Abstract: The present invention provides an unmanned watercraft capable of sufficiently cooling equipment that generates a large amount of heat, capable of cooling such equipment without using energy in the watercraft, and capable of improving mean time between failures (MTBF) of a cooling device. An unmanned watercraft 1 has a cooling structure CS for cooling a central processing unit CPU1 for image recognition and a central processing unit CPU2 for control that constitute a central processing unit CPU as a heat-generating body. The cooling structure CS includes a waterproof container 7 that accommodates the heat-generating body (an insulating envelope that surrounds the heat-generating body in an electrically insulated state). The waterproof container 7 is arranged outside a submerged part 3 of the unmanned watercraft 1 so as to be in contact with water present outside the unmanned watercraft 1, the submerged part 3 being submerged in water.

Abstract: A method for establishing a situational awareness of a surface of a body of water is disclosed. In various embodiments, the method includes deploying a plurality of autonomous buoys under or on the surface of the body of water; and scattering the plurality of autonomous buoys to form a mesh communication network.

Abstract: A pump assembly includes an electric motor including a rotor having a shaft extending from the electric motor, the shaft including a substantially single unit of material and having an end rotationally couplable to an impeller that when the shaft is rotatably displaced by the electric motor, the impeller displaces a fluid to create a jet of fluid. An enclosure having a cavity arranged between a front surface and a back surface of the enclosure, and the electric motor being arrangeable in the cavity of the enclosure. The enclosure protecting the electric motor arranged in the enclosure from a fluid, and a dielectric fluid is containable in the cavity of the enclosure to immerse the electric motor in the dielectric fluid for preventing corrosion of the electric motor from the fluid.

Abstract: A jet pump includes a propulsion system including an impeller coupled to a rotatable shaft configured to receive torque from an engine and an exhaust system including an exhaust flow path configured to direct exhaust from the engine to an exterior of the watercraft, wherein the exhaust system is integrated with the propulsion system. In another embodiment, a jet pump includes a propulsion system including a water intake configured to take in water from a body of water, the water intake including an intake grate and an intake base, and an exhaust system including an exhaust flow path configured to direct exhaust from the engine to an exterior of the watercraft, wherein the intake base of the water intake is configured to be coupled to an exterior surface of a hull of the watercraft.

Abstract: A self-righting unmanned vehicle, comprising: a cavity 1, located at a first side of the hull of the unmanned vehicle; a sealed cavity 2, located at a second side of the hull of the unmanned vehicle and provided, in parallel to the cavity 1, in a head region of the hull; and a first propeller 3, provided in a tail intersection region of a normal waterline A with an inversion waterline B of the unmanned vehicle, and rotating in a reverse direction when the unmanned vehicle is in an overturned state. The self-righting unmanned vehicle improves the self-righting efficiency of the unmanned vehicle.

Abstract: A submersible node and a method and system for using the node to acquire data, including seismic data is disclosed. The node incorporates a buoyancy system to provide propulsion for the node between respective landed locations by varying the buoyancy between positive and negative. A first acoustic positioning system is used to facilitate positioning of a node when landing and a second acoustic positioning system is used to facilitate a node transiting between respective target landed locations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a boat with at least one combustion engine positioned on or symmetrical with the vertical median plane of the boat and two engines provided symmetrical with respect to the vertical median plane, each including a propeller in a duct with: a central section on which the propeller is positioned, a rear section leading via a rear opening onto the transom of the hull, a front section with a continuous curved profile, leading via a side opening to the outside wall of the hull, the side opening having a larger cross-section than the cross-section of the rear opening in order for the duct to include at least one converging nozzle, the front section being oriented so that the stream of water exiting from the side opening is directed towards the front and forms an angle of 20° to 60° with respect to the wall of the hull.

Abstract: In one aspect, a swim system may include a reverse thrust system worn by a swimmer proximate the frontal upper torso. The system provides a variable amount of reverse thrust such that the user can swim-in-place or make gradual forward progress. Importantly, this may enable a user to effectively “extend” a small residential pool to serve the same function as a twenty-five meter pool typically found at commercial or government facilities. The system also provides laminar current under the user while swimming, which solves the problems of “leg drop,” the need to “out-kick” the arm stroke, and turbulence and wave action around the head associated with conventional swim-in-place devices. Still further, in certain embodiments the system provides a relatively strong current in the region of the arm stroke moving away from the swimmer which provides enhanced “resistance” for proficient swimmers.

