Abstract: A hydraulic piston spud pole for anchoring a vessel may comprise an elongate sleeve having a top, a hydraulic inlet, and a bottom terminating in a bottom aperture, a portion of the elongate sleeve being formed to contain a hydraulic column; a spud pole having a piston vertically-movably seated within the elongate sleeve; and a pump assembly connected to the hydraulic inlet that is preferably activated by a controller to lift or drop the spud pole. The elongate sleeve may comprise a vertically-extending inner surface and a sleeve bearing, and the spud pole may comprise a vertically-extending outer surface configured to fit closely against the sleeve bearing while the piston fits closely against the elongate sleeve's vertically-extending inner surface. The hydraulic column may be defined between the vertically-extending outer surface of the spud pole, the vertically-extending inner surface of the elongate sleeve, the piston, and the sleeve bearing.

Abstract: A cleat (10) for securing a boat (B) to a dock (D) includes a brace (12) having a face (14) contoured to fit against a dock piling (P) and extend around an outer surface (ES) of the piling when in place. An end (18a) of an adjustable strap (16) attaches to one end (20a) of the brace with an opposite, free end of the strap, fitting about the other end (20b) of the brace. An end portion (22) of this free end, when fitted about the other end of the brace, overlaps and a fastener (24) secures these overlapping portions together to secure the brace to the piling. An anchor (26) projects from a face (28) of the brace, and an anchor rope (30) attached to the boat is secured to the anchor, once the brace is secured to the piling, to secure the boat to the dock.

Abstract: A control method and system for collaborative interception by multiple unmanned surface vessels are provided. The method includes obtaining task environment information of each unmanned surface vessel in an unmanned surface vessel group at a current moment, estimating interception point information of the intruding target at the current moment by using a Kalman filter according to the task environment information of the unmanned surface vessels at the current moment, determining process state information of each unmanned surface vessel at the current moment, inputting the process state information of each unmanned surface vessel at the current moment into a corresponding intruding target interception policy output model respectively to obtain an execution action of each unmanned surface vessel at a next moment to intercept the intruding target. The application can intercept the intruding target accurately.

Abstract: Yoke mooring systems and processes for using same. The system can include a turntable connected to and rotatable with respect to a base. A yoke can be connected to the turntable such that the yoke can at least partially rotate about a longitudinal axis of the yoke and at least partially rotate about a second axis that can be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. A first and second link arm can be connected to the yoke and to a first component of a first and a second releasable connector, respectively. A first and second lifting line can be connected to the second end of the first and second link arms, respectively. A first and second lifting device can be disposed on a vessel and configured to be connected to a second end of the first and second lifting lines, respectively, to lift and lower the link arms and the yoke.

Abstract: The invention relates to marine vessel safety system which ensures that a marine vessel enters a safe state in the event of at least one malfunction in any vessel operation systems and components of the marine vessel. The marine vessel safety system comprises at least one vessel monitoring system, at least one malfunction evaluation system and a safe-state control system.

Abstract: An automatic berthing system for an unmanned ship includes a plurality of roof plates fixedly arranged at a side edge of a shore, and a position adjusting mechanism is fixedly arranged in the roof plate. The position adjusting mechanism includes an X-direction adjusting assembly, a Y-direction adjusting assembly, and a Z-direction adjusting assembly. The X-direction adjusting assembly is fixedly connected to an inner sidewall of a fixing bracket. The fixing bracket is fixedly connected to an inner sidewall of the roof plate. A fixing plate is connected to the inner side of the X-direction adjusting assembly. The Y-direction adjusting assembly is connected to the bottom of the fixing plate. The automatic berthing system can realize accurate berthing of an unmanned ship, achieve an excellent berthing effect, and provide protection for the unmanned ship, achieving high safety.

Abstract: A portable marine anchoring device maximizes holding capacity while anchored into the ground. The device is fabricated from lightweight aluminum.

Abstract: A docking system may include a first device and a second device moveable relative to the first device. The first device may include a docking station, a first optical transceiver, and a first controller configured to operate the first optical transceiver to receive an optical beacon signal, and generate and transmit an optical guidance data signal based on the optical beacon signal. The second device may also include a propulsion system, and a second optical transceiver configured to transmit the optical beacon signal toward the first optical transceiver and receive the optical guidance data signal from the first optical transceiver. The second device may also include a second controller configured to operate the propulsion system based upon the optical guidance data signal to dock the second device to the docking station of the first device.

