Abstract: A modified marine vessel system including a marine vessel configured to carry and transport marine freight in an ocean environment, and at least one engine module carried on the marine vessel. The engine module includes an engine housed inside a marine freight container. The system further includes a propeller and a power coupling operably connecting the engine and the propeller such that the propeller is rotatably drivable by the engine, wherein the power coupling does not extend through a hull of the marine vessel.

Abstract: An aquatic device (10) for providing manoeuvrability to a user (11) moving in water. The aquatic device (10) may be propelled through the water in any appropriate way, such as by being towed through the water or propelled through the water by the user (11). The aquatic device (10) comprises a handle means (20) adapted to be grasped by the user (11) with arms extending forwardly, and two fins (21, 22) movable one with respect of one to the other to manoeuvre the aquatic device. The aquatic device (10) can be manoeuvred through movement of the fins (21, 22) to provide directional control or variation to the orientation of the aquatic device. The directional control may include both steering and depth control. The handle means (20) are operably connected to the two fins (21, 22) whereby the user can manually control movement of the fins one with respect to the other.

Abstract: An elevated tow device comprised of: first and second substantially vertical support members, each slidably and pivotally engaging a boat support structure on a lower end and forming an apex on an upper end, the height and width of which can be adjusted; a tether attachment point at the apex adapted to mechanically engage a tether for connecting to a towed object; at least one forestay connecting the device to a bow of the boat; and at least one rear stay connecting the device to the boat support structure, the forestay and rear stay providing stability to the device. Because of the way that the device is connected to the boat support structure, the device is adjustable in height and width and is also collapsible.

Abstract: A marine handling craft and system is intended for use in deploying, inspecting and receiving vessels and payloads to and from locations on, under, over or near water and wet soils in potentially turbulent aquatic or atmospheric conditions. The marine handling craft may operate as a robot, or deployed from a crane or boom on a mother ship or other platform or helicopter so that it can transport and mate and dock at various locations, such as supply ships or autonomous marine vessels, at a stand off distance to limit potential harm to valuable assets. A sliding fastener and track are included on the marine handling craft so that it can be tethered and lifted by a single line or cable, and so can be manipulated by a single crane or helicopter. The utility of the handling craft is not limited to the transport of payloads and it may function as a stand-alone vessel for various remote sensing purposes.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for connecting two seismic streamers are disclosed that enable two streamers to be towed in a desired arrangement. One apparatus comprises an elongate member having a first portion and a second portion, and an orientation member connected to the elongate member between the first and second portions, the orientation member functioning, when the streamers are connected by the apparatus and towed, to maintain orientation of the streamers. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A system is provided for rigidly attaching a supply ship to a receiving ship to facilitate efficient transport of materials there-between even when the vessels are subject to heavy seas and weather. A telescoping truss assembly is provided on the first ship, and has a distal end configured to mate with a receptacle assembly on the second ship. Cables are disposed within the truss and are used to draw the truss and receptacle assemblies into engagement with each other. Once the assemblies are engaged, a hydraulic system is used to draw the two ships together, rigidifying the truss assembly and fixing the two ships in a “catamaran” arrangement. Subsequent transfers of materials between the ships can be carried out without the need to compensate for the relative dynamic vertical and horizontal displacements between the ships due to wind and waves.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for transporting an elongate member through water. The elongate member has a first end portion and a second end portion. The method comprises the steps of: adjusting the buoyancy of the elongate member to ensure that the elongate member is buoyant; providing at least one weight acting on each end portion of the elongate member; and transporting the elongate member through water in an inverted catenary configuration. The elongate member can be transported below the wave affected zone. The or each weight acting on each end portion of the elongate member can be detachably connected thereto. The elongate member can be transported by towing.

