Abstract: A device for operating and anchoring a watercraft in congested and hazardous water areas is provided with a spud assembly for easy operation. A pole is provided for moving a watercraft in shallow water. The pole functions through an operating cylinder connected to a maneuvering ring. The spud assembly has a locking device for locking the maneuvering ring and the operating cylinder against movement in order to anchor the watercraft with the pole.

Abstract: An anchor for anchoring floating structures at sea, in particular floating platforms for the production of oil and/or gas. The anchor includes a hollow body (2) which is designed to be submerged in a sea bed by suction or by some other method. The anchor is characterized in that the body is a polygon with concave side surfaces.

Abstract: There is disclosed an anchor for anchoring boats in areas where there are reefs or a rocky seabed. In one embodiment four prongs extend from the end of an anchor shaft, the prongs including stem section with terminating portions making an arcuate angle with corresponding stem section. The stem sections are fixedly attached to the shaft and angled relative to the shaft axis in order that the free end of the terminating portion is longitudinally offset from the end of the shaft and radially offset also. The longitudinal offset being substantially greater than the radial offset.

Abstract: A pile for anchoring a floating structure in deep water includes an elongated body provided with a tapered pointed tip at the lower end thereof and a closure disc at the upper end thereof. A plurality of radially and axially extending fins are secured to the pile adjacent the upper end thereof. The elongated body of the pile is filled with material having a high specific gravity distributed in such a manner that the center of gravity of the pile is located well below its center of buoyancy. The process for installing the pile uses the potential energy generated by the free fall of the pile from a vessel in order to ensure that the pile penetrates the ocean floor.

Abstract: A vessel anchor includes a body having a first cylindrical member and a second cylindrical member. The second cylindrical member is disposed substantially within the first cylindrical member. The vessel anchor further has a retention slide bar for affixing an anchor line. The first cylindrical member has at least one spaded edge and the second cylindrical member has a mass greater than the first cylindrical member.

Abstract: An improved anchor is provided for small boats for mooring in the bottom of bodies of water such as lakes and coastal and inland waters. Embodiments include an anchor comprising a rod, such as a round cross-section stainless steel rod about 3-6 feet long and about 1-2 inches in diameter. One end of the rod is tapered, either to a point or to a blunt or hemispherical end, while the other end has a swivel with an eyelet for connecting a shackle and a rope or chain. A hand grip is provided on the rod between the two ends of the rod. The tapered end of the rod is inserted into the bottom of a body of water using the hand grip. Thus, the anchor easily sets on the first attempt, the swivel accommodates changes in current and wind conditions that may move the boat while it is moored, thereby avoiding dislodging of the anchor, and the anchor does not snag on debris.

Abstract: A container for supporting an anchor on its side on the deck of a boat. The container is a hollow enclosure having an enclosed bottom, sides and a top. The top of the hollow enclosure has an anchor support recess having two side recesses for the anchor flukes and a front recess for the anchor shank. The top has a central enclosure and as an anchor is raised, the line can be placed in the central enclosure and the anchor rested on the top with its flukes resting on the side support recesses and the shank resting in the front recess. A strap can be provided to hold the anchor on the container.

Abstract: An anchoring device for boats including a T-shaped member comprised of a horizontal component and a vertical component. An upper end of the vertical component is secured to a midpoint of the horizontal component whereby the vertical component extends downwardly from the horizontal component in an essentially orthogonal relationship. The vertical component has a length greater than a length of the horizontal component. The horizontal component and the vertical component are constructed of PVC plastic tubing. The vertical component has a pointed lower end for penetrating a recipient surface. The T-shaped member receives a line from a boat wrapped therearound to facilitate securement of the boat to a shoreline.

Abstract: An anchor bag and system for use with a rode and an anchor having an anchor stock, an anchor shank, an anchor crown, and an anchor fluke. The bag has an opening at one end, a closed section at the opposite end, and an inner chamber for accepting, properly coiling, and stowing the rode. The anchor is retained on the outside of anchor bag by a releasable shank support and by a separate fluke support. The opening of the bag is selectably closable by a pull string. The closed section has a reinforced rode passage through which the bitter end of the rode is retained. A plurality of drainage portals are situated on the outer surface of the bag. Carry handles are positioned on the bag such that the composite weight of the anchor bag system (with anchor and rode stowed therein) is distributed equally on either side of the center points of the carry handles. The rode is chainlessly attached to the anchor and, from the anchor end, has internal weights thereon extending a distance of between approximately 2.5% to 12.