Abstract: An assembly of vessel and turret is provided. The vessel comprises a moonpool and the turret is mounted in said moonpool for a rotation around a turret axis relative to the vessel. The turret comprises a chain table to which mooring lines are connected and through which risers are conveyed, and a turret table vertically spaced above the chain table and connected therewith by a connecting structure. The connecting structure comprises at least three vertically extending columns positioned such at angular intervals that radially outer sides of the columns are located in the vicinity of an outer circumference of the turret. The risers are conveyed through the chain table in such a way that riser sections above the chain table extend towards the turret table within an internal space of the columns.

Abstract: The offshore jack-up has a hull and a plurality of moveable legs engageable with the seafloor. The offshore jack-up is arranged to move the legs with respect to the hull to position the hull out of the water. The method comprises moving at least a portion of a vessel underneath the hull of the offshore jack-up or within a cut-out of the hull when the hull is positioned out of the water and the legs engage the seafloor. A stabilizing mechanism mounted on the jack-up is engaged against the vessel. The stabilizing mechanism is pushed down on the vessel to increase the buoyant force acting on the vessel.

Abstract: Provided herein is a taxiing system for steering an amphibious aircraft on a body of water. The system has a pair of thrusters that are deployed after landing on the water to taxi the amphibious the aircraft prior to docking and to unloading and are retractable to taxi the amphibious aircraft prior to take-off. Also provided is a docking device to dock the amphibious aircraft to a mooring buoy. In addition provided herein is a system for maneuvering an amphibious aircraft during taxiing and docking on water that integrates the taxiing system with the docking device.

Abstract: A bumper holder may attach or clamp to a variety of types of personal watercraft (PWC) to provide a bumper. The bumper holder may be used to hold the PWC in place regardless whether the PWC is docked or in use. The bumper holder does not require being near a dock/pier or piling to be used. The bumper holder may have a clamp that may connect to a PWC. The clamp may be affixed to a first bar that may be attached to a second bar using a hinge portion. The second bar may include the bumper at the end opposite the hinge portion. The bumper holder may include a lock bar that may connect and secure a top portion of the first bar to the second bar. The first bar and the second bar may be telescopic and/or adjustable.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mooring device (10) comprising an attachment unit (66) for mooring of a floating unit (110) to a floating or non-floating structure (125). The mooring device (10) comprises a first mooring arm (12) and a second mooring arm (20) for transferring and/or absorbing forces and energy that arises when the floating unit (110) moves relative to the floating or non-floating structure. There is also disclosed a floating unit and a floating or non-floating structure comprising one or more such mooring devices (10).

Abstract: An apparatus that is configured to connect a first boat to second boat or to an object, such as a dock, in a manner that prevents the surface of the first boat from contacting the surface of the second boat or the object. The apparatus comprises a connecting assembly having a first engaging mechanism at its first end and a second engaging mechanism at its second end. The connecting assembly comprises a pair of connecting members that are telescopically configured and a length adjusting mechanism that adjusts the length of the connecting assembly and the spacing provided by the apparatus. The length adjusting mechanism can include a locking mechanism that locks the connecting members or a biasing mechanism that biases the two members apart. The engaging members can be suction cups that have cup locking mechanisms that allow the user to lock the suction cups to a surface.

Abstract: For firm installation at a water bottom, a mooring anchor for securing a basal end of a mooring line underwater includes an anchor assembly to which the mooring line is to be fastened, and installable at a water bottom, and a guide to be secured at the water bottom at a position away from the anchor assembly and including a holder to receive and hold the mooring line in a movable manner. The anchor assembly includes a pile drivable into the water bottom and a tilted support extending obliquely downward toward the guide at the water bottom and to be embedded in the water bottom, such that the tilted support withstands and overcomes a tensile force acting in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A docking system has flat funnel and a slotted ramp at the end of the flat funnel. The slotted ramp has a plurality of inclined planes, each on a respective side of the slot. A docking adapter, fitted over an underwater vehicle, includes a guide plane and a mask. The flat funnel guides the guide plane to the top of the ramp during docking, so that the underwater vehicle may be charged. Another aspect of the invention is a highly maneuverable glider including a forwardly mounted buoyancy module followed a pitch module, followed by a processing module, followed by a roll module, mounted concentrically with respect to each other. The glider may be attached to any docking system, not just that of the present invention. When used in conjunction with the docking system of the present invention, the glider may be attached to either the flat funnel or the docking adapter of the docking system of the present invention.