Abstract: A seismic survey system includes a winch having a winch cable coupleable to a source array towable between two deflected lead-ins, a positioning system for determining a current position of the source array and a controller for adjusting the winch to modify the current position of the source array to a desired crossline position. The winches may be attached to the deflected lead-ins or mounted on a tow vessel. The winches exert lateral forces on the source array, derived from the deflected lead-ins, to control the inline position of the source array. A method includes positioning a seismic source array in tow behind a vessel comprises determining a current position of the source array and adjusting a lateral force applied to the source array to move the source array to a desired crossline position. Optionally, by adjusting the gun cable winch, the inline position may be controlled.

Abstract: A windshield assembly includes a windshield frame constructed to support a windshield. A plurality of couplers are secured to the windshield frame, and a tower frame for a wakeboard tow rope or cable attachment, radar arch or the like is connected to the windshield frame via the couplers. In one arrangement, the couplers are connected to the wing sections of the windshield frame, and the tower frame extends between the wing sections and above an area defined between the wing sections. The integrated tower frame and windshield simplifies installation for the boat manufacturer while accommodating many varieties of tower and windshield configurations.

Abstract: An apparatus for towing cargo behind a watercraft that includes a floating assembly for towing behind the watercraft and comprising a frame and at least one floatation device mounted on the frame. The apparatus further includes a linking assembly mounted on the floating assembly for linking the floating assembly to the watercraft. The linking assembly comprises a pair of longitudinal linking elements, with each of the linking elements having a forward end and a rear end. The rearward end of each of the linking elements is mounted on the floating assembly and extends forwardly from the floating assembly for mounting on the watercraft.

Abstract: A method of controlling a streamer positioning device (18) configured to be attached to a marine seismic streamer (12) and towed by seismic survey vessel (10) and having a wing and a wing motor for changing the orientation of the wing. The method includes the steps of: obtaining an estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, calculating a desired change in the orientation of the wing using the estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, and actuating the wing motor to produce the desired change in the orientation of the wing. The invention also involves an apparatus for controlling a streamer positioning device including means for obtaining an estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, means for calculating a desired change in the orientation of the wing using the estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, and means for actuating the wing motor to produce the desired change in the orientation of the wing.

Abstract: A high maneuverability towcraft has a hull, a primary water-engaging device, and a towline attachment above a waterline of the hull. A towline line-of-tension extends through an effective centerline of the primary water-engaging device. The towcraft also has a castering device for providing directional stability to the towcraft which allows the towcraft to follow the lead of the primary water-engaging means. The stability of the towcraft is not negatively impacted either by any lateral force of the towline or by an instantaneous position of the towline with respect to a front of the towcraft.

Abstract: A maneuverable towcraft consisting of a partial hull structure to which is removably attached at least three downward-projecting fins. A first ventral fin of sufficient size and draft is located along the craft's centerline, toward the front of the craft. A second and third fin, smaller in size and draft relative to the ventral fin, are laterally spaced-apart at a station aft of the ventral fin. The towline attachment to the towcraft is at a point above the craft's operative waterline and situated such that the towline line-of-force intersects, or very nearly intersects, the ventral fin's effective vertical zero-moment line for normal towline attitudes. Maneuvering of the towcraft by its one or more riders is accomplished by differential drag means.

Abstract: A system for generating hydrogen is provided which includes at least one vessel which floats in water. At least one sail for capturing wind to move the vessel reciprocally along a substantially linear path is mounted on the vessel. A power generation system is provided for converting movement of the vessel relative to the water into electricity. And an onboard hydrogen production system produces hydrogen by electrolysis using the electricity generated by the power generation system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a towable aquatic airborne vehicle having an inflated base ring with a top sheet and a bottom sheet attached to the top and bottom sides of the ring to form a non-inflated closed chamber. A cockpit section extends in from te interior side of the back end of the base ring and includes a pair of spaced foot troughs that receive the rider's feet, and a number of handgrips are attached adjacent the cockpit. Transparent window sections are located in the top and bottom sheets adjacent the front end of the base ring. When towed at high speeds, the front end of the vehicle rises up and the entire vehicle becomes airborne with the rider gripping the handgrips and looking ahead through the window sections.

