Abstract: A turret that is rotatably mounted on a vessel and connected to risers extending down to sea floor wells, is constructed so the turret is of moderate diameter to enable the use of a moderate size bearing and moderate weight turret, while providing room around the terminations of the upper ends of the risers. The risers (46A, 46G, FIG. 3 ) extend through tubes (62, 70, 72) which are oriented at an angle to the turret axis (22), so the lower ends of the tubes lie on large diameter circles to be considerably spaced apart, while the upper ends of the tubes are closer together to fit within the inside of the moderate sized bearing (60). The upper ends of the risers may be terminated at a plurality of different levels (90, 92, 94) within the turret to provide room around each termination.

Abstract: A mooring system for mooring boats (20). The mooring system (10) includes buoys (12, 13), tautlines (16), a gridline (14), and anchor assemblies (18). The buoys (12, 13 ) float vertically at spaced-apart locations and are interconnected by the tautlines (16) and the gridline (14), the tautlines (16) being connected to the tops of the buoys(12, 13), and the gridline(14) being connected to the bottoms of the buoys (12, 13). The anchor assemblies (18) are attached to selected buoys (12) and urge the buoys (12, 13) apart and maintain the tautlines (16) and the gridline (14) in a taut condition. The tautlines (16) are positioned above and parallel to the water surface (22) so that boats (20) can tie up along the length of the tautlines (16).

Abstract: A buoy for use in loading or unloading a flowable medium, especially oil from a vessel at sea. The buoy includes an outer buoyancy member having a conical shape, and a central member, rotatably mounted in the outer member which forms a passage for the flowable medium from the lower end of the buoy which is connected to a transfer line to a delivery system within the vessel. The outer member is received and locked in a conical shaped opening in the bottom of the vessel which is connected to a receiving space which extends up to the deck of the vessel. The outer member forms a seal with the lower end of the opening to seal the sea off from the receiving space. The central member, has a relatively small mass and a small inertia, such that the outer buoyancy member together with the vessel may readily turn thereabout.

Abstract: The Floating Terminal is designed to facilitate transshipment of cargo between large (deepwater) ships and small shallow water (shuttle) ships.The main innovations are in the mooring and fendering systems which are attached to the Floating Terminal hull and provide to it the capability of berthing ships in stormy weather and without assistance from tugs.The Gravity type Breasting Dolphins, which are the core of the new fendering system, have several times more energy absorption capacity and also several times larger deflection, under equal force, that any existing floating dolphin. During severe weather conditions the floating pontoons of the Floating Breasting Dolphins can be lowered on a certain depth below sea level or can be lifted to level of the Floating Terminal main deck. The use of the Gravity type Breasting Dolphin is also seen for the fixed terminals in the not protected and in the protected harbors as well.

Abstract: A torque enhancer (60, FIG. 1) is provided for an offshore system wherein a turret (18) is rotatably mounted about a vertical axis (22) on a vessel hull and the turret is anchored by catenary chain devices (24), to help minimize rotation of the turret when the vessel weathervanes. The torque enhancer may include a pair of members (80, 82, FIG. 3) with horizontally-spaced inner ends (84, 86) pivotally mounted on the turret and with outer ends (90, 92) coupled to a chain device (24) to transmit horizontal components (E) of tension force that tend to turn the turret to maintain it at its initial rotational orientation with respect to the seafloor. In one system, the arms are rigid beams arranged to form an A-frame, with the outer ends of the arms supporting a guide (100) and with the chain device slidably extending through the guide and attached to the vessel half way between the inner ends of the beams. In another system, a pair of chains (122, 124, FIG.

Abstract: An anchor drift warning system includes an anchor indicating buoy and a reference buoy. Each buoy includes a floating housing, a light, a battery, solar powered battery recharger, and a spool. Radio signaling apparatus may be included to provide alarm indication aboard the vessel. A line retractably held in the spool of the indicating buoy is attached to the main anchor of the vessel. A line retractably held in the spool of the reference buoy is attached to its own anchor or to a weight. Both buoys are stowed proximate the anchor, and discharged into the water when the vessel main anchor is deployed. The reference buoy is substantially immobile upon deployment. The indicating buoy will move with the anchor, if the anchor has failed to be immobilized by solid engagement with the water bottom. Visual indication of this condition is provided by increasing distance between the indicating buoy and the reference buoy.

