Abstract: An escape system comprises a passage (1), a platform (3) and at least one craft (4), the platform (3) and the craft (4) being deployable from a structure (2) to water to facilitate evacuation of the structure via the passage. The passage is mounted to the platform such that the platform is urged towards the structure when deployed. The passage may be mounted to the platform such that movement of the passage relative to the platform is restricted in at least one direction. A plate (64) may support the passage, platform and/or craft during deployment, and/or stabilises the passage, platform and/or craft after deployment in the water.

Abstract: A life raft system including a life raft assembly including a mounting bracket having a base and an awning, an upper lateral support having a latching mechanism and deployment cable, a lower lateral support comprising a hinge-member, a self-inflatable raft having a housing, an inflator, an inflator cable, and a raft securing cable, and a cover chute. The life raft system is a residential and commercial life saving device for urban and rural area homes as well as commercial building structures that could be at risk to rising flood waters. The device may be mounted to a structure such as a home or building as a precaution. The device provides a family or group of people with the ability to flee to higher ground when disaster occurs, preventing loss of life and offering a safe exit from an affected area.

Abstract: There is disclosed a retrieval system for retrieving a vessel from water to a deck of a recovery vessel, comprising: a lifting device mounted on the deck of the recovery vessel, the device comprising a substantially vertically extending structure and a lifting hook mounted to said substantially vertically extending structure so as to be raised and lowered therefrom by way of a first winch; a connection lead having a free end configured to detachably connect to a connection link of the vessel to be retrieved from the water an opposing end of the connection lead being located on the recovery vessel; a capture member mounted with respect to the lifting hook to capture the connection link of the vessel when the free end of the connection lead is raised towards the lifting hook; and a control member mounted with respect to the lifting hook of the lifting device and configured to receive at least a portion of the connection lead so as to direct the connection link to the capture member to be captured thereby as the

Abstract: The method of supporting and lowering a subsea package load on an umbilical from the deck of an offshore service vessel to a subsea work location including providing a reel to store the umbilical on the deck which is not capable of sustaining the maximum load, providing a supporting tractor with dual chains which have multiple dogs mounted on skewed surfaces which amplify a spring load support against the umbilical for frictional support of the umbilical and therefore the subsea package.

Abstract: Provided in a system and a method for guiding evacuation in a ship are: a personal distribution information obtaining unit configured to obtain, based on information from cameras provided in the ship, passenger position information in predetermined areas in the ship; an evacuation route calculating unit configured to formulate, based on the passenger position information from the personal distribution information obtaining unit and passage passability information set from event information of evacuation, evacuation routes; an evacuation information managing unit configured to share information with the personal distribution information obtaining unit and the evacuation route calculating unit, and output the evacuation routes formulated by the evacuation route calculating unit; and an evacuation guiding unit configured to modify, based on the evacuation routes output by the evacuation information managing unit, evacuation guidance display provided in passages in the ship.

Abstract: A support arrangement for supporting a dinghy on a carrier boat. The support arrangement has a base structure for attachment to the carrier boat and two carrying members for receiving a dinghy having two rear conical pontoon ends pointing in the same direction. The two carrying members are rotatably arranged with respect to the base structure along the longitudinal axis of the base structure such that the dinghy can be moved between a substantially horizontal orientation and an upright orientation with the conical pontoon ends received in the respective carrying member.

Abstract: The present application provides a launching arrangement for a lifeboat from an offshore installation. The launching arrangement may include a garage for the lifeboat, a gate of the garage that can be opened by gravity, wherein the lifeboat can be launched either as a free fall lifeboat or by a fall of a lifeboat winch in case of an emergency situation and while a power supply is off, and wherein the garage is equipped with the gate with a wire rope winch, a lower hydraulic cylinder, and an upper hydraulic cylinder; and the gate of the garage opens by gravity by simultaneous operation of a wire rope winch of the gate and the lower hydraulic cylinder and the upper hydraulic cylinder, both hydraulic cylinders working as a closed hydraulic system; and the lower hydraulic cylinder and the upper hydraulic cylinder including piston rods.