Abstract: A shallow water anchoring mechanism for a vessel drives an upper arm between a raised position, in which the lower end of a pole is above the bottom of the hull and a lowered position, in which the lower end of the pole extends downward below the vessel so as to engage the bottom of a shallow body of water. This provides a shallow-water anchoring arrangement for a boat that does a minimum amount of damage to sea life, including oysters, and grasses or other vegetation growing on the bottom of the water, and allows a boater to anchor in shallow water and to leave the anchorage without bringing mud, grasses, or other debris into the boat. A manual disconnect arrangement allows the boater to pull the pole out of the water in the event of actuator or power supply failure.

Abstract: In a system for mooring offshore drilling units, a first mooring assembles installed at a first drilling venue, after which the mobile offshore drilling unit is moored by connection to the mooring lines. A second mooring assembly is installed at a second drilling venue while drilling operations are carried out at the first drilling venue. In this manner the mobile offshore drilling unit can be relocated between successive drilling venues with minimum down time. Less than complete mooring assemblies can be used to temporarily secure the mobile offshore drilling unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved anchor which is capable of being readily laid, regardless of the holding, and which will automatically reset itself in the instance of it being dislodged from the holding. The anchor includes a base member, preferably substantially triangular-shaped when viewed in plan and V-shaped when viewed in end elevation, a shank member associated with the base member and stabilizing means, preferably in the form of a hoop member, which is attached to the base member and/or the shank member, the stabilizing means serving to ensure that the anchor, once laid or set, will return to its operating disposition even if dislodged or displaced therefrom.

Abstract: A marine anchor designed so that it positions itself automatically and penetrates instantly into all kinds of sea beds with maximum holding power. The geometry and ballasting of the anchor ensure automatic positioning of the anchor. The off-center position of the ballast counter-balancing the weight of the shank places the center of gravity of the anchor as close as possible to the anchor tip, so that the tip can bear practically half the total weight of the anchor, the pressure exerted by the top on the sea bed is increased, and its penetration into the sea bed is promoted. The sharp corners between the two sides of the tip aids penetration into all kind of sea beds, including sea beds covered with thick seaweed, and the concave surface of the fluke provides maximum holding power. Said anchor is suitable for mooring yachts and fishing boats, as well as for marine industrial use.

Abstract: A suction anchor for mooring systems, especially from floating installations for offshore production of oil and gas. The anchor is made in the form of a hollow cylindrical body (2) that is open at both ends and is completely embedded in the seabed (1), i.e. it is surrounded by seabed mass on all sides. Such a deep siting of the anchor (2) results in several advantages. For instance, the anchor (2) will penetrate to a depth with presumably firmer masses. The danger of a split on the back of the anchor is also avoided. The anchor can be left behind after use, because it lies at an approved depth. The anchor is mounted by means of a top piece designed as an inverted beaker-shaped part provided with a vent hole so that the anchor can be suction penetrated. The top piece is recovered and used again for lowering other similar anchors. Advantageous embodiments/sitings of the anchor cable (5,7) connected to the anchor are also described.

Abstract: An improved and simplified anchor line shock absorber to protect an anchor line, the hoisting or lifting device gearing and motor attached thereto, from excessive shock forces. A tubular member, having a compression spring and located vertically, is arranged to fit within (a prior art) an anchor (shell) to absorb the shock forces. A (prior art) lifting line is attached to the terminal end of the spring assembly located within (the) an anchor. (shell.) This arrangement provides for free retrieval of the lifting line through and around guides, fair-leads, spools and drums when retrieved (by mechanical means.) mechanically.

Abstract: A plate-type anchor includes a flat sheet forming a central portion of substantially rectangular shape, provided with lateral flanges with a certain inclination with respect to the plane of the principal sheet, a flange corresponding to the front part of the anchor being of pointed shape while the flange corresponding to the tail of the anchor has a cut-out to allow fitting of a device to be used when it is launched. On its upper face, the anchor is provided with two longitudinally hollowed-out lugs which are mutually parallel and fastened perpendicularly to the face of the flat sheet, and to which the chain cables or mooring cables of the anchor are attached. On the lower face are fastened two longitudinal bars perpendicular to the plane of the face, but forming an acute angle towards the front part of the anchor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for anchoring a buoyant device are provided. The apparatus preferably includes first, second, and third plates adjoined along a common line. An end of the second plate is transversely connected to an end of the first plate along the common line and extends inwardly therefrom at a predetermined angle so that the first and second plates in combination define an angled plate member. A third plate is adjoined along the common line and extends outwardly therefrom in a different direction from the angled plate member. A shank is pivotally connected to a medial portion of the angled plate member and extends outwardly therefrom. At least one prong member is connected to and extends outwardly from the outer surface of each of the first and second plates of the angled plate member.