Abstract: A submerged fairlead for a mooring line for use on a structure at sea is rotatably mounted in a swivelling elongated rigid tube mounted on the structure and through which the mooring line passes, and the free end of which is equipped with a line stopper. The tube is several meters in length. It causes direct transfer of the mooring forces to the structure when the line stopper is activated.

Abstract: A single point submersible mooring buoy for use in ice infested and severe sea state anchorages for transferring fluids between marine tankers and fluid handling facilities includes a buoy body having a rotatable turntable disposed thereon for supporting a hose reel and a mooring hawser and associated winch. The buoy includes onboard anchor chain windlasses for maintaining anchor chain tension in the surfaced as well as submerged positions. Suitable ballast tanks, compressed air reservoirs, hydraulic pumps and motors are disposed on the buoy and may be operated by remote control to move the buoy between floating and submerged positions and to provide for connecting and disconnecting the fluid transfer hose and mooring hawser with respect to a vessel such as a tanker.

Abstract: A mooring system for mooring boats (20). The mooring system (10) includes elongated spar buoys (12, 13), tautlines (16), a gridline (14), and anchor assemblies (18). The spar buoys (12, 13) float vertically at spaced-apart locations and are interconnected by the tautlines (16) and the gridline (14), the tautlines (16) being connected to the tops of the spar buoys (12, 13), and the gridline (14) being connected to the bottoms of the spar buoys (12, 13). The anchor assemblies (18) are attached to selected spar buoys (12) and urge the spar buoys (12, 13) apart and maintain the tautlines (16) and the gridline (14) in a taut condition. The tautlines (16) are positioned above and parallel to the water surface (22) so that boats (20) can tie up along the length of the tautlines (16).

Abstract: A mooring system for mooring a vessel off-shore, which comprises a block located in the water at a depth below expected wave action and at a distance from the vessel; a mooring line extending from line pulling equipment on the vessel, through the block and back, for releasable attachment to the vessel; mooring tackle attached to the block and extending away from the vessel to an anchor. The mooring line and mooring tackle form a catenary, between the vessel and the anchor, which has a curve adapted to maintain the anchor securely attached to the bottom and to maintain the block below the depth of expected wave action. Preferably, the mooring line passes from the pulling equipment through a fairlead located near the vessel's waterline, and then to the block.

Abstract: A vessel with a mooring recess on the bottom of the hull moors to a submerged buoyant mooring element anchored to the ocean bottom by hoisting the mooring element from a stowed position at a depth of net neutral buoyancy of the mooring element and its anchoring system into contact with the mooring recess. The mooring operation is completed safely, quickly, and positively by rapidly withdrawing seawater into the hull through an opening in the mooring recess so as to reduce the hydrostatic pressure acting on the top of the mooring element as the element comes into contact with the hull of the vessel. The pressure reduction is sufficient to shift the mooring element and its anchoring system from a net negative to a net positive buoyancy condition at the keel depth of the vessel. The seawater may be withdrawn by a high capacity pump that is either specifically installed for this purpose or is part of a bow thruster system of a type commonly found on large vessels.

Abstract: An improved detachable mooring system (1) is disclosed of the kind including a rotatable turret (10) mounted on the vessel (5) and a buoyant spider buoy (20), secured by chains (22) to the sea floor, which may be selectively connected by means of a hydraulic connector (209) to the bottom of the turret (10). One improvement relates to providing a roller bearing (598) between an upper part of the turret and an interior ring (56) of a well (50) of the vessel (50) at a level higher than sea water can reach under fully loaded conditions of the vessel. Such improvement provides an elastomeric pad (584) between the bearing (598) and a support ring (56) to reduce moment loads and to compensate for manufacturing tolerances of interface surfaces of the bearing (580, 586) and the support ring (56). Alternatively one or more spring stacks (791, 793) may be used rather than an elastomeric pad.

Abstract: A disconnectable mooring system for connecting a mooring body member and a receiving member. The receiving member is rotatably arranged in a floating structure and is a part of a turret system. The mooring buoy member is provided with structural connections at its circumference cooperating with corresponding connections on the receiving members. Both the receiving member and the mooring buoy member are provided with fluid passages on the side remote from the sealing interface fixedly connected to fluid conduits and at the interface ending into openings. Around the openings seals are provided. Centering devices are present to locate the mooring buoy member and the receiving member relative to each other. For connecting-disconnecting, it is sufficient to operate the structural connections and to raise or pay out the lifting device.