Abstract: The offshore jack-up has a hull and a plurality of moveable legs engageable with the seafloor. The offshore jack-up is arranged to move the legs with respect to the hull to position the hull out of the water. The method comprises moving at least a portion of a vessel underneath the hull of the offshore jack-up or within a cut-out of the hull when the hull is positioned out of the water and the legs engage the seafloor. A stabilizing mechanism mounted on the jack-up is engaged against the vessel. The stabilizing mechanism is pushed down on the vessel to increase the buoyant force acting on the vessel.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining a connection between a floating dock and a fixed piling during a flood event. The system includes a piling sleeve that is adapted to telescopically and slidably fit over and around a fixed piling, wherein the piling is fixed into the ground below the surface of the water, and extends upwardly through an opening in a floating dock. The piling sleeve includes a catch mechanism attached to an upper portion of the piling sleeve. The catch mechanism is designed to “catch” or engage the floating dock when the dock rises with the water to a pre-determined level. The piling sleeve may freely slide upwardly and downwardly with respect to both the piling and floating dock, and when flood waters rise, the catch mechanism causes the sleeve to rise with the dock while maintaining an extended connection to the piling.

Abstract: A mooring line (10) comprising a metal chain (24) and an elastomeric element (28) which is attached between two points of attachment (30, 32) thereby defining a bypass section (34) of metal chain (24). The elastomeric element (28) is arranged such that when an initial tensile load is applied, the elastomeric element (28) stretches from an initial length to a longer length wherein the bypass section (34) is not taut and thus the initial tensile load is transmitted from and to further sections (24) of the metal chain through the elastomeric element (28). When a further tensile load is applied, the elastomeric element (28) stretches to a length wherein the bypass section (34) becomes taut, and thus the further tensile load is transmitted directly from and to the further sections (24) of the metal chain through the bypass section (34).

Abstract: An off-shore port system includes a land-based port infrastructure area, an off-shore cargo ship docking area located in a body of water, and a transportation system having at least one tube connecting the land-based port infrastructure area and the off-shore cargo ship docking area.

Abstract: A motion controller for a floating wind turbine with a plurality of rotor blades, is arranged to control a motion of the floating wind turbine in a yaw direction. The controller adjusts the blade pitch of each rotor blade so as to create a net force to control the motions. The controller includes a control action which is proportional to a yaw offset angle and/or a control action which is proportional to an integral of the yaw offset angle.

Abstract: A buoyant conduit storage system comprising a reel for storing conduit and a drive arrangement for rotating the reel. The reel is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis of rotation to reel and/or unreel the conduit. The drive arrangement drives the reel at the axis of rotation. The buoyant storage system may provide for the storage and/or transportation and/or deployment of reelable conduit.

Abstract: A Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) surveillance system (7) is equipped with an adjustable alarm threshold that suppresses nuisance alarms if liquid level variations in FPSO crude oil and/or other liquid storage tanks (6) monitored by the system do not exceed estimated oscillating liquid level variations due to oscillating motions of the FPSO unit (1) during severe weather conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle control device is provided. The device includes a target bearing calculating module configured to calculate a target bearing of a vehicle based on a direction of a disturbance, a stern bearing calculating module configured to calculate a stern bearing, and a rudder mechanism drive signal determining module configured to determine a rudder angle command so that the stern bearing approaches the target bearing, and determine a rudder mechanism drive signal based on the rudder angle command.

Abstract: A device for transferring fluid from a support installed at sea and fitted with a device for storing flexible pipes having the first ends of a plurality of flexible pipes fastened thereto, the pipes preferably extending between said support and an offloading ship. The pipe device having a first connection and valve device, the pipes being connected to one another at their seconds ends by a the first connection and valve device having n first pipe portions and suitable for being connected to a second connection and valve device, preferably installed on board an offloading ship.