Abstract: An underwater scooter including a main frame on which are disposed two air tanks serving as a saddle area for the operator, a depth adjusting mechanism disposed to the fore of the air tanks, and a steering mechanism disposed to the aft of the air tanks. The depth adjusting mechanism can be swiveled freely around a vertical axis using a swivel mechanism, and moreover the angular displacement in this swiveling is transmitted by a swivel angle displacement transmission mechanism to the steering mechanism so that a rudder swivels around a vertical axis, and thus while the underwater scooter is traveling, the operator can ride upon the main frame and also adjust the depth of travel and direction of forward motion of the underwater scooter by manipulating the depth adjusting mechanism and steering mechanisms. Thus, the burden on the operator is reduced in comparison to that of the conventional types of scooters that tow the operator.

Abstract: An underwater scooter is provided with an engine enclosed in a watertight vessel and an electric motor enclosed in the watertight vessel and connected to the output shaft of the engine, and a propeller disposed upon a main frame and connected to the output shaft of the motor to be driven and turned by at least one of the engine and the motor so as to propel the scooter. In other words, the scooter is a hybrid type having the engine and electric motor as the drive power of the propeller. With this, the operator can easily re-start, once stopped on the surface of the water or underwater. Moreover, since the propeller can be driven even by the engine, a distance of travel is elongated with less increased weight, when compared to the case that the propeller is driven solely by the engine.

Abstract: The attachment to a sea scooter is a device that allows for safer, more stable use of a sea scooter. The central component of the attachment to a sea scooter is a clamp having a split ring to secure around a sea scooter. On both sides of the clamp are wings having stirrups for the attachment of pivoting arms. Attached to each of the arms is a pair of removable hollow poles that are pivotally connected to a pair of floats. Each float has a post with a pennant attached to it. One of the hollow poles may be equipped with a flexible breathing tube. The flexible breathing tube extends through the post, down through the hollow pole, and then exits the pole. A wheeled frame attached below the clamp allows a user to easily transport the attachment when not in use.

Abstract: An asymmetric towing system for towing multiple linear arrays includes a tow platform and a single composite tow cable extending from the tow platform and having the multiple linear arrays connected both mechanically and electrically thereto. The composite tow cable is shaped by a hard streamlined casing and houses a load bearing cable for mechanical connection to each array and plural individual array connections for establishing electrical communication between each array and the tow platform. A single depressor is connected to a distal end of the composite cable for spreading the composite cable in a substantially lateral direction from and to one side of the tow platform.

Abstract: A system and method for towing a water sports apparatus over a body of water behind a towing vessel. The system includes a rider towline for coupling a rider of the water sports apparatus to the towing vessel. The rider towline includes a distal end adapted to be gripped by the rider, to enable the rider to be pulled over the body of water on the water sports apparatus during forward motion of the towing vessel. The towing system also includes a lift apparatus coupled with the rider towline and adapted to lift the rider towline during forward motion of the towing vessel, so that an uppermost point of the rider towline is above and behind the towing vessel.

Abstract: This float comprises a fuselage (6) analogous to classic floats, but which here is topped by a leg (7) such that the fuselage (6) is completely submerged. This arrangement, combined with others that are secondary, makes it possible to reduce the vertical oscillations of the float produced by the sea swell while still ensuring good directional stability and satisfactory stability relative to other disturbances. Thus, a structure (1) suspended from the float (5) and which is part of a line (2, 3) towed by a ship remains at a constant depth. This invention can be applied, for example, to seismic tests at sea.

Abstract: A hydraulically activated device for spacing plural towed lines includes a toroidal and inflatable tube member defining an aperture in an opening of the toroid shape. A plurality of connectors each secure a corresponding one of the plural towed lines to the toroidal and inflatable tube member. The toroidal and inflatable tube member is inflated with sea water to a predetermined volumetric configuration suitable to an operating speed range of the towed lines and upon inflation will space the towed lines in a three-dimensional arrangement therearound. A sheath may also be formed around the toroidal and inflatable tube member, the sheath being formed in cross section as a tear drop or similar streamlined shape.