Abstract: A debris protective fitting for a jet inlet of a outboard jet motor with stationary grill bars across the jet intake in front and rear slots with empty front slots provided between the stationary grill bars. Movable grill bars are supported across the jet intake in the empty front slots and a heel plate. The heel plate cups a rear of the jet intake and includes a center mounted stud for attachment of a push-pull cable for rotating the movable grill bars into alignment with the stationary grill bars forming a screen across the jet intake opening. As the movable grill bars are rotated away from the jet intake opening, the spacing between the bars in the screen is doubled causing rocks and other debris to be dislodged and fall out. Cleaning of the screen is thus accomplished without stopping the outboard jet motor or getting out of the jet boat.

Abstract: Networkable digital life jackets and associated methods are disclosed. An example life jacket includes a state manager and a swarm manager. The state manager is configured to selectively operate the life jacket in one of multiple operational states of the life jacket based on data obtained from one or more sensors of the life jacket. The swarm manager is configured to form a swarm network including the life jacket and one or more other life jackets.

Abstract: A jet pump includes a propulsion system including an impeller coupled to a rotatable shaft configured to receive torque from an engine and an exhaust system including an exhaust flow path configured to direct exhaust from the engine to an exterior of the watercraft, wherein the exhaust system is integrated with the propulsion system. In another embodiment, a jet pump includes a propulsion system including a water intake configured to take in water from a body of water, the water intake including an intake grate and an intake base, and an exhaust system including an exhaust flow path configured to direct exhaust from the engine to an exterior of the watercraft, wherein the intake base of the water intake is configured to be coupled to an exterior surface of a hull of the watercraft.

Abstract: In one aspect, a swim system may include a reverse thrust system worn by a swimmer proximate the frontal upper torso. The system provides a variable amount of reverse thrust such that the user can swim-in-place or make gradual forward progress. Importantly, this may enable a user to effectively “extend” a small residential pool to serve the same function as a twenty-five meter pool typically found at commercial or government facilities. The system also provides laminar current under the user while swimming, which solves the problems of “leg drop,” the need to “out-kick” the arm stroke, and turbulence and wave action around the head associated with conventional swim-in-place devices. Still further, in certain embodiments the system provides a relatively strong current in the region of the arm stroke moving away from the swimmer which provides enhanced “resistance” for proficient swimmers.

Abstract: A propulsion device, including a platform arranged to seat a passenger; a thrust assembly coupled to the platform, the thrust assembly including at least two nozzles configured to discharge a pressurized fluid therefrom that are movable with respect to the platform; a plurality of actuators, wherein each actuator is coupled to one of the at least two nozzles, wherein each actuator is configured to adjust an angular orientation of its respective nozzle with respect to the platform; a first sensor coupled to the platform to measure at least one of a pitch and roll of the platform; and a controller in communication with the first sensor and the plurality of actuators, wherein the controller is configured to adjust an operation of the actuators based at least in part on information from the first sensor to modify an angular orientation of the at least two nozzles.

Abstract: There is provided a hull assembly for reducing water resistance on a ship hull and improving the maneuverability on said ship. The hull assembly is mountable on a pre-existing ship hull having a bow, and a stern. The hull assembly comprises a propeller chamber for enclosing at least one propeller positioned proximate the stern of the ship hull, and a plurality of ducts attachable to an outer surface of the ship hull. The ducts extend in a longitudinal direction from a front part of the bow to the propeller chamber. The ducts have a plurality of bow openings along the bow for the water to flow directly toward the rear part of the stern, each of the ducts comprising at least one stern opening near the propeller chamber. The propeller chamber comprises two opposed chamber sides; at least one chamber opening on each of the two opposed chamber sides; and a rear opening for each of the at least one propeller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a waterjet propulsion system (1) for a watercraft, comprising an intake region (2), an impeller region (3) which adjoins the intake region and in which a one-stage impeller (4) is mounted, and an outlet nozzle (5) which adjoins the impeller region, the waterjet propulsion system having a drive motor (6) which is at least indirectly connected to an impeller driveshaft (7) of the impeller (4). According to the invention, the impeller has only one single blade (8).