Abstract: A cantilevered canopy structure includes at least one vertical support having a first and second upper support joint. The structure further includes at least one first and second horizontal support. The first horizontal support is affixed to the vertical supports at the first upper support joint. The second horizontal support is affixed to the vertical supports at the second upper support joint. The structure further includes cantilever supports. The cantilever support is affixed to the first and second horizontal supports. The structure further includes at least one horizontal frame member. The horizontal frame member is affixed to the cantilever supports at a cantilever frame joint. The first upper support joint is located higher than the second upper support joint. The first upper support joint and second upper support joints are distal, in opposing directions, from the vertical support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an evacuation system for a vessel or offshore facility, comprising a storage unit having a length, a width and a height defining a volume of the storage unit, the storage unit in a storage situation being adapted to house one or more self-propelling, inflatable floatable units, the inflatable floatable units each having a capacity of more than 150 persons, and a deployment arrangement having a displacement device, wherein a maximum height of the storage unit is 2.7 meters, and the displacement device is adapted to displace the one or more self-propelling, inflatable floatable units in a substantially horizontal and linear direction out of the storage unit below the maximum height and subsequently lower the one or more self-propelling, inflatable floatable units into the water in a substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: A paddle board rack is provided and which is designed to be secured to one side of a dock which extends outwardly into a body of water. The paddle board rack of this invention includes a vertically disposed mounting frame which is secured to one side of the dock. A lift frame is selectively vertically adjustably secured to the mounting frame. The lift frame includes a pair of lift arms which extend outwardly from the lower end of the lift frame. The lift arms are selectively movable from a first horizontally extending paddle board loading/unloading position to a substantially vertically disposed paddle board storage or rack position whereby the paddle board is positioned between the lift arms and the lift frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides an emergency evacuation apparatus comprises: an annular floating body (1) having a hollow chamber of watertight construction, a midsection thereof having a circular or oval cross-section; a support (2) on which the annular floating body is placed; and guiding member (3) for passing through a central space in the annular floating body so that there is play therebetween and vertically guiding the annular floating body, the guiding member being secured to the support, whereby the floating body capable of accommodating people and possessions floats during a flood or tsunami, and the floating body can return to an original installation location when the flood or tsunami ends.

Abstract: A davit lift for small boats can be pivotally coupled to a rearwardly projecting horizontal surface of a boat. The davit lift includes a cradle formed of multiple tubular members arranged to support a small boat. Apertures formed in one end of the tubular members are alignable with apertures in a pair of mounting brackets affixable to a boat to receive lock pins. Selective engagement and disengagement of the lock pins allows the cradle to be pivoted from its deployed position, an upright storage position and a forward inclined transport position.

Abstract: A boat hoist apparatus for accessible manipulation of toggle switches of a boat hoist control. The boat hoist is comprised of a boat hoist control box, a winch, winch cables, and a boat cradle. The boat hoist switch handle is comprised of a vertical rotatable control shaft mounted on upper and lower bearing brackets, a switch control lever, middle and lower horizontal handles attached to the control shaft, a pivoting. connection link between the switch control lever and the first hoist switch, and a pivoting connection link between the first hoist switch and the second hoist switch. Rotation of the control shaft by means of the lower or middle horizontal handle will pivot the switch control lever in the same direction and simultaneously turn the first and second hoist toggle switches by weans of the pivoting links, actuating the boat hoist control box to raise or lower a boat.

Abstract: The invention comprises a tender pick up (1) having the appropriately formed retainer (4) hinged on a chock (2). The retainer (4) is manually or by means of cylinder (5) and spring (6) preloaded and slip-free, and clamps a tender (22) with docking mean (29). If necessary, the use of sensors (30) register the exact position, before the appropriate functions are activated by the controller (19). Is a drop down stair (8) or a platform (80) or a deck (51) fixed onto the transom (20) of the watercraft, then by using the swiveling arms (7) the tender (22) is tilted out when lowering or extended by a sledge (81). The weight of the platform (80) or stair (8) and the tender pick up (1) can be compensated by means of the static lifting force of the lifting body (14). To bring up the platform (80) or stair (8) safely, a gas spring (37) can be used as a supportive measure.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for off-load and on-load unhooking simulation of the release device of a closed lifeboat includes two main mechanisms, two hydraulic jacks, two suspension ring bases, a pressure distribution module, a manual hydraulic pump and an air pressure buffer combined together. The testing apparatus of this invention can carry out drill of simulating off-load and on-load unhooking state of the release device of a lifeboat under circumstances of no risk, able to ensure safety of the operators during drill.

