbal 11 rotatably supports the flywheel 20. The gimbal supporting section 12 supports the gimbal 11 through a gimbal shaft 15 such that the gimbal 11 can swing. The damper 13 brakes a swinging motion of the gimbal 11. The lock mechanism 14 locks a swinging motion of the gimbal 11.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ship with sinking prevention tanks and a method for manufacturing the same wherein the ship includes: tank-retaining parts formed on the port and starboard sides of the bottom of a hull; the sinking prevention tanks insertedly disposed in the tank-retaining parts and having gas charging parts formed thereon so as to charge helium gas thereinto; a blocking wall adapted to block the top sides of the tank-retaining parts in which the sinking prevention tanks are insertedly disposed; gas supply lines connected to the gas charging parts formed on the sinking prevention tanks; and charging valves disposed on the inner side of the deck of the hull in such a manner as to be connected to the gas supply lines and thus to recharge the helium gas to the interiors of the sinking prevention tanks through the gas charging parts.

Abstract: A transportable watercraft stabilization apparatus includes a stability device configured to impart a stabilizing torque to a watercraft when mounted on the watercraft and a transportable containment device containing the stability device therein. The transportable containment device includes a first attachment apparatus for releasably attaching to a transporting means and a second attachment apparatus for releasably attaching to a coupling device onboard a watercraft. Furthermore, the transportable watercraft stabilization apparatus includes a power source configured to provide power to the stability device for generating the stabilizing torque. The watercraft stabilization apparatus is transportable between a first watercraft and a second watercraft for providing on-demand stabilization to the second watercraft.

Abstract: There is described a marine turbine assembly comprising a frame having a receiving surface and a front end; at least one turbine mounted to the receiving surface of the frame and comprising a rotor and a plurality of blades projecting therefrom, the rotor being operatively connectable to an electrical generator for generating electrical energy from a water current. A ballast system is coupled to the frame and balancedly distributed around a perimeter thereof. The ballast system has at least one compartment with at least one aperture for selectively receiving and selectively expelling pressurized fluid from a source of pressurized fluid, thereby controlling at least one of a trim and a buoyancy of the marine turbine assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a floating facility mounted with a power plant. The floating facility mounted with a power plant includes: at least one power generator room disposed in a central portion within a hull of the floating facility; and at least one fuel tank disposed in both sides of the power generator room.

Abstract: A transportable watercraft stabilization apparatus includes a stability device configured to impart a stabilizing torque to a watercraft when mounted on the watercraft and a transportable containment device containing the stability device therein. The transportable containment device includes a first attachment apparatus for releasably attaching to a transporting means and a second attachment apparatus for releasably attaching to a coupling device onboard a watercraft. Furthermore, the transportable watercraft stabilization apparatus includes a power source configured to provide power to the stability device for generating the stabilizing torque. The watercraft stabilization apparatus is transportable between a first watercraft and a second watercraft for providing on-demand stabilization to the second watercraft.

Abstract: A float device includes a drive motor provided inside a float hull, a plunger reciprocating along with rotation of the drive motor, an internal oil reservoir for housing an hydraulic oil therein, an externally-opened cylinder attached to the float hull, a buoyant force adjustment piston reciprocating in the cylinder along with exit/entry of the hydraulic oil, and a three-way valve having a first connection port connected to the plunger, a second connection port connected to the internal oil reservoir, and a third connection per connected to the cylinder, for switching the flow between the first connection port and the second connection ports and the flow between the first connection port and the third connection port.

Abstract: A hull that is part of a system for producing energy through the action of waves. The hull's shape, dimension and orientation make the system less costly and increase the energy provided by the system.

Abstract: The invention provides a sub-structure (2) comprising at least one leg (4) having first buoyancy means (4a) arranged in a lower part of the at least one leg to provide a first buoyancy, and a float element (3) having second buoyancy means to provide a second buoyancy, wherein the sub-structure and the float element are constructed to allow relative wave induced motion with respect to each other in a substantially vertical direction wherein the leg is movable from a pre-installation position to an installation position by a substantially downwards movement of the leg with respect to the float element, and wherein during at least a second part of the downwards movement of the leg towards the installation position and/or in the installation position the first buoyancy means are substantially located below a wave zone to substantially decrease heave action on the first buoyancy means.

Abstract: A floating platform including a plurality of pontoons providing buoyancy to the platform, and a ballast section imparting a spatial orientation to the platform. The ballast section includes a high density ballast being an aggregation of rocks, an aggregation of chunks of iron ore, or an aggregation of any other high density material. Further, the ballast section is permeable to a fluid medium in which the platform floats so as to cause a high friction between the high density ballast and the fluid medium.

Abstract: A mooring system for a semi-submersible platform includes buoyancy structures for providing buoyancy to the semi-submersible platform, mooring lines connected to the buoyancy structures, and anchors embedded in the sea floor that are connected to the mooring lines. At least one-half of the mooring lines are attached to one of the buoyancy structures. A ballast control system for a wind turbine platform includes a sensor that is configured to detect a rotation of a wind turbine and a controller that is configured to direct a transfer of ballast to correct the of the wind turbine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for buoyancy compensation are provided. Both active and passive buoyancy compensation can be provided using a compressible mixture made of a liquid along with a hydrophopic material such as a powder, electrospun fiber, or foam. The compressible fluid compresses as pressure is applied or expands as pressure is released thereby substantially maintaining an overall neutral buoyancy for a vessel. This allows the vessel to ascend and descend to water depths with minimal active buoyancy change. As a result, the energy usage and the reliance on higher pressure air and oils can be minimized.