Abstract: A swimming pool float with anchoring system including a flotation device, at least one float anchoring assembly secured to the flotation device, at least two pool anchoring assemblies securable to the cantilever side edge of a swimming pool, and a flexible anchoring line including a first securing mechanism securable to a float anchoring assembly and a second securing mechanism securable to one of the pool anchoring assemblies in a manner to anchor the flotation device to the cantilever side edge of the swimming pool. The float anchoring assembly preferably includes a section of hook and pile fastener material and a flexible cover member What folds over the section of hook and pile fastener material when nothing is secured thereto. Preferably, four float anchoring assemblies are included, with each of the anchoring assemblies being permanently secured to a cantilever side edge surface of the flotation device.

Abstract: An anchoring device, for use with a personal watercraft, having a tube containing layers of material including cement and a heavier material, preferably shot, used in a ratio which produces a predetermined weight. The tube is sealed with end caps. A shock absorber is positioned within the tube preferably between one of the end caps and the cement. One end cap has a fastener by which the anchoring device can be fastened to the personal watercraft. The tube and end caps are coated with a moisture and abrasion resistant material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for anchoring a buoyant device are provided. The apparatus preferably includes first and second plates adjoined along a common line. An end of the second plate is transversely connected to an end of the first plate along the common line and extends inwardly therefrom at a predetermined angle so that the first and second plates in combination define an angled plate member. A shank is pivotally connected to a medial portion of the angled plate member and extends outwardly therefrom. At least one prong member is connected to and extends outwardly from the outer surface of each of the first and second plates of the angled plate member.

Abstract: A sea anchor may be lifted from the sea bottom by remotely inflating an inflatable float connected to the anchor. The inflated float provides a buoyant lift force that automatically lifts the anchor to the water surface or assists a person in lifting the anchor to the surface. The anchor may be lowered to the sea bottom by venting air out of the float from a remote point on the water surface.

Abstract: The present invention is an anchor formed by combining a pyramid with a shaft and an eye. The pyramid has a base and an apex displaced from the base by an apex separation distance D and projecting onto a central region of the base. The shaft, having a shaft length L, is mounted substantially normal to the base of the pyramid with a first shaft end attached to the base of the pyramid and substantially centered thereon. It is preferred that the shaft length L be less than or about equal to the apex separation distance D. The eye is formed on the second shaft end of the shaft. Preferably, the pyramid is four-sided and has a substantially square base with edges having a nominal edge length l. It is further preferred for the apex separation distance D to be about 1/2 of the edge length l.

Abstract: Anchor fluke comprising a bottom side and an upper side and a longitudinal plane of symmetry, the upper side being defined by two convexly bent faces, formed by faces ascending in a convex manner from the sharp front edge in a symmetrical fashion relative to the longitudinal plane of symmetry twoards the rear and sidewards upto an apex line, by surfaces connecting smoothly thereonto in that location and descending in a symmetrical and convex fashion rearwards and towards the sides.

Abstract: A shore anchor for small boats and personal watercraft includes an elongated central spike-like member, two anvil collars, a slidable hammer weight, and a protective sheath. The anvils are used in conjunction with the slidable hammer weight to drive and retract the elongated spike into or out of the ground. The protective sheath covers the exposed end of the anchor when the anchor is deployed and is attached to the hammer weight. When the anchor is removed for transportation or storage the protective sheath covers the pointed end of the elongated spike and is attached to the other end of the hammer weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a releasable anchor for securing a boat or marine vessel to a desired position having a weighted body with a central bore extending throughout its length through which an elastic strip is pulled in such a way as to form a closed eye on one end of the weighted body and with the remainder of the elastic strip being frictionally held within the central bore of the weighted body. The elastic eye along with the weighted body may be attached to one end of an anchor line and when the anchor becomes bound by an underwater obstruction a boater may exert tension to the elastic eye by applying a pulling force to the anchor line. The exerted tension will cause the elastic strip to stretch thus reducing its diameter inside the central bore of the weighted body until the friction will no longer withhold its exit from the central bore of the weighted body. This action allows the anchor to release from the anchor line at the point of connection.