Abstract: A marine evacuation system includes an escape vessel, a conduit adapted to connect the escape vessel to a facility, such as a ship or an offshore platform, and a platform engaged with the escape vessel and the conduit, the platform being removable from the escape vessel to enable movement of the escape vessel away from the platform. The conduit can enable direct passage of personnel from the facility to the escape vessel, while the platform and conduit can be configured to engage a stabilization system while permitting vertical movement of the platform and escape vessel caused by wave motion. The platform can optionally include movable portions that allow rotation or other horizontal movement of the escape vessel relative to the platform, such as movement caused by severe weather.

Abstract: A coupling for coupling a fall (26) to a lifeboat (1) comprising locking portions and a receiving portion constituting a hollow (10) having a open end and an upwardly facing aperture (15). The locking portion (25), hollow (10) and aperture (15) having a form preventing the locking portion (25) from passing through the aperture (15). The coupling further comprises actuators (30, 35, 39) controlled by a controller (40). A string (27) may be provided for easy retrieval of the locking portions upon the retrieval of the lifeboat (1).

Abstract: Installation vessels and methods for offshore wind turbine installation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cantilever mast is used to transfer of wind turbine components from an installation vessel to an offshore installation site and guide the transfer to prevent undesired swinging movements of the wind turbine components. In another embodiment, a main crane is used in cooperation with a guide arm to transfer and guide wind turbine components from an installation vessel to an offshore installation site.

Abstract: There is provided launch apparatus (14) comprising at least one moveable arm (18) mountable on a water vehicle, wherein the moveable arm (18) carries a carriage means (20, 20?) moveable between a first position in which the carriage means (20, 20?) is capable of holding a personal watercraft (12), and a second position in which it forms a flat surface. The carriage means (20, 20?) is pivotally moveable relative to the arm (18) and comprises at least one pair of pivotal members (28) which in the first position form a substantially v-shaped guide or channel for receiving a personal watercraft. The angle between the pivotal members (28) is adjustable to accommodate different shaped personal watercraft.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a vessel with a double pontoon arrangement joined together with a central bridge creating an offset “H” arrangement. The bridge spans the pontoons and includes a gantry structure on top of which sits a lifting system. Articulated tugs provide accommodation, propulsion, and power to the main part of the installation vessel. Additional lifting devices can be installed within the gantry to provide further lifting capability. At least two stabilizing legs are provided along each pontoon. Once set up onsite, the stabilizing legs can be deployed to the seabed to lift the installation vessel up a short distance to apply load stability during lifting operations. Seabed piles, mast elements, and turbine elements are delivered by barges that are temporarily moored between the pontoons for offloading and installation. Empty barges are relocated, and successive barges bring remaining elements for offloading and installation to complete the wind turbine installation.

Abstract: The rescue device for the passengers and crew of a ship includes: a container that contains survival equipment; a system that is intended for stowing said container relative to the deck of the ship and contains at least one strap and a system for multimodally attaching and releasing said container; an airbag-type inflatable balloon set up between a structure, secured to the deck, and said container, said structure defining a passage for the passengers when needed; and a means for releasing the airbag set up on the wheelhouse of said ship. The frame-shaped structure is formed of: two side posts; a lower cradle, on which said container rests; an upper crosspiece; and a plate set up inside the ship and acting as a counterbearing for the airbag when said container is ejected.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device of an evacuation system, in particular a foldable evacuation means which is arranged to be lowered from a parked folded up position on the vessel to be evacuated to stretched out position on a rescue device, the bottom section of which including a weight device to keep the evacuation means sufficient extended in use position, an including a set of one or more cables/wires connected to a winch arrangement for lowering and lifting the evacuation means. The evacuation device is characterized in that the weight device is arranged to be positioned on the rescue device, and the system includes means to compensate for varying distances between the vessel to be evacuated and the rescue vessel.

Abstract: A submarine (1) has an assembly (3) for deploying a life raft (5), the assembly (3) being located in a well (7) formed outside the submarine's pressure hull (11). The assembly includes a pressure vessel (4) for storing the life raft (5) in a pressurized state. To deploy underwater, a lid (71) covering an opening to the well (7) is released to permit the assembly (3), which is buoyant, to ascend towards the water surface. A sensor (43) determines proximity to the water surface, whereby a pneumatic ram (42) in the pressure vessel is activated to eject the life raft (5) from the pressure vessel (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for a watercraft for picking up and launching boats. The device comprises an extension arm that is coupled in such a manner that it can swing freely on the watercraft, that extends at an acute angle in relation to the surface of the water and floats in water by means of floats. The extension arm comprises guide tracks for a boat retrieving device that is maintained on the extension arm in a longitudinally displaceable manner. The boat retrieving device comprises a holding head that is articulated in a displaceable manner on a running part guided on the guide rails, about an axis that is horizontal and approximately transversal in relation to the extension arm. The running part is connected to the drive means for longitudinally displacing the boat retrieving device. The holding head comprises at least one adjusting means that acts upon its adjusting movement about the horizontal axis.