Abstract: Methods and systems are for transferring fluid cargo between a first vessel and a second vessel at open sea in a Parallel configuration. The first vessel is equipped with a cargo connection point and the second vessel is equipped with cargo manifold. A tubular line is connectable between the cargo connection point and the cargo manifold. The method can include attaching a self-propelled buoy to the second vessel; connecting a cargo connection between the self-propelled buoy and the cargo manifold; connecting a cargo line between the cargo connection point and the self-propelled buoy; transferring cargo between the cargo connection point and the cargo vessel; and relying on the self-propelled buoy to keep the self-propelled buoy within predetermined distance boundaries from the first vessel also when the self-propelled buoy is attached to the second vessel.

Abstract: A cylindrical receiver has an upper region with female screw threads, a lower region, and a centrally located washer. A cylindrical sleeve has an upper end with male screw threads threadedly coupled to the female screw threads of the receiver. A cylindrical passageway is formed between the receiver and the sleeve. A cylindrical stake is slidably received in the sleeve. A tether line couples the stake to a movable patch whereby when the movable patch is coupled to a fixed patch, the stake will be in a raised orientation and whereby when a user separates the movable patch from the fixed patch, the weight of the stake will lower the stake into a lower orientation into a sandy or rocky bottom.

Abstract: A system and method are for transferring fluid cargo between a cargo vessel and a cargo connection point at open sea where the cargo vessel is required to keep an end portion of the cargo vessel up towards the resultant element force direction, wherein at least one self-propelled buoy, that is designed to be in fluid connection with the cargo connection point, is connectable to a side portion of the cargo vessel, there being a cargo line that is connectable between the self-propelled buoy and the cargo vessel, and where the self-propelled buoy is designed to keep the self-propelled buoy within predetermined radial distance boundaries from the cargo connection point also when it is attached to the cargo vessel.

Abstract: A boat anchoring system that includes a base, a pulley attached to the base, a line, and an anchor pole. The line extends over the pulley, through the first hole, and is attached to the lower end portion of the anchor pole. The line controls the relative position of the anchor pole in the second hole for raising and lowering the anchor pole. The line can extend to the cockpit of the boat so that the position of the anchor pole is controllable from the cockpit.

Abstract: A mooring system for a personal watercraft includes a bow bracket, a console bracket and a stern bracket. The bow bracket is secured to the bow of the craft. The console bracket is secured to the console of the craft. The stern bracket is secured to the stern of the craft.

Abstract: A kayak mooring stake is positioned in a scupper hole or sleeve. A knob is provided on the stake, and the knob rests on a shelf or ledge around the inside surface of the scupper hole or sleeve. When the mooring stake is rotated, the knob is positioned over an essentially vertical slot interrupting the ledge or shelf, and the stake can be thrust through the scupper hole or sleeve into the mud/sand at the bottom of a bay, lake, stream or the like, thereby fixing the position of a small watercraft against wind and/or current.

Abstract: A boat docking apparatus includes a guide assembly adapted to guide a boat through an entranceway. The guide assembly includes a beam with a horizontal and a vertical element which includes a first end and a second end. A first vertical frame is coupled to the first end of the horizontal element and a second vertical frame is coupled to the second end of the horizontal element. A slider apparatus is coupled to each of the first vertical frame and second vertical frame. A first door and a second door is coupled to the slider apparatus and a first roller coupled to the first door, and a second roller coupled to the second door. A boat lift is coupled to the horizontal element of the guiding assembly and includes a structural platform on which the boat is to be docked.

Abstract: A split ring vessel mooring arrangement having floats thereon which may be installed on a post or piling over the top thereof or, in the case of the top being covered by a deck or other structure making access thereto impossible may be pivotally opened and wrapped around the post or piling and then re-secured together.

Abstract: A connector includes first and second connectable parts. Each part has a respective structure, such as an aperture, arranged so that, when the two parts are brought together and appropriately aligned with each other, a locking member, such as a pin, may be engaged with the two structures to connect the two parts together. The two parts include respective mutually cooperating formations. These formations are arranged such that, as the two parts are brought together, any engagement between the formations causes the two parts to move relative to one another so that they align sufficiently to enable the locking member to be engaged with the respective structures. The connector is suitable for use as a subsea mooring connector.