Abstract: A vessel with a downward-facing mooring part moors to a submerged buoyant mooring element anchored to the ocean bottom by hoisting the mooring element from a stowed position, at a depth of net neutral buoyancy of the mooring element and its anchoring system, until a mating upper part of the mooring element comes into contact with the mooring part. The mooring operation is completed safely, quickly, and positively by securing the mooring element to the vessel with a multiplicity of hooks that are lowered by actuators mounted in the vessel to engage a mooring ring on the upper part of the mooring element and are then raised to exert a predetermined compression force on a resilient compression member.

Abstract: An improved detachable mooring system is disclosed of the kind including a rotatable turret mounted on the vessel and a buoyant spider buoy, secured by mooring legs to the sea floor, which may be selectively connected by means of a hydraulic connector to the bottom of the turret. One improvement relates to apparatus for establishing pre-load tension between a collet flange hub of the spider buoy and a hydraulic powered connector at the bottom of the turret. Another improvement relates to apparatus for remotely sensing the level of pre-load tension in the connector. Another improvement relates to a self-aligning support arrangement for supporting the collet connector to the bottom of the turret. Another improvement relates to an axial load bearing arrangement for supporting the turret with respect to the vessel.

Abstract: A wildcat chain hoist for lifting anchor chain where the chain length may have different size chain links. The wildcat chain hoist continuously lifts the chain regardless of the different link sizes by engaging alternate chain links defined as horizontal links and applying a pulling force to them. The wildcat chain hoist includes a drum constructed of two identical halves having whelps for guiding the vertical links. The halves are joined together to provide a v-shaped cross section. There are pockets extending from the drum hub up to the perimeter with the pockets increasing in size toward the perimeter to gage and guide the chain links into the proper pocket size. Each wildcat chain drum half has a flange rim which moves or adjusts to close the pockets on the chain links to pull on the chain, and to open to release the chain.

Abstract: A small boat mooring system is provided for securing a boat to a dock, pier or pilings in such a way that the boat is free to move vertically with the normal changes in tide or wave action. The system comprises a plurality of nylon lines, a snaphook for connecting each line to the boat, a counterweight connected to the other end of each line, and hardware mounted on each of a plurality of pilings. The hardware comprises a steel plate section, a lag eye, a quick link, and a pulley connected thereto for conveying the nylon line through the hardware. The system of the present invention permits vertical movement of the boat, such as that caused by rise and fall of tides or rolling of the boat, while maintaining the boat centered in the slip and away from an associated dock, pier or piling. The system further redistributes or absorbs energy produced by the action of water, wind and other conditions on the boat.

Abstract: An anchor shock absorber for use with a marine vessel anchoring system. The anchor shock absorber is purposed to relieve the strain on a rope or a cable which joins an anchoring device to the marine vessel. The anchor shock absorber includes an casing, a spring assembly interposed within the casing, and a buoyant material associated with the casing. The casing may be of a rigidly constructed independent of the buoyant material or may be formed by the buoyant material. The spring assembly includes axially disposed opposing first and second couplings. A spring is arranged between the first and second couplings in such a manner that an axial strain induced upon the anchoring system causes the first and second couplings to move in opposing directions, thus distorting the spring axially. This distortion of the spring absorbs the shock or relieves the strain sustained by the connecting line. An absence of strain allows the spring to relax, or to return a normal state or condition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method reducing the motions of a marine structure anchored in a body of water over a hydrocarbon drilling or production site using a spread type mooring system. The structure's motions are reduced by increasing the amplitude and altering the dynamic tension variation of the mooring system, without affecting the static response of the mooring system under static loads.

Abstract: A pneumatic mattress is arranged to include a recess within a pneumatic chamber of a plurality of pneumatic chambers to permit positioning of an anchor to provide for storage and transport of the anchor during periods of non-use. The anchor is arranged with annular upper and lower anchor ribs to enhance engagement for securement and tethering of the mattress.

Abstract: Mooring device comprising a vessel with a turntable or the like to which anchor lines are connected extending in different directions and which is rotatable about a vertical axis, which anchor lines, preferably at or adjacent to the point of connection with the vessel, are provided with a hydraulic device which upon overload of one or more of the anchor lines allows extension so that in extremely heavy weather conditions the loads on mooring lines and vessel can be kept under control.

Abstract: Mooring device comprising a vessel and a body carrying anchor lines which body is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis or weathervaning axis with respect to the vessel and attached to the vessel in a manner such that in case a predetermined load in one or more of the anchor lines is exceeded said body swings away with respect to the vessel in the direction of the load to avoid overloading of anchor lines and mooring device by changing the load excursion characteristic in such a way that at said predetermined load excursion can take place without the substantial change of the load.