Abstract: A lightweight anchor, with its upward-bent tail fin, big-notched fluke and a shank of steel bar bent into a U shape, together with its entire shape, has a great hold of the bottom. The anchor when stuck in a bottom obstacle can be recovered from the bottom simply by moving the ship of its user to the opposite position of its mooring and giving a tug or two to its anchor rope. Because it is simply structured and easy of fabrication with immovable fluke, tail fin and shank, it reduces the cost of fabrication and enhances safety of handling. It avoids most of the demerits of conventional lightweight anchors by its simple structure and its peculiar shape, but its position-correcting mechanism is most remarkable.

Abstract: The invention provides an anchor cover for encasing or covering the stock and enlarged top portion of an anchor. This device is for use specifically when an anchor is mounted at the bow of a boat, in order to prevent the anchor from causing damage to other nearby boats and objects when the boat upon which the anchor is mounted is attempting to enter or exit a boat docking area. The anchor cover can be formed of only one piece that is fitted to encase both ends of the stock as well as the enlarged top portion within its hollow body cavity. The anchor cover can also be formed of three separate pieces, two stock-enclosing portions and one top-enclosing portion, for encasing those parts of the anchor.

Abstract: A hollow braid woven anchor rope having an elastic core, of tubular latex, occupies a major portion of rope length. Ends of the elastic core are secured to the rope proper by rings, one each, located on rope end segements. A snap assembly at one end of the rope facilitates attachment to an anchor. When not in use the elastic core collapses the rope to bunch the rope along the relaxed core. A method with a series of steps is disclosed for rope assembly by insertion of the core into the rope and securement of the core ends to end segments of the rope component.

Abstract: A marine anchor comprising a fluke and a shank attached to the fluke is intended for drag embedment in a mooring bed by pulling the anchor substantially horizontally via the shank. Further, it is a particular feature of the anchor that two modes of operation are possible through use of the line extending between the anchor cable attachment point on the shank and the fluke centroid being variable to provide a first line present for drag embedment of the anchor, and a second line utilized when the anchor is embedded, wherein the pulling force on the anchor via the shank can now be essentially upwards, thereby providing an increased holding force due to the increased fluke area presented in the direction of the upwards force. The change in direction from the first line to the second line can be achieved by having the shank pivotal and by providing pivot control members permitting selective pivoting of the shank.

Abstract: A collapsible sea anchor or drogue (50) having first and second hollow frusto-conical body parts (74, 80) which are made from strong flexible material, such as canvas. Four flexible lines (60, 62, 64, 66) connect the two body parts (74, 80) together and to a nose portion (52) to which a towing line can be connected. The sea anchor or drogue (50) is very effective in that the drag is large having regard to the diameter of the body parts (74, 80) and, moreover, it can be compactly stored when in a collapsed condition.

Abstract: An anchor chain orientation link having a longitudinal curved body having a curved radius defined by the diameter of a bow roller for guiding an anchor chain wherein the orientation link is fastened between an anchor rope or "rode" and an anchor chain such that when the anchor rope was hauled aboard a vessel, the chain is turned to a selected orientation. In particular, as the curved body comes in contact with the bow roller, said roller acts as a fulcrum such that the curved body acts as a crank due to its curved shape causing the link to rotate until it rotates to a stable position. This stable position has been preselected to establish the orientation of the anchor with respect to the roller and therefore to the vessel on which the roller is mounted.

Abstract: An anchoring kit for use in combination with a flotation device and including an anchor having an outer casing with a dense granular filling therein, an anchor line having a first end attached to the anchor and a second free end, a hook slidably fitted to the anchor line being selectively adjustable along a length thereof relative to the first and second ends, and a body attachment device structured for interconnection between a user's limb and the hook, facilitating attachment of the anchoring kit to the user while lying on the flotation device. A catch is provided on the hook for locking the hook at a selected, fixed position along the anchor line, thereby enabling controlled adjustment of the length of anchor line between the hook and the anchor.

Abstract: An apparatus for stowing a "Danforth" type anchor and rode, comprising a frame with two vertical slots for receiving and supporting the anchor's stock ends, flukes, and shank. The frame is shaped such that the rode can also be supported and suspended above the deck. After a simple operation, the anchor and rode are stowed in a secure, upright, and compact manner. Provisions are also available for draining liquids from the interior of the apparatus, as well as, for protecting the deck from scratches and abrasions which might otherwise result from contact with the apparatus during use.