Abstract: A system and method for clearing an approaching floating ice mass comprising locating a hydrocarbon development platform in a marine environment, and determining a direction from which the ice mass is approaching the hydrocarbon development platform. The method also includes providing an intervention vessel having a water-agitating mechanism associated therewith for propagating artificially generated waves towards a leading edge of the approaching ice mass to fracture the ice mass along the leading edge, thereby causing small ice pieces to separate from the ice mass.

Abstract: A decoy stand and a floating decoy system configured to stabilize at least one decoy above the surface of water, in one aspect, has a coupling; a first arm connected to the coupling at or near one end and extending outwardly from the coupling and having a distal end to which a decoy may be attached or connected; and a plurality of second arms, with each second arm connected to the coupling and extending outwardly from the coupling at an angle to the first arm, said second arms having distal ends to which a decoy may be attached or connected.

Abstract: A multi-purpose boat has a two angle V hull with a rounded fore-aft profile and slightly convex deck. The hull has steeply angled edge portions and shallowly angled center portions. The edge portions are sufficiently sloped away from vertical to allow the boat to be lifted and not pushed by waves. The rounded fore-aft profile allows the boat to slide over waves, especially during a beach entry. The boat includes a keel having a horizontal base and separating downward from the hull at the fore and aft of the boat to resist yawing. The dry weight of the boat is about 25 pounds with a foam core with a resin coating and the keel is preferably hollow and includes ports to allow water to enter the keel to add about 25 pounds after entering the water. Approximately four inches of freeboard is provided separating riders from cold water and predators.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to ballast systems for marine structures. The ballast system comprises a ballast tank and a pump. The pump comprises a low side and a high side and the ballast system comprises a first inlet conduit assembly adapted to provide a fluid communication between the ballast tank and the low side. The ballast system is adapted to provide a first operating condition in which first operating condition a fluid is pumped from the low side to the high side.

Abstract: System for the active and passive stabilization of a vessel (10), such as ships, boats, rigs, barges, platforms and cranes operating in a maritime environment, which vessel (10) is provided with tanks (Ha-d) to provide buoyancy and/or ballast, which tanks (11a-d) are provided with openings (12a-d) in the bottom, which openings (12a-d) are facing the medium in which the vessel (10) is floating. The tanks (11a-d) are independent of each other and the openings (12a-d) are so large that a sufficient volume of fluid can pass without cavitation or other resistance, and the system includes means (13a-d) for supplying fluid to the tanks (11a-d), controlled to counteract the effects of external forces on the movements of the vessel (11). The invention further includes methods for the passive and active stabilization of the vessel by use of the system.

Abstract: Gas lift pump apparatus comprising a column through which a liquid medium may be pumped by gas lift, the apparatus comprising a delivery device for delivering a flow of a gaseous fluid into the liquid medium, the device comprising means for generating ultrasonic energy therein by the flow of gaseous fluid therethrough, the device being operable to launch the ultrasonic energy into the liquid medium in the column.

Abstract: There is provided a floatation device for supporting at least one photovoltaic solar panel above a body of water. Preferably, the floatation device includes a base that is able to float on or in the body of water, and at least one support to position the at least one photovoltaic solar panel at an angle to the base. At least one coupling member is used to couple the floatation device to an adjacent floatation device. In various embodiments an array of floatation devices holding solar panels can be constructed that can be rotated on the body of water to relatively easily track the motion of the sun across the sky during the day. The pitch angle of solar panels can be fixed or varied. Optionally, the base includes at least one opening.

Abstract: An integrative deep draft floating production platform with unconditional stability and an offshore installation method thereof are disclosed. The platform comprises an ring ballast tank (1) at the bottom, some columns with small cross sections (2), an ring buoyancy tank (3) at the middle part, some columns with large cross sections (4), and an upper drilling rig and oil gas processing module (5). The ballast tank adopts a permanently fixed ballast, and the tank is internally filled with weights to ensure that the center of buoyancy of the platform is higher than the center of gravity. The columns with large and small cross sections are uniformly arranged on the buoyancy tank and the ballast tank respectively, and the lower parts thereof are respectively integrated with the buoyancy tank and the ballast tank. Each column with a large cross section is provided with a central pore canal (7) axially, a lower part in the central pore canal is provided with a chopping board connection structure (8) with a groove.

Abstract: A subsea vertical glider robot which supports deployment in subsea oilfield activities is disclosed. This vertical glider robot can also be used in oceanographic research exploration. One application of this vertical glider robot is the autonomous delivery of equipment and sensor systems to a precise predetermined location on the sea floor. The vertical glider robot is deployed from a surface ship or any other suitable sea surface platform and allowed to free fall to the bottom of the ocean. The traversal through the body of water is performed primarily by converting initial potential energy of the apparatus into kinetic energy, it does not use propellers. The traversing of the seafloor is controlled with a steering module that refines orientation while processing information about the vertical glider robot's current position and the target where it has to land.

Abstract: Depth triggers for marine geophysical survey cable retriever systems. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including causing a submerged geophysical survey cable to surface. The cause may include: moving a piston within a cylinder of a housing coupled to the geophysical survey cable, the moving of the piston responsive to pressure exerted on a face of the piston as the geophysical survey cable reaches or exceeds a predetermined depth, wherein the movement of the piston overcomes a force created by interaction between two materials, the force latches the piston in place at depths above the predetermined depth; and responsive to the piston overcoming the force that latches the piston deploying a mechanism that makes the geophysical survey cable more positively buoyant, the deploying responsive to movement of the piston.