Abstract: A transportable remote-controlled mooring apparatus and method for water craft is disclosed. The mooring of the present invention employs a relatively large hoop of flexible material through which a water craft activation line travels. The mooring attaches to an anchor or similar secure point off-shore and allows the water craft to be unloaded at shore and then pulled to and retrieved from a safe mooring off-shore. The mooring unit is of minimal size and weight, highly reliable, and not susceptible to fouling problems from waterborne debris.

Abstract: A backdown buoy-type mooring is provided which will pull supply vessels away from a tension leg platform while the supply vessel is being unloaded. The boat mooring system will consist of surface buoys attached to the top pad-eye of the lateral mooring intermediate buoys. The boat mooring system of the invention is configured for centering over a spaced array of ocean floor wells, being moved over to the farthest well, and adapted to be moved over to the nearest well.

Abstract: Stabilizing apparatus for stabilizing boats comprising a weighted concave body which is suspended from the boat and which is formed as a grid defining openings through the body and a flexible flap in the concavity of the body, the flap blocking the openings when the body rises in the water due to rolling of the boat so as to inhibit rolling and the flap moving away from the openings to permit the apparatus to rapidly fall as the boat rolls in the opposite direction. A pair of bodies are provided on opposite sides of the boat to inhibit rolling in both directions.

Abstract: The docking system (10) includes a plurality of docking members (16, 17, 18) connected together end to end. Each docking member (16, 17, 18) is anchored to the bottom surface (47) of the body of water by means of a combination of fixed anchor members (42, 44), connecting cables (46, 52) and a suspended anchor member (50) which is suspended in the water between the respective docking members (16, 17, 18) and the bottom surface (47). At the water end of the plurality of docking members (16, 17, 18) is positioned crosswise a breakwater member (19) which is substantially longer than the width of the docking members (16, 17, 18). The breakwater member (19) has an anchor system comprising a fixed anchor member (64), an anchor cable (68) and a suspended anchor member (70).

Abstract: A method and device for fishing up an immersed body from a position spaced from and disposed above the immersed body. A fishing member is moored to the body, with the member including a support integral with the body and a releasable portion. The support and the releasable portion are initially assembled together. The releasable portion is released, leading to the separation of the releasable portion and the support. Upon the releasable portion reaching the position, at the level of the position lift connecting members are moored to the fishing member, with the lift connecting members being attached to the body and to the releasable portion. This fishing member is actuated so as to place the body in a vicinity of the fishing member.

Abstract: There is provided a tensioning device for pretensioning mooring lines in accordance with the tension-in-a-bight principle. The tensioning device is located at the bight of the mooring lines and includes a link catching device comprising inclined land surfaces and a catching tooth at the lower end of the land surfaces, which catching device catches a link, the caught link, of link chain during heaving up on a riser chain section so enabling the pretensioning to be achieved in the mooring line. Slots are provided in the tensioning device adjacent the land surfaces such that the downline link threading the caught link and the following downline link each have a significant degree of pivotal freedom to preclude bending moment loading in these links during heaving up on the riser line during tensioning.

Abstract: A mechanism for controlling the extension of a boat anchor line from a boat, to thus anchor a boat in waters of different depths, or to let the boat drift downstream different distances from the submerged anchor. The mechanism includes a line-guidance pulley and a line-gripper device having a spring means for biasing the device to a condition wherein the line is held motionless against travel into or out of the boat. A c-clamp is used to detachably mount the mechanism on the side wall of a small boat.

Abstract: An anchoring device for mounting on a boat, particularly a light boat used for sporting purposes. It has a pair of aligned winch drums with cables wound on them into rolls for winding and unwinding in opposite directions; the drums being mounted on a frame for rotation about parallel axes. A manually operable drive is mounted on the frame and on the drums, which drive allows them to be rotated and, in a neutral position, allows them to idle. A manually releasable stop member mounted on the frame cooperates with the drive to stop rotation of the drums so as to prevent the cable from unwinding.

Abstract: A marine structure situated in a seabed having mooring means designed to provide resistance to the environmental forces acting on the structure. Weights are attached to the mooring means at a distance above the seabed so that the weights do not touch the seabed during normal operating conditions. When extreme environmental loads move the structure a certain distance leeward of its original locations, the weights on leeward mooring means contact the seabed, significantly and immediately increasing the restoring force provided by the mooring means.