Abstract: An anchor organization for mounting to a float tube for positioning of the float tube relative to a body of water includes a support cable mounted to the float tube at a first end of the support tube, with a second end of the cable mounted to a semi-spherical anchor member arranged for engagement to a bottom surface of an associated body of water providing for an anchor of limited weight and increased effectiveness, wherein an intermediate spool mounted to the cable permits selective winding of the cable about the spool.

Abstract: A marine mooring swivel fitting for connection into a mooring line is a generally dumbbell-shaped element having a relatively slender elongate neck with outward enlargements at the opposite ends of the neck respectively and a mooring line attachment on at least one end of the element. In use the attachment may connect the fitting in the mooring line, the slender elongate neck being adapted laterally to receive swivelly therearound one or more conventional shackles. Such a shackle, depending on whether the swivel is at the upper or lower end of the mooring line, may be secured to a pendant made fast to a marine craft on the surface or secured to an anchoring device. The enlargements, larger than the opening in the shackle, serve to limit the longitudinal movement of the shackle on the element without limiting rotational movement of the shackle around the element.

Abstract: A bow anchor system which has a configuration of the bow of a boat to fit against the bow. The bow anchor has a triangular shape with a pair of wings which form a delta shape. An arm pivotally connected to the triangular shape is also connected to the anchor line for raising and lowering the anchor. A winch mechanism in the hull pays out and retrieves the anchor through a conduit in the bow of the boat.

Abstract: An anchor which attaches to a tree, stump or other stationary object for anchoring a buoyant vessel such as a boat, in a relatively stationary position. The anchor consisting of a clamping device, a pair of tongs attached to and extending from the clamping device, and an anchor line to attach the anchor to the boat. The tong engaging the tree or other stationary object to securely anchor and hold the boat in a relatively stationary position.

Abstract: An anchor having critically improved ability to penetrate and bury deep in mooring beds that can function well in a wide variety of mooring bed types is formed with a fluke component for burying into a mooring bed when it is cast on the bed and a shank component by which the anchor is attached to anchor rode. The fluke component is a contoured plate having identical starboard and port halves that increase in width from distal end to proximal end and meet in an apex at the center of the proximal end. The shank component has an elongated shaft bolted to a standard member above the plate with the shaft and the standard lying in a common plane with the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the plate. When the shaft is horizontal the plate is angled downward so its apex digs into the mooring bed when tension is applied to the anchor rode. Such angle may be varied to obtain maximum holding with different types of mooring beds.

Abstract: An elongated housing having opposite ends is embedded in the sea floor. One end extends downwardly a substantial distance into the sea floor and the other end terminates adjacent the surface of the sea floor. The housing has an axially, vertically extending passageway therethrough. A tension member is located in the passageway and has one end connected to a lower portion of the housing and an upper end for connection to a floating vessel. Advantageously, means are provided for ensuring that substantially any vertical load transmitted to the tension member is transmitted to a lower portion of the elongated housing. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, means are provided for ensuring that any horizontal force components are transmitted to an upper portion of the elongated housing.

Abstract: A fishing weight having a body, at least two fins, and a connector suitable for connecting the body to a fishing line. Each of the fins is formed longitudinally along and extending outwardly from the body. Each of the fins has a forward portion inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body and a rearward portion having a greater angle of inclination than the forward portion. The rearward portion is connected to the forward portion and extends angularly outwardly therefrom. The body is pointed at one end. Each of the fins has a V-shaped configuration that extends from the body. An eyelet is provided for connecting the body to a fishing line. The body and the fins are integrally formed of a leaden material.

Abstract: An anchor including an axis control bar for holding a vessel in place. The anchor has a pair of planes extending from a crown made up of two flat vanes. An axis control bar is connected between the planes for providing enhanced structural strength and leverage for releasing the anchor from a set position.

Abstract: A sea anchor comprising a hollow body having a front part and a rear part and at least one water outlet located adjacent to the rear end of the front part. The front part has water inlet openings, and the rear part is moveable relative to the front part between first and second positions. In the first position, the forward end of the rear part engages the rear end of the front part to close at least one water outlet. In the second position, the forward end of the rear part is separated from the rear end of the front part to define the water outlet. The front part contains attachment means for attaching a line for towing the body in a forward direction.