Abstract: A self-propelling watercraft system is provided. The watercraft has a base with a plurality of sidewalls extending from the base to form a cockpit. The base also has a recess, where a pump can detachably connect to the hull within the recess. The pump has an intake valve on a first end and a nozzle on a second end that is opposite the first end. The intake valve can intake water. The nozzle can jettison water received in the pump from the intake valve and agitate water surrounding the nozzle.

Abstract: A survival craft comprises a hull (10) formed from inflatable members (12, 13) and mounting a powered propulsion system (18, 19) for the survival craft. A superstructure (11) is mounted on the hull and formed from inflatable members (25, 26, 29a-29i) and a flexible roof (28) supported by the inflatable members (25, 26, 29a-29i). The superstructure provides the hull (10) with increased longitudinal rigidity that reduces the tendency of the hull (10) to bow longitudinally when the propulsion system (18, 19) is operating. The survival craft forms part of a marine escape system with the survival craft deflated and packed in a container including an inflation system for the survival craft. The system has a deployment system for mounting on a marine structure and carrying the container with the deployment system transferring the container from the structure to the water where the inflation system inflates the survival craft for access by persons.

Abstract: A module for housing electronic and electromechanical equipment and for managing waste heat during surgery. The module including a lower section including a bulbous portion and a tower-like upper section located on top of the lower section. The bulbous portion can be configured to be positioned under an arm overhang of a surgical table. A water-resistant cowling can enclose at least a portion of the lower section and the tower-like upper section. An air inlet vent can be provided in the cowling of the lower section to allow air to enter and cool the electronic and electromechanical equipment housed in the lower section. The tower-like upper section can serve as a chimney allowing a convection current of waste heat to rise within the tower-like upper section and be discharged from outlet vents located near the top of the tower-like upper section.

Abstract: A jet pump includes a propulsion system including an impeller coupled to a rotatable shaft configured to receive torque from an engine and an exhaust system including an exhaust flow path configured to direct exhaust from the engine to an exterior of the watercraft, wherein the exhaust system is integrated with the propulsion system. In another embodiment, a jet pump includes a propulsion system including a water intake configured to take in water from a body of water, the water intake including an intake grate and an intake base, and an exhaust system including an exhaust flow path configured to direct exhaust from the engine to an exterior of the watercraft, wherein the intake base of the water intake is configured to be coupled to an exterior surface of a hull of the watercraft.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine with deactivating and non-deactivating valves are presented. A common engine block and cylinder head may be used in two different vehicles where a first of the two different vehicles includes valves of selected cylinders that are always active when the first of the two different vehicles is operating. The second of the two different vehicles includes valves of selected cylinders that are always active when the second of the two different vehicles is operating, the valves of the selected cylinders of the second vehicle different from the valves of the selected cylinders of the first vehicle.

Abstract: A device for redirecting a portion of the reverse flow of a jet stream created by a watercraft to provide a lateral thrust. The main body of device is fixed to the watercraft and includes a channel disposed therein. The channel has a curve that is defined by an outer wall. The channel fluidly connects an inlet to an outlet. The reverse flow enters inlet in a downward and backward direction with respect to main body. The inlet and the channel of main body bend the reverse flow such that when the reverse flow exits the outlet the reverse flow is primarily lateral.

Abstract: A marine vessel having a hull with a pair of opposite sides disposed at an angle with respect to one another, the opposite sides also disposed at an angle with respect to a water surface. A marine propulsion system is operatively coupled to the hull and includes a pair of impellers associated respectively with the pair of hull sides that rotate within respective impeller planes disposed generally parallel to the hull sides to convey water from at least one inlet though at least one outlet to provide thrust to the vessel. The marine propulsion system may also be contained within an outboard unit mounted to a transom of the vessel.

Abstract: A ship screw, pump screw or turbine screw for use under water or another liquid, comprising a front side and a rear side, wherein water or another liquid is forced from the front side to the rear side in use, and comprising a hub and at least two blades extending from said hub, wherein the blades are substantially helical/spiral shaped, their effective surface area increasing from the front side toward the rear side.