Abstract: A mooring/support system for anchoring marine structure comprises a plurality of anchor elements equiangularly spaced and connected to the sea bed at one end by means of anchors. The other ends of the anchor elements are connected to a common bridle element. Eight anchor elements may be used giving the system a octagonal configuration. Each anchor element comprises a buoyant portion and a non-buoyant portion, the buoyant portion being such that a mooring point positioned below the surface of the water to provide an essentially horizontal restraint to the moored or supported object and to allow ships to pass over the system without contact therewith. The system is such that it can be pre-installed before arrival of the marine structure. The buoyancy of the chambers may be varied so as to regulate the preload of the system.

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

Abstract: The device according to the invention comprises an anchor, a chain connecting the anchor to a craft and a heavy stabilizing piece which, when the anchor is on the sea-bed, is fast with the chain in an immersed zone of the chain. The stabilizing piece consists of an assembly composed of two masses of the same triangular shape, connected together at one apex of the triangle by the pin of a pulley, allowing the piece to slide on the chain. This stabilizing piece is maintained fast with the chain above the sea-bed, thanks to a rope of which one end is fixed to the piece by a support and of which the other end is fixed to the craft. The invention is more particularly applicable in the domain of craft of low tonnage.

Abstract: A mooring system is provided, which can be rapidly installed and which is of relatively low cost. The system includes a transfer structure attached to a vessel, an anchor line extending from the transfer structure to a chain table near the sea floor, and catenary chains extending from the chain table to the sea floor. A weight hangs from the chain table to help in setting up the system and in mooring a vessel thereafter. The transfer structure includes a platform that can rotate with respect to the vessel, and a direction sensor for controlling a motor that rotates the platform opposite to rotation of the vessel, to avoid twist of the anchor line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a undersea relocation system and more particularly relates to an apparatus for relocating underwater objects by means of a retrievable line carrying buoyant spool which is released to the surface responsive to a remote signal, the spool line remaining connected to the object to be relocated.

Abstract: In an anchoring arrangement for releasable anchoring of the legs of a marine tension leg platform in a foundation on the sea floor, the lower ends of the tension legs with an end head (1) are lowered into a cylindrical anchoring casing (4). For anchoring the leg in the foundation, locking elements (7) are provided at the tension leg insertion end of casing (4), on the inside of the cylindrical casing wall, for cooperation with bosses (2) on tension leg head (1). Anchoring casing (4) is, furthermore, on the outside of its cylindrical wall, at the insertion end, provided with further bosses/grooves (10). The latter are intended for cooperation with bosses (14,15) and grooves which are provided on the inside of a cylindrical steel ring (13), which is intended to be integrallly moulded into the foundation on the sea floor. Over the end edges of casing (4) and the cylindrical integral ring (13) a locking ring (16) is provided on a contact face to provide additional fixation of the anchoring.

Abstract: A land anchor includes a hammer element that permits the anchor to be driven into the soil. The anchor also includes a stabilizing assembly that increases the anchoring force of the anchor for loose soils. The stabilizing assembly includes a wing section that is expanded from a stored, ground-entering configuration to a ground-gripping configuration by operation of a screw extending within a central rod of the anchor. The hammer is located on the rod.

Abstract: A windlass for offshore structures comprises power mechanism (18) for rotation of a chain wheel (13) about a horizontal axis (24a) during maneuvering of an anchor chain (14) extending between an anchor and a chain box (15). The chain wheel (13) is rotatably supported in a wheel housing (24) which is pivotable about a vertical shaft (22) below the operating water line (OD) of the structure and on the outside of its planking.

Abstract: An anchorage line comprising a large number of successive elements interconnected in an articulated way and each including a closed watertight tube delimitating an interior volume full of air. The anchorage line comprises a shallow depth extremity providing the link with a floating vehicle and a very deep anchorage extremity providing anchorage on an ocean bottom. The floatability of the anchorage line varies according to its length. The tubular essential parts of the anchorage line have a wall thickness related to their diameter and which is thicker the nearer these parts are to the anchorage extremity of the line. The anchorage line may be assembled on site and put in place by a suitable device.

Abstract: A tubular member includes a pair of cooperating sections hingedly connected together longitudinally thereof and arranged to be open to allow an anchor line to be inserted or removed laterally therein from the side. The cooperating sections have releasable fastening portions to allow insertion or removal of the anchor line. The tubular member has an anchor line engaging lever with an operative position capable of providing unidirectional axial movement of the anchor line through the tubular member. A float is connected directly to the anchor line engaging lever and controls the operation thereof in an anchor retrieving function, or in a function wherein the device serves as a marker buoy.