Abstract: A method for improving the performance of a wakeboard performer being towed by a vessel having a bow, stern, opposing gunnels and an operator station comprises fitting a skeletal towing frame to the vessel with first, second and third spaced supports attached on opposite sides of the vessel and coupling the upper extremities thereof together with a horizontal bridging portion, to which is fitted a tow rope attachment point.

Abstract: An electric motor for powering a submersible vehicle under water is disclosed. The motor has a housing with resilient seals for resisting the passage into the housing and motor of surrounding seawater. A liquid substantially fills all voids in the motor and housing, so that even under substantial external pressure at substantial depths under surrounding water the liquid within the motor and motor housing voids will support the seals against failure and prevent the surrounding water from leaking into the motor and motor housing. The vehicle has a housing within which there is a void which is substantially filled with a liquid There is an opening in the housing wall and a resilient member such as a flexible, resilient tube or diaphragm is disposed within the opening and is in fluid communication with both the interior and exterior of said housing, so that the pressure on the interior and exterior of said housing will be equalized.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for steering one or more cables towed through water by a vessel. In general, a diverter attached to the one or more cables may comprise a float, a vane extending from a bottom surface of the float, and one or more vortex generators disposed on a suction side surface of the vane. The one or more vortex generators may prevent stall of the diverter at high attack angles.

Abstract: A marine towed array has a plurality of tow bodies of positive buoyancy each containing a marine acoustic source, such as a vibrator source. Each tow body uses a reel containing an electro-mechanical tow cable connecting the sources, whereby reeling and unreeling of the cable, controlled from a towing ship, changes the spacing of the tow bodies. One of the tow bodies at an end of the array is attachable to the towing ship.

Abstract: The present invention is for an elevated tow device made of a superstructure extending skyward from a towboat, where the superstructure raises an attachment point of a tether above 10 feet from the waterline, where the towboat is 25 feet or less in length, and a tether connecting the towboat to a towed subject. The present invention may further include an aerodynamic surface whose angular position is guided by the tether and which acts to stabilize the towboat as the towed subject applies lateral loads. When the towed subject pulls on the side of the towboat, the angle of attack on the aerodynamic surface increases proportionally, and the lateral forces approximately cancel. The towboat proceeds safely with little or no roll perturbation.

Abstract: A system and method for generating acoustic source energy in marine seismic operations. A plurality of acoustic energy sources are integrated within seismic streamers to facilitate deployment, power distribution and signal communication. The acoustic energy sources can comprise slotted cylinders activatable with piezoelectric elements. By providing an array of lightweight, energy efficient acoustic energy sources throughout a seismic receiver array, both zero-offset and far-offset reflection data can be recorded. The acoustic energy discharge can be swept over a time interval, or steered in a selected pattern throughout the array, to significantly reduce the impulse energy released into the water. The reflected signals can be compressed back into an impulse for subsequent data processing. Bi-static reflections can be generated simultaneously with the zero-offset source-receiver locations to improve the vertical and horizontal resolution of data.

Abstract: A tugboat with a forwardly-facing rudder and roller at the stern, and a propulsion drive disposed at either the bow or the stem that generates a high transverse force for towing large ships on a desired course. The roller is disposed in an off-flow region aft of the rudder.