Abstract: A life raft canister is launched from a below deck doorway. A launcher is activated and pneumatically opens a below deck door, exposing the doorway. The same inflation tank inflates an elongated bladder that forces the life boat canister out of the doorway. The canister drops to the sea where the life boat is deployed from the canister. The life raft auto-inflates. As a result, a life raft is deployed from below-deck.

Abstract: A submarine (1) has an assembly (3) for deploying a life raft (5), the assembly (3) being located in a well (7) formed outside the submarine's pressure hull (11). The assembly includes a pressure vessel (4) for storing the life raft (5) in a pressurized state. To deploy underwater, a lid (71) covering an opening to the well (7) is released to permit the assembly (3), which is buoyant, to ascend towards the water surface. A sensor (43) determines proximity to the water surface, whereby a pneumatic ram (42) in the pressure vessel is activated to eject the life raft (5) from the pressure vessel (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for launching into the water, from a height H greater than a predetermined height hmax, a life-saving object designed to be able to be launched into the water in free fall from this maximum height hmax. One end of a halyard is fixedly hooked to the life-saving object or to the launch site; the halyard functionally cooperates respectively with the launch site or the life-saving object so that the life-saving object falling by gravity is braked on and/or by the halyard over at least one part (H-hmax) of its drop height. By controlling the braking effect, the life-saving object, falling from the height H in a braked manner over at least one part (H-hmax) of this height hits the surface of the water (5) with a kinetic energy not exceeding that which it would have at the end of a non-braked free fall from at most the height hmax.

Abstract: A cradle is shaped to accommodate the hull of a small boat such as dinghy, personal watercraft or other type of boat. A support is mounted to a deck such a boat, pier or cock deck. The cradle is pivotally mounted to the support and can be moved to a loading position in which the cradle is generally vertical, or inclined to horizontal, and an outer portion of the cradle is at the water adjacent to the deck. The small boat is moved upon the water against the cradle. A pair of lines extend from the support and are trained through an inner portion of the cradle. The free ends of the lines are attached to the boat, and the lines are drawn toward the support, for example with a hand wheel or hand winch. The boat is pulled toward the support while remaining in a generally horizontal orientation. The boat pivots the cradle from the loading position to a generally horizontal storage position on the deck where the boat and cradle are secured by the lines.

Abstract: A support assembly for loading and securing a tender including first and second subassemblies. The first assembly includes a winch assembly for positioning the tender on the support assembly and the second subassembly includes a releasable securing device. Both subassemblies include a series of pivotal shafts having rollers which help guide and support the tender into position.

Abstract: A device for a basket (20) for scooping up or rescuing objects lying in the sea is described, where the basket, in connection to a landing site, such as onboard a vessel (10), can be shifted from a parked position to a scooping up position adjoining the sea surface (11), and vice versa, and a drive gear is arranged to operate the basket via a mounting unit, to provide said position shift. The device is characterised in that the mounting unit is an extended body (30) which is fastened to the basket (20), and the shift between the positions occurs in that the body (30) is displaced axially, and for placing the basket (20) in the correct rescue position in relation to the object, the body (30) is subjected to a rotary movement about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Life raft (1) launched by davit (7) and comprising for this purpose hanging means (4, 5) able to be held in a hook (6) suspended from the davit (7), this raft (1) being fitted out with equipment comprising at least one load (102) that is heavy or heavier than the others, which raft is characterized in that the heavy or heavier load (102) is attached to the aforesaid raft hanging means (4, 5), as a result of which, when the raft is hoisted by the davit, the heavy load or at least the heaviest load remains suspended from the raft hanging means without touching the raft, and the raft, being much better balanced, occupies a more horizontal position.

Abstract: A parallelgram arrangement of linkages interconnect a stern ramp frame with a plurality of parallel rails vertically adjusted to positions above the ramp frame by actuators for reception and maintenance of a watercraft thereon with minimized vibration, further reduced by shock-absorbing springs positioned in engagement with the rails and the rail actuators. Rail positioning adjustment by the actuators is effected under computer control to match different hull shapes of the watercraft that are curved or v-shaped and therefore non-flat.