Abstract: A sea anchor and apparatus for deploying the sea anchor into water and for storing it when not in use. An associated method provides for the deployment of the sea anchor into water and storing the sea anchor after use.

Abstract: A motion detector is physically attached to a boat's anchor. Upon abnormal motion or movement of the anchor, indicative of a dragging anchor, a pulse generator is initiated by the motion detector to actuate a transmitting transducer and generate an acoustic or sonar wave in the water. The acoustic wave is sensed by a receiving transducer on the boat, and a warning alarm is produced. In a preferred embodiment, the receiving transducer actuates an RF transmitter which generates a radio wave, and an RF receiver which is tuned to receive the radio wave actuates the alarm.

Abstract: A method for pulling an anchor line through a pretensioner adapted to act as a cable or chain stopper and to be deeply submerged so that the line is tensioned at a favorable low incline with respect to the ocean bottom.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved platform-mounted apparatus for holding and rapidly releasing a flexible load line having the properties of a wire rope. The invention comprises wedge gripper means for holding the line up to a tensile force substantially equal to the breaking strength of the line, with the gripper means comprising a grip frame for mounting to the platform and a pair of opposed grip wedges, the wedges having opposed internal gripping surfaces for engaging the line and external wedging surfaces that taper toward each other in the direction of the tensile force in a gripped line, each grip wedge having a wide end and a narrow end. Grip connection means connect the wide end of each grip wedge to the grip frame, said grip connection means defining a lower travel limit for each grip wedge in the direction of the tensile force in a gripped line.

Abstract: A yieldable mooring line for a boat comprises a coil spring with first and second spring key clevises connected to opposite ends of the spring and projecting therefrom. A chain at one end is connected to the first spring clevis. A line is removably anchored to the boat, and a snap-on is secured upon one end of the line which is removably connected to the other end of the chain. The second spring clevis is adapted for connection to a dock or piling.

Abstract: In an anchoring system for a floating vessel which includes an anchor line comprising chain cable, a chain locker and a windlass having a chain wheel that conveys the chain cable during paying out from the chain locker, a mechanism is positioned between the chain locker and chain wheel to back-tension the chain during paying out. The mechanism has an axis along which the chain is passed with every second links oriented in a given plane. Paired brake shoes are positioned to either side of the plane and define braking surfaces of sufficient extent along the axis of chain movement that a given chain link and an immediately succeeding link of similar orientation can be simultaneously engaged during their movement to provide a continuous retarding effect. One pair of braking shoes is pivotally mounted on an appropriate support structure and urged with hydraulic cylinders towards the other pair thereby causing the brake shoes to engage the opposing faces chain link.

Abstract: A method for insuring safe anchorage comprising anchoring or mooring a boat, determining the anchor rode for the anchored or moored boat, and displaying, for the anchored or moored boat, in a location visible to incoming vessels, an indicia indicative of the scope ratio for the boat.

Abstract: An anchoring system for a floating structure is described. The anchoring system is of the type which employs a combination anchor line consisting of a lower length of chain cable connected to an anchor and an upper length of wire rope and which involves disconnection of the wire rope from the chain cable during paying out and retrieval of the anchor line. A winch and windlass mounted on the floating structure serve to separately haul in and pay out the wire rope and chain cable, respectively. The windlass has a length of lead chain which can be used to lead the chain cable over a chain wheel to the chain locker. An overwide chain link terminates the chain cable, and together with a pair of detachable links permits the load of the chain cable to be transferred directly from the winch to the windlass, during paying out and retrieval, without the requirement for an intermediate chain hanger.

Abstract: A subsea acoustic relocation system provides an apparatus that includes in one embodiment an anchor, and in another embodiment a weighted frame having in part a casing which has an inner bore with an open top portion. A line canister connected to the anchor or disposed within the casing bore has an opening through which a contained canister line can pay out. The canister line is placed within the line canister and is anchored at one end to the anchor or frame, the other end of the canister line being a free end which dispenses from the canister during operation. An acoustic transponder release assembly is detachably affixed to the anchor or frame (within the casing bore) at a provided removable connection which can be broken by an acoustic signal. The acoustic transponder release assembly has attached to it the free end of the line canister with the acoustic transponder release forming a temporary connection of the free end of the line to the frame.