Abstract: A tow-line-attachment assembly for mounting atop a towing structure on a boat includes a tow-line-attachment portion to which a tow line can be connected for towing a water sports performer, and a light portion, disposed above the tow-line-attachment portion, for emitting light. Preferably, the tow-line-attachment assembly also includes a neck portion for connecting the assembly to the towing structure, and the tow-line-attachment portion is a spool-shaped sleeve that is rotatably mounted about the neck portion. Also disclosed is a boat tower including such a tow-line-attachment assembly, and a boat provided with a tower having such an assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tether retraction device having particular utility with multi-line towed arrays. A system for retrieving and deploying a multi-line towed array having a plurality of array lines has at least one tether joinable between two of the plurality of array lines. A tether retraction device is incorporated into at least one of the array lines for retracting the tether. Each tether retraction device has a tether take-up spool, and a spring driven drive means which causes the tether to wind onto the take-up spool when the array is towed at slow speeds and allows deployment of the tether from the take-up spool when tension in the tether caused by tow forces exceeds the spring force applied by the spring driven drive means.

Abstract: A convertible cover for protecting a personal watercraft and increasing the carrying capacity of the personal watercraft. The convertible cover consists primarily of a watertight, unitary hull which, when placed on the personal watercraft, encloses substantially all of the upper portion of the personal watercraft to protect the part of the personal watercraft above the hull and the billage seam. To increase the carrying capacity of the personal watercraft, the convertible cover can be placed in the water and towed behind the personal watercraft. Cargo or a seat can be placed within the hull.

Abstract: When it is beneficial for a towing craft, such as a boat, to tow from a point high above its center, an airfoil can be fastened to a tether for improved roll and yaw stability. In the case of a wakeboarder, the upward tow angle afforded by a tall tower improves the wakeboarder's performance, but it causes the towboat to roll excessively when the wakeboarder pulls to the side. An aerodynamic surface can be linked to the tether to safely oppose the rolling moment of the wakeboarder. When the wakeboarder pulls out to the side of the towboat, the angle of attack on the aerodynamic surface increases proportionally, and the lateral forces approximately cancel. The boat proceeds safely with little or no roll perturbation.

Abstract: A float having symmetrical fore-aft and port-starboard cross sectional surfaces in the shape of multiple, above- and below-centerline, ellipsoids is hydrodynamically-contoured to support suspended devices, typically a seismic air cannon, at even height/depth in the water, and at even attitude (roll, pitch and yaw). The float places nearly constant force on the tow line over a broad range of tow speeds from at least 3 to 12 knots during sea states from 0 to 6 and in the presence of variable direction surface winds to 25 knots. The float transitions easily and smoothly from displacement to hydroplaning operational modes, permitting that seismic equipment may be towed smoothly and at even depth in the water even at high speeds, thus accelerating seismic surveys. The preferred fore-to-aft contour of the lower surface is in the substantial shape of an ellipsoidal surface of from 4-10 feet, and most commonly 7 feet, in length with a height of from 6-14 inches, and most commonly 10 inches.

Abstract: A towed airborne array system has a balloon that supports appropriate instrumentation packages overhead and is tethered to a towing ship to improve line-of-sight sensing and communication capabilities to up to about 100 nautical miles. These improved capabilities can benefit relatively small surface combatant ships (CG, DD, FFG) and might provide an alternative location for having countermeasures placed on a warship.

Abstract: A marine vessel is propelled under maneuvering control in a selected direction and travel speed through a body of seawater, by propulsion exclusively provided for by one or more submerged towing module pods attached to the underside of the vessel hull at locations between its bow and stern. Each of such towing pods may be attached to the vessel and spaced therebelow by an elongated cable so constructed for enclosure within a drag reducing fairing. Each of such cables has internal portions thereof arranged to electrically conduct current between the marine vessel and the towing pod for controllable operation of its propulsive equipment, while transferring the mechanical towing force so produced to the vessel.

Abstract: A shock absorber for waterskiing 59 provides multiple adjustments to the adjacent cores 14B, 14S of the dihedral core 15 and the weave assembly 29 securing the multipurpose assembly 48 in the cavity thereof, and provides attachment means 40,45 for use between the boat and the mainline. In addition, the pneumatic core 14 provides emergency floatation properties.