Abstract: An anchor retrieving device for transmitting the anchoring power from a main anchoring line to the end of a shank of an anchor opposite to the crown end when the device is held in the locking position and for transmitting the anchor raising power from the main anchoring line to the crown end when the device is held in the unlocking position. The anchor retrieving device comprises a first lock assembly having a hook member, a weight for striking said first lock assembly when it is desired to bring the first lock assembly in the unlocked position, a second lock assembly connected to the end of the shank opposite to the crown end to be moved between locking and unlocking positions, a connection line for connecting the hook member to the second lock assembly to transmit the anchoring power and having guides.

Abstract: The semi-submersible platform comprises a submersible lower hull including a plurality of spaced-apart hull segments. A wave-transparent stabilizing superstructure extends from the lower hull. An upper hull is supported by the superstructure. A wellhead system is suspended from the platform. A catenary mooring system moors the platform to the seabed, and plurality of risers connect the individual wellheads on the platform to the wellbores in the seabed.

Abstract: An anchor is used for anchoring a hull or a floating body on the water. When the anchor of the present invention is made to land on the bottom of the water, left and right bills and a lower auxiliary bill encroach the bottom of the water and thus to make anchoring positive, and as a shank, bills and a bill stopping frame are relatively thin, said anchor is lighter than the conventional anchors. Consequently the resistance of the sediment in the bottom of the water is minimized with respect to the encroachment, and therefore the work and labor during casting and weighing said anchor can be relieved.

Abstract: A sea anchor or drogue having a body comprised of a front section which tapers forwardly to a nose, and a hollow, rearwardly tapering back section. Longitudinal open channels are formed in the front section and lead into the back section, with vanes or tubes defining the sides of the channels. In certain embodiments, baffles are fixed in each channel and oriented so as to direct water into the back section to create the drag effect.

Abstract: A process of forming a boat anchor is set forth including utilizing a polymeric carbonate beverage container of a typical two liter configuration defined by an elongate cylindrical body with convex ends and a threaded opening coaxially aligned with an upper end and a removably mounted support stand. The support stand is removed from the container whereupon the container is subsequently filled with a concrete mixture. An eye hook is directed through the opening and upon the concrete mixture curing, a typically ten pound anchor is developed. Modifications of the instant invention include the step of threadedly directed a threaded eye hook through a bottom end of the anchor opposed to the upper eye hook with the eye hooks coaxially aligned with one another to enable a plurality of anchors to be secured together in end to end relationship.

Abstract: A very light-weight boat anchor includes a pair of penetrating flukes connected together, an anchor shank pivotally attached to this pair of flukes, and a mechanism for limiting the pivotal movement of the shank relative to the flukes. Both the flukes and the shank are made of light-weight alloy metal and the total weight of the anchor does not exceed 250 grams and is preferably less than 150 grams. The flukes include edge ribbing extending along upper and lower edges thereof and relatively thin metal webbing extending between this ribbing.

Abstract: A rotating lug anchor connector (10) is disclosed for anchoring the tether (12) of tension leg platform (14) to the sea floor. The connector includes an anchor latch assembly (18) which is mounted on the lower end of the tether. The assembly includes a ring (50) from which three lugs (58) extend. The ring is secured to the tether through an elastomeric assembly (36) which permits the tether to pivot about a pivot point (28) relative to the ring. Guide surfaces on members (74, 76, 78) of the receptacle assembly (20) guide the lugs downward along vertical slots (104) and beneath notches (92) in the members. Upward movement of the tether engages the lugs and notches to secure the tether to the sea floor. For release the tether is lowered to move the lugs in an alignment with the vertical slots for removal.

Abstract: A system which can be set up in emergencies to moor an offloading vessel and transfer oil between it and a seabed pipeline, as to remove oil from a grounded tanker or to deliver fuel to the shore under hostile or emergency conditions. The system includes a barge containing a fluid swivel as well as a mooring buoy and buoy-holding chain. The barge can be towed to a desired location and pipes and hoses connected to the fluid swivel, and the barge then can be sunk to the seabed. Upon sinking, the barge is already connected to the seabed pipeline and to hoses that extend from the barge to the sea surface to connect to an offloading vessel, as well as being connected through a chain to a buoy floating at the sea surface which has a hawser for mooring the vessel. A vessel can be utilized to tow out the seabed pipeline, to facilitate installation of the pipeline as to enable connection of the pipeline to the fluid swivel on the barge prior to sinking the barge.