Abstract: A watercraft propulsion system is disclosed for an amphibious vessels. The watercraft propulsion system includes a waterjet on each side of the vessel which consist mainly of an impeller, inlet assembly, and stator assembly. The waterjets resists vibrational fatigue and failure through specialized welding between the struts and the inside of the conduit of the inlet assembly. The waterjets can be retrofitted to existing drive shafts to meet the performance requirements of differing amphibious and other marine vessels and to accommodate space limitations. The waterjets are easily installed and removed.

Abstract: A personal watercraft body comprises a recess configured to receive similarly shaped cassettes. A first cassette may be motorized to propel the body relative to a body of water. A second cassette may be non-motorized and may include a storage space therein for storing personal items. An insert may be disposed between the cassettes and the recess to orient and fit the cassettes within the body.

Abstract: An actuation system to control clearance in a turbomachine including a shaft bearing including at least one axially displaceable thrust bearing. The axially displaceable thrust bearing configured to axially displace a rotating component relative to a stationary component to control the clearance therebetween. The system further including a plurality of actuators coupled to the at least one axially displaceable thrust bearing and configured to actuate the at least one axially displaceable thrust bearing to control the clearance. The plurality of actuators is configured to deactivate a diametrically opposed actuator in the event of an actuator failure to maintain zero moment. In a topography network, each diametrically opposed actuator pair is coupled to a single control line. In an alternate topography network, alternating actuators are coupled to a single control line. In addition, a method of actuating a thrust bearing to control clearance in a turbomachine is disclosed.

Abstract: A technique facilitates use of a seismic source when deployed in-sea via a vessel. Shock levels acting on the vessel (or other body) due to firing of a seismic source and/or the separation distance of the seismic source from the vessel may be monitored during firing of the seismic source. The data is relayed to a control system which may be used to adjust operation of the seismic source when the shock levels acting on the vessel and/or the separation distance between the vessel and the seismic source cross a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A personal propulsion device for use with a pressurized fluid source having a throttle, the personal propulsion device including a passenger assembly; one or more fluid discharge ports coupled to the passenger assembly and operable to elevate the passenger assembly and a passenger into the air; a fluid delivery conduit in fluid communication with the one or more fluid discharge ports; a first inductance coil coupled to the fluid delivery conduit; a second inductance coil coupled to the fluid delivery conduit and rotatable with respect to the first inductance coil; and a throttle controller coupled to the passenger assembly, where the throttle controller is configured to transmit a signal across the first and second inductance coils to the pressurized fluid source.

Abstract: Device for maneuvering and propulsion of a cleaning apparatus for removal of marine fouling from marine installations below surface. The device at least includes an induction part adapted to supply a fluid at high pressure, a nozzle with an inlet for supply of the fluid at high pressure, and a tubular body with an induction side and an outlet where said nozzle is arranged close to the induction side. The device also includes a system for cleaning of marine installations where one or more devices for maneuvering and propulsion are used.

Abstract: A watercraft, including; a mid section (2) and two side sections (3,4), whereby the mid section (2) has a seat (5) for a passenger and whereby the watercraft (1) has a steering mechanism. The watercraft (1) includes a front part (2) and a rear part, relative to a direction of travel of the watercraft (7), that are coupled together by means of a hinged coupling (8). The front part (2) of the watercraft (1) includes the mid section (2) of the watercraft (1), and the rear part (7) of the watercraft (1) includes the two side sections (3,4). The hinged coupling (8) forms part of the steering mechanism, such that as a result of a rotation of the front part (2) with respect to the rear part (7) of the watercraft (1) around the hinged coupling (8), the direction of travel of the watercraft (1) is changed.

Abstract: A jet boat including a hull including a keel extending in a fore and aft direction of the jet boat, at least one jet propulsion nozzle mounted to a rear of the hull, and an articulating keel attached at the rear of the hull, the articulating keel arranged to pivot about a pivot axis extending vertically or substantially vertically. A bottom surface of the articulating keel does not extend below a bottom surface of the keel when the articulating keel is parallel or substantially parallel to the fore and aft direction of the jet boat.

Abstract: This invention relates to an amphibious vehicle and especially to an amphibious vehicle having twin internal combustion engines propelling the vehicle in water with a pair of water jet drives and propelling the vehicle on land with one of the same engines having an electric generator powering a pair of electric motors each coupled to a track assembly. Each electric motor and each air brakes are controlled separately to steer and brake the track assemblies.