Abstract: An attitude and roll stabilizer for towed undersea vehicles includes a vertical joining rod having an upper end and a lower end, a roll control weight mounted to the lower end of the vertical joining rod, an attitude control surface mounted to the upper end of the vertical joining rod, a tow rod pivotally mounted transverse to the vertical joining rod, an actuator member connected to the vertical joining rod between the tow rod and the roll control weight, and a connecting bar connecting the actuator adjacent to the aft end of the tow rod. A change in tow speed of the towed vehicle selectively pivots the tow rod about the vertical joining rod, and is correspondingly compensated for with a counteractive pitching of the attitude control surface and the roll control weight, thereby maintaining the level of the towed vehicle at the altered speed.

Abstract: Towing apparatus for towing a personal watercraft at a desired distance behind a tow boat includes towing units having straight tubular walls, the towing units diverging from the personal watercraft toward the tow boat, each towing unit including a central tow line tensioned between the ends of the tubular wall, with each tubular wall in compression, enabling managed flexing of the wall of each towing unit for controlled lateral and altitudinal movements of the personal watercraft relative to the tow boat while maintaining the desired towing distance between the personal watercraft and the tow boat.

Abstract: A thrust unit having an engine as an external source of motive power for a marine vessel in distress, is delivered by helicopter air drop to a remote seawater location together with other components of the associated towing system, delivered onto the deck of such marine vessel for operational assembly and connection to the thrust unit in order to initiate emergency towing of the marine vessel while immersed in the seawater adjacent thereto under control of personnel on the marine vessel.

Abstract: A helical turbine assembly capable of providing high speed unidirectional rotation under a multidirectional ultra low-head fluid flow is disclosed. The assembly comprises an array of helical turbine units or modules arranged, vertically or horizontally, to harness, for example, water or wind power. Each turbine unit or module comprises a plurality of helical blades having an airfoil profile. The modules for wind power may be mounted to rotatable shafts supported by lightweight structures anchored by guy wires to the ground. The helical turbine can also provide ship propulsion by utilizing the power of ocean waves. In a further embodiment, a cylindrical distributor is provided in the helical turbine to channel the fluid flow to the blades of the turbine, thereby increasing efficiency and power output. The helical turbine with distributor may be used to lift or lower a body either being submerged into a fast stream or dragged in the fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that eliminates the need for a derrick barge to lift the deck into place on a floating offshore structure. A connector is used to connect the transport barge to the floating offshore structure. The connector is a type that allows only relative pitch motions between the transport barge and floating offshore structure in response to sea states acting on the barge and floating offshore structure. The connector is also a type that allows disconnection while large forces are acting on the connector. One or more skidding girders attached to the legs of the deck support the legs of the deck above the skidding surface of the transport barge. A skidding surface on the girders, and complementary skidding surface on the surface of the transport barge and floating offshore structure, allow the deck to be skidded from the barge to the floating offshore structure.

Abstract: There is provided a sea going barge train or modular tanker vessel for ocean transportation of cargo, such as oil or other dry or liquid materials, consisting of a forward traction unit, a rear powered caboose unit and a series of modular units or barges interposed therebetween wherein the units are serially and flexibly interconnected by means of a universal type coupling which permits relative limited yaw, pitch and roll movement between units. The hull of each barge unit is substantially semi-cylindrically shaped so that the hull immersed section is circular and the barge units are detachably coupled to each other fore and aft and to the traction and caboose units at the circle center of the circle segment defined by the hull cross section so that hull continuity of the barge train is maintained as the barge units roll relative to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for launching and taking aboard a floating device (6) at a ship (1) under way. Said floating device (6) is arranged in and connected to a cradle (4) which is floating as such and open at the back. Said cradle hangs in a flexible carrying means (10) and is launched using a hoisting means (11) arranged at said ship (1). The bow portion (14) of said cradle (4) is guided using a flexible separate towing means (15) in such a manner that said cradle (4) when it floats on the water (2) will be directed in the ship's (1) general travelling direction. When said floating device (6) is not connected to said cradle (4) it is able freely to move into said cradle (4) and out therefrom through its stern portion (8). The invention also relates to a means for launching and, respectively, taking aboard a floating device (6).