Abstract: A system adapted to position a floating object having a slide assembly with a contact surface, the floating object selectively engaging the contact surface, a track operatively connected to the slide assembly, and a locking mechanism secured to the slide assembly, the locking mechanism having a plug at one end.

Abstract: System for mooring a large vessel for production of hydrocarbons, such vessel for example being a FPSO vessel, the mooring system including at least two floating bodies of the hang-off type, moored by means of differentiated compliance spread anchoring system to the sea bed, allowing partly weathervaning of the large vessel; a riser system extending from the sea bed to each the floating bodies, and means for transfer of fluids from the two floating bodies to the large vessel, the floating bodies and the large vessel being provided with locking means, locking floating bodies to the large vessel at the bow and the stern of the vessel in a mechanically rigid manner, thus providing a integrated, rigidly fixed unit comprising the large vessel and the floating bodies.

Abstract: A small boat dynamic roll stabilizer. The stabilizer includes two or more pairs of spaced-apart flexible bellows or air bags to receive and support a boat hull during passenger loading and unloading. Dynamic pitch is limited or even stopped for the boat hull by maintaining each of the bellows, which each has a contact surface contacting a portion of the hull from below (within the water), at an internal pressure great enough to support dynamic loading of the boat hull while allowing the water to support the hull's static load. A pressure chamber is provided that has its interior volume linked via ducting or piping with the bellows, and a controller uses a feedback loop to operate an actuator to move a piston within the pressure chamber to maintain the pressure of the chamber and linked bellows as the loading of the boat hull dynamically varies during loading and unloading.

Abstract: A sea vessel exploration and production system is provided, wherein the system includes a drilling station formed from at least one section of a first sea vessel hull; and a docking station, which is also formed from at least one section of a second sea vessel hull. A mooring system suitable for connecting the drilling station to the docking station is also provided. Means for anchoring the vessels to the seafloor, and for attaching them to turret buoys, are also considered. Various exploration and production packages, as well as equipment required to deploy and control a self-standing riser system in either deep or shallow waters, are also described.

Abstract: A proximal pivot assembly has a proximal pivot arm with proximal and distal ends; a first pin pivotally coupling the proximal end of the proximal pivot arm to a boat mount, a second pin attaching a stop block to the boat mount, a third pin, and a fourth pin coupling the proximal collar to the distal end of the proximal pivot arm. A distal pivot assembly has an anchoring pole mounting plate receiving an anchor pole. The anchor pole has an interior end with a fifth pin. A sixth pin pivotally couples the exterior end of a distal extension arm to the mounting plate. A distal collar with a seventh pin pivotally couples the distal collar to the distal extension arm. An extension assembly operatively couples the proximal and distal pivot assemblies.

Abstract: A mooring system, and connector assembly, which in a preferred embodiment is a vessel mooring and fluid transfer system. The connector assembly has a first portion (2A) configured to be coupled to one or more mooring lines (1), and a second portion (2B) configured to be coupled to a vessel. The first and second portions are rotatable with respect to one another to permit a vessel coupling on the second portion to swivel about the mooring coupling on the first portion. In a preferred embodiment, the connector assembly comprises a guide (2E) for a conduit, which may be a fluid transfer conduit such as flexible riser (6). The invention also provides methods of use of the mooring systems described.

Abstract: A plurality of technologies for aiding line handling are disclosed. The technologies enable a marine vessel occupant to use a line, which has a fixed end secured to a dock and a free end extending over a body of water, for docking.

Abstract: A single point mooring includes a yoke-shaped articulated arm assembly, which is affixed to the seabed by a fixed foundation or mooring base assembly, and a mooring support structure, which is retrofitted to a vessel. The articulated arm is connected to the base by a triaxial articulation joint for accommodating yaw, pitch and roll. To moor the vessel, the arm is connected to the mooring support structure with weighted pendants on port and starboard sides. The pendants are suspended at an adjustable elevation with respect to the mooring support structure, thus allowing the mooring system to be used at varying water depths. A combined connection bracket hosts both pendant linkages and umbilicals or hoses for speeding the process of connecting and disconnecting a vessel from the mooring system. A removable anchor, such as a suction pile, fixes the mooring system to the seabed, allows the system to be easily redeployed to another location.