Abstract: A boat has a system for converting a utility space used for garaging a dinghy and formed under the cockpit of the boat into an additional living cabin when the dinghy is removed from the garage.

Abstract: The vessel includes a lifeboat, a housing positioned at the side of the vessel and defining a recess in which the lifeboat is stowed, hatch access to the lifeboat from a boat deck of the vessel, and an element for deploying the lifeboat from its stowed position.

Abstract: A control system to control the descent of a seafaring vessel, such as a lifeboat, into water is disclosed herein. The control system, and an accompanying method, control the descent speed of the seafaring vessel to minimise the possibility of setback after splashdown, and thus increase the probability of a safe and orderly launch.

Abstract: A vessel comprising a lifeboat, a housing positioned at the side of the vessel and defining a recess in which the lifeboat is stowed, hatch access to the lifeboat from a boat deck of the vessel, and means for deploying the lifeboat from its stowed position.

Abstract: There is disclosed at least one embodiment for a system for use in performing maintenance work on an unmanned offshore platform, comprising a sea-going support craft for transporting a maintenance crew to the platform for performing maintenance work on the platform, a power generator on the craft, and at least one operating device on the platform, where the platform has a line for supplying power from the power generator to the operating device.

Abstract: A boat lift for attachment to the aft transom of a larger boat for lifting and lowering smaller water craft, utilizes a single double acting hydraulic cylinder to move a truck horizontally within an enclosure. Cables fixed to the truck cause movement of vertically disposed connectors attached to a intermediate vertically moveable members which in turn include cables attached to vertically moveable support posts which carry water craft support arms.

Abstract: An evacuation refuge for a maritime unit. A rescue station includes at least one space operable to be completely closed from a surrounding environment for longterm occupation therein. A plurality of life boats are arranged within the rescue station for emergency exit. The life boats are operable to be occupied while inside the rescue station prior to deployment. An openable or removable structure is operable to permit deployment of the life boats arranged within the rescue station by removal of the occupied life boats from the rescue station. Breathing air processing devices are operable to maintain air within the evacuation refuge breathable.

Abstract: A method for bringing people in life boats in the sea aboard a support vessel, in which a rescue craft is launched from a ramp in the stern of the support vessel. The rescue craft carrying a rope from a winch in front of the ramp. The rope is attached to a life boat in the sea. The life boat is hauled onto the ramp by the winch and the life boat is emptied. A support vessel for launching and recovery of rescue crafts and life boats including a stern ramp for launching and entering of rescue crafts and life boats and a winch for hauling the rescue crafts and life boats onto the ramp.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for bringing people in life boats (1, 1′) in the sea (2) aboard a support vessel (3), in which a rescue craft (4) is launched from a ramp (5) in the stern (6) of the support vessel (3), the rescue craft (4) carrying a rope (7) from a winch (8) in front of the ramp (5), the rope (7) is attached to a life boat (1) in the sea (2), the life boat (1) is hauled onto the ramp (5) by the winch (8), and the life boat (1) is emptied.

Abstract: A dock, for launching and recovery of a lifeboat, rescue boat or like small boat on a vessel, a floating platform or a fixed installation. The boat (14) is normally stored on the dock. The dock is provided with buoyant elements (1) fixed to a frame (3). The boat (14) is supported in a cradle (2) within the frame (3). On launching and recovery of the boat (14), the dock is lowered to a floating position on the surface of the water. In order to fix the boat (14) to the dock, a locking device (9, 15) is provided. By modifying the configuration and size of the buoyant elements, the dock is given rolling and pitching periods which coincide as closely as possible with those of the boat (14). The dock and the boat (14) will thereby behave in approximately the same manner in the water, which makes it relatively simple to run the boat (14) into the dock even in a very heavy sea.

Abstract: There is provided an improved access and evacuation apparatus for an offshore platform, in which the apparatus comprises an articulated arm for rotatably mounting on an offshore platform. The arm comprises an inner part which has first and second ends and an outer part also having first and second ends. The first end of the inner part is adapted for rotatably mounting on the platform and the second end of the inner part is rotatably connected to the first end of the outer part. The arm is selectively moveable between an upper position in which the second end of the outer part is adjacent the platform, and a lower position in which the second end of the outer part is below the surface of the water and remote from the platform. There is also provided a winch and a cable operatively connecting the winch to the arm.