Abstract: The invention permits and promotes high speed water towing by uniquely immenting hydrofoil technology in association with a trailer vehicle. According to many inventive embodiments, a hydrofoil component (comprising one or more foils) is placed in the aft half region of the trailer vehicle; however, the front half region of the trailer vehicle is devoid of hydrofoil structure. The trailer vehicle is adaptable to a semi-rigidly towably connective relationship with a tractor vehicle. When the trailer vehicle is towed by the tractor vehicle at design speeds, most of the weight of the trailer vehicle is supported by the hydrofoil component, while the remaining weight is supported by the tractor vehicle. The invention avails benefits of hydrofoil use, but averts or allays difficulties which are customarily encountered with hydrofoil use.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating surfable waves. In a first preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a buoyant hull member designed to be towed by a conventional speedboat or other like watercraft. The hull member preferably has a generally chevron-like shape with elongate, forward-facing sides defined by contoured sidewall portions that produce tubular waves suitable for surfing when advanced through a body of water. Preferably, such hull member is comprised of first and second wave generating beams that are attached to one another via a hinge at the point of the chevron. In a second preferred embodiment, the invention comprises at least one, and preferably a pair of elongate wave generating beams that are detachably fastenable to opposed sides of a conventional speedboat or other similar watercraft. Each respective beam is designed to extend in a generally diagonal fashion rearward from the bow of such watercraft.

Abstract: An apparatus supported by a vessel for removing a seismic cable and attached buoy from water. A clamp for gripping the cable and attached buoy is connected to a boom. The boom manuevers the clamp into engagement with the floating buoy, lifts the buoy from the water, and moves the buoy horizontally relative to the vessel. A cable puller can cooperate with the boom to reel the cable from the water without requiring manual intervention. The boom can comprise an extensible, telescoping structure or an articulated structure. Multiple cable ends can be independently captured to permit cable installation or repair, and the operations can be facilitated with a control panel for operating the moving components.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a ship which is adapted to generate tensile stresses in a pull line extending between a ship and an object to which a pull is to be applied. The ship, which includes at least one line pull winch, includes equipment in the form of a holding line and a holding line anchorage which is laid out in the desired tensioning direction from the object with a view to generating tensile stresses. At its stern, the ship moreover has at least one line entry opening and force-absorbing line supports for the pull and holding lines. At least one of the supports is adapted to guide the line concerned in a direction toward the line pull winch. The force-absorbing line supports are interconnected via a tension-absorbing constructional element. The resulting ship is capable of generating very high pull forces in a pull line extending in an arbitrary direction from an object to which a pull is to be applied.

Abstract: Aerial characteristics in a wakeboard performance are improved with a vessel having a skeletal frame including starboard and port rigid vertical support structures fitted to opposing sides of the vessel with a horizontal bridging portion extending between the structures for attaching a tow rope. Further, ballast tanks are fitted onboard and only aft amidships of the vessel, at or above the waterline. The ballast tanks are filled with water during movement of the vessel using a water scoop which extracts water from the body of water upon which the vessel operates and forces the water into the ballast tanks during movement of the vessel through the body of water, weighting down the stern, thus lowering the vessel into the body of water and affecting the wake created by the vessel. By controlling the amount of water carried by the tanks, a desirable wake is formed for use by the performer. The weighting is controlled by controlling air venting to the ballast tanks.

Abstract: A seismic streamer position control module has been invented having a body with a first end and a second end and a bore therethrough from the first end to the second end for receiving a seismic streamer therethrough, at least one control surface, and at least one recess in which is initially disposed the at least one control surface, the at least one control surface movably connected to the body for movement from and into the at least one recess and for movement, when extended from the body, for attitude adjustment. In one aspect the seismic streamer position control module body has tapered ends.