Abstract: Apparatus and system are disclosed for anchoring a kayak to the bottom of a body of shallow water. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a tube for attachment to the kayak proximate the upper portion of the kayak between the bow and the stern of the kayak, and a shaft which is disposed in the tube. A gear box is provided proximate the seat which comprises a gearing mechanism for operative engagement with the shaft, and a rotatable handle which is external to the gear box for operative connection to the gearing mechanism. The rotatable handle, when rotated in a first direction, deploys the shaft from a position inside the tube to a position outside the tube and into engagement with the bottom of the body of water. An anchoring system according to this embodiment permits the operator of the kayak to anchor the kayak at the bow or stern.

Abstract: A mooring leg connector for use with a mooring leg extending up from the sea floor to connect a floating structure to be moored to the seabed wherein disconnection and connection of the mooring leg is done by pulling in and out a connector elongated body extending in the mooring leg direction. The connector has a latch mechanism for fixation of the mooring leg to the floating structure to be moored and preventing movement in the direction of the seabed, and a flexible part with a double articulation axis located at the bottom of the connector body above the attachment member, the connector body being received in a housing which is fixed to a part of the structure to be moored, wherein the latch mechanism includes guiding elements and followers or orientation pins between the body of the connector and the housing.

Abstract: A structure of hydraulic damper (100) comprises a cylinder (10) with a bottom wall (11), a head wall (12) and side walls (13) that define a damping chamber (15) containing a damping fluid (17); in the damping chamber (15) a piston (20) slides with a first face (20a) and a second face (20b) opposite to each other. In particular, the piston (20) defines a first chamber (21) and a second chamber (22) separate from each other and is integral to a shaft (25) with an external connection end (36). The piston (20) is suitable for carrying out a forward stroke (A), between a first dead point (BDP), towards a second dead point (TDP) and a back stroke (B) between the second dead point (TDP) and the first dead point (BDP).

Abstract: A mooring component comprises a plurality of different deformable elements formed of an elastomeric material. The component has a tensile length L and at least one of the elements has a length L?<L. As the mooring component comprises a plurality of different elastomeric elements, each having its own unique elastic (i.e. reversible) stress-strain response, the overall response of the component is a composite elastic response resulting from a combination of the responses of each of the plurality of elastomeric elements. The mooring component can form part of a mooring system for floating devices and sea-based structures such as renewable energy devices, including wave energy conversion devices, tidal turbines and tidal platforms, fish farms, oil rigs and off-shore wind farms, especially in low scope or high variability environments.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for use in securing a boat that is afloat, includes a main body having a channel for accepting a line that will hold the boat. A latching member is pivotally secured within the main body and is movable between a position that closes off the channel and movable to a position which opens the channel, the latching member being pivotable about a pivot point on the main body. A spring force holds the latching member in a closed position and a cable attached to the latching member at a location on an opposite side of the pivot point pivots the latching member to an open position.

Abstract: This installation comprises a transport conduit which is at least partially submerged in a body of water, a device for conveying fluid between the vessel and the conduit, and a floating platform for securing the vessel. The platform comprises a carrier structure which is partially submerged in the body of water. The carrier structure comprises an open-work trellis which delimits internal spaces which are for circulation of water and which open in the body of water. The floating platform further comprises flexible lines for anchoring the carrier structure to the bottom of the body of water. The ratio of the volume of the internal spaces to the total of the volume of the open-work trellis and the volume of the internal spaces is greater than 0.9.

Abstract: A split ring vessel mooring arrangement having floats thereon which may be installed on a post or piling over the top thereof or, in the case of the top being covered by a deck or other structure making access thereto impossible may be pivotally opened and wrapped around the post or piling and then re-secured together.

Abstract: A docking device for facilitating a transfer between a vessel and an offshore structure is provided. The docking device includes a first docking component mounted on the vessel and a second docking component mounted on the offshore structure. The first and second docking components are connectable such that an elevation of a bow or stern of the vessel is facilitated in the connected state.