Abstract: A transom mounted tilting frame fold away swing boom skiff lift for launching, retrieving and stowage of a tender or skiff on a larger yacht comprised of a twin swing boom davit arrangement contained within a tilting frame wherein the swing booms pivot on a common hinge allowing them to swing apart providing for suspended attachment of a skiff in the upright position or swing together forming compact nested configuration that can be folded aside when not in use clearing the yacht transom area for unrestricted access. The swing boom arrangement being substantially contained and pivotally attached to a double leg frame structure Frame structure to have pivotal bases mounted to the transom or swim step of a yacht allowing the frame structure to be tilted out and away from the transom of the yacht or upright and adjacent to the transom of the yacht. A motor box constructed integral to the top section of the tilting frame houses a motorized cable drum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a support and rigging apparatus and a method of use for securing a small craft to a vessel afloat in a body of water. The apparatus has a plurality of support arms for supporting the small craft. The arms, each, provide a first arm portion which is attached to and extend rearwardly from the vessel, and a second arm portion which has a length that is less than half of the beam of the small craft, and is positioned adjacent to the water surface. A perpendicular connecting portion connects the first and second arm portions. The perpendicular connecting portion preferably extends upwardly from the second arm portion and slidably engages a coupling sleeve attached to the first arm portion, thereby allowing the position of the second arm portion to be adjusted.

Abstract: A lifting harness for hoisting a dinghy includes a hoisting ring having a top and a bottom. The ring has a portion at the top for fastening the ring to an overhead hoist. The ring also includes a horizontally extending strap-supporting slide bar for supporting a stern strap and a bow supporting member as a part of the ring for securing a bow strap to the ring. The stern strap extends over the slide bar and includes an opening at each end for surrounding the rear portion of the pontoon tube. The stern strap is adapted to slide to the left or to the right across the slide bar relative to the dinghy for balancing the dinghy. A bow strap is provided and includes an upper end that is connected to the bow support member. The bow strap extends downwardly from the ring and includes a means for connecting the bow strap to the bow of the dinghy.

Abstract: A system for deploying life rafts from ships, wherein the life rafts are of the inflatable type and where there are stocking-like bodies for transfer of personnel from the ship to at least one of the life rafts. The life rafts are arranged in groups which are loosely connected with a common bottom frame, and where each group includes a reception raft and several evacuation rafts detachably connected with the reception raft. The bottom frame is suspended from at least one winch wire arranged from a support frame which can be moved from a parked position inside the ship's side to an operative position outside the ship's side. When the support frame is in an operative position, the bottom frame can be lowered into the water by means of the winch. The winch wires pass through sliding guides in the bottom of the reception raft and sliding guides in a known per se rescue stocking which is stretched between the support frame and the reception raft.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful access and evacuation sytem for an offshore platform, the system comprising a rotating arm for mounting on the support structure of an offshore platform, the arm selectively moveable between an upper position in which an outer end of the arm is adjacent the platform, and a lower position in which the outer end of the arm is below water and remote from the platform; a pick-up adjacent the outer end of the arm for capturing and suspending a boat; a winch for selectively raising and lowering the arm; a boat; a suspension on the boat for mating with the pick-up; and shock absorbers on the suspension whereby to minimize shock to the boat when boat is being captured by the pick-up.

Abstract: A watercraft carrier is secured to a large watercraft having a transom. The carrier includes a mounting structure secured to the transom and a platform structure including a pair of laterally spaced platform units extending parallel to the transom and substantially in a horizontal plane above the water line of the large watercraft. The platform units each similarly include a support bar. A plurality of rollers are secured in longitudinally spaced relation along the bar. The rollers are formed of a resilient material or resiliently loaded to conform to the bottom of the personal watercraft. The personal watercraft has an inclined bow or front end and is self-propelled causing it to move upwardly out of the water onto the platform units in a highly safe and reliable procedure. Power is applied to the personal watercraft to move the hull upwardly on the entrance end and then the power is increased to cause the watercraft to move rapidly onto and in essence pop out of the water onto the platform units.

Abstract: A system for launching a lifeboat (11) from davits (12) on an offshore drilling platform (10) comprises a submerged buoyancy device (10) tethered to the bow of the lifeboat (11) by a cable (13) which passes between the buoyancy device and the lifeboat. The cable is retained by a release mechanism (14) attached to the platform just above the water line and extends upwardly from a guide fairlead (18) attached to the sea bed, between the latter and the lifeboat (11). In some cases the release mechanism (14) may be omitted or alternatively two release mechanisms may be provided above the water line.