Abstract: A passively stable personal hydrofoil watercraft that has a floation device, wherein a user can ride in a prone, kneeling, or standing position. The watercraft includes a strut having an upper end interconnected with the flotation device and lower end connected with a hydrofoil. The hydrofoil greatly reduces the power required to travel at higher speed. The watercraft also includes a propulsion system connected to the hydrofoil. Both longitudinal and directional control of the watercraft is via weight shift, eliminating the need of any movable surfaces. The floation device, strut, and hydrofoil may be permanently interconnected or may be detachable.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a self-propelled personal water craft including a parabolic hull. The hull has a bow, mid-section and stern. The mid-section has substantially reduced diameter compared with the bow and stern section defining an hour-glass hull shape. The hull including an upper portion and a lower portion, a hollow space is created between the upper and lower portions and defines a central portion. The lower portion includes structure for manipulating water drag. Additionally, the craft includes a motor member for propelling the craft. In an exemplary embodiment, the motor member includes an axial flow jet pump.

Abstract: A watercraft, including; a mid section (2) and two side sections (3,4), whereby the mid section (2) has a seat (5) for a passenger and whereby the watercraft (1) has a steering mechanism. The watercraft (1) includes a front part (2) and a rear part, relative to a direction of travel of the watercraft (7), that are coupled together by means of a hinged coupling (8). The front part (2) of the watercraft (1) includes the mid section (2) of the watercraft (1), and the rear part (7) of the watercraft (1) includes the two side sections (3,4). The hinged coupling (8) forms part of the steering mechanism, such that as a result of a rotation of the front part (2) with respect to the rear part (7) of the watercraft (1) around the hinged coupling (8), the direction of travel of the watercraft (1) is changed.

Abstract: A high mass/low pressure liquid propulsion device which includes:—two counter-rotating impellers mounted inside a housing;—an inlet which in use allows inflow of liquid into the housing on a first side of said impellers; an outlet which in use allows outflow of liquid from the housing on a second side of said impellers opposite to said first side;—means for driving said impellers;—wherein the improvement comprises the provision of means for reversing the drive to said impellers, such that the direction of flow of liquid through the device is reversed and liquid enters the device through said outlet, passes through said impellers, and leaves the device through said inlet.

Abstract: A propulsion system may include a cylindrical support member and a tubular rotatable member rotatably mounted within the support member that may be adapted to permit fluid flow therethrough. The tubular rotatable member may extend past a down stream end of the support member. An exemplary embodiment of a propulsion system may also disclose a vane attached on an interior surface of the tubular member and may include a blade which extends in a direction toward a rotational axis of the rotatable member such that rotation of the tubular member and the vane attached thereon draws fluid into the tubular member to accelerate the fluid flow through the tubular member. Additionally, a nozzle may be attached to the down stream end of the support member and include a primary nozzle and a secondary nozzle within the primary nozzle. The secondary nozzle may be engaged with the primary nozzle by a stator.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a waterjet propulsor. The propulsor includes a structure covering an impeller shaft. The implementation of the elongated structure results in reduced drag, increased thrust and increased craft speed. The elongated structure may be a sleeve that is mounted in a free-floating arrangement over the impeller shaft that self-aligns, the sleeve having an airfoil cross section for optimizing the flow of water over the shaft. The elongated structure may also be a fixed housing arrangement that includes an airfoil cross section for optimizing the flow of water over the shaft.

Abstract: A catamaran vessel with hybrid propulsion engines for driving propeller propulsors and pump-jet propulsors. The vessel includes two side hulls and a mobile platform that can be moved between upper and lower positions relative to the side hulls to accommodate navigation conditions. The engines are selectively coupled to the propeller propulsors, the pump jet propulsors, and control mechanisms changing the position of the mobile platform-between the upper and lower positions.

Abstract: A marine vessel includes a hull, a jet pump disposed outside the hull, and an electric motor arranged to drive the jet pump. The jet pump includes a water inlet, a jet nozzle disposed posterior to the water inlet, and a flow path connecting the water inlet and the jet nozzle, and is arranged to jet water, taken in through the water inlet, through the jet nozzle. The electric motor is disposed between the hull and the jet pump.

Abstract: A water craft comprising: an elongated hull comprising a passageway having an inlet and an outlet; a pump jet disposed within said passageway intermediate said inlet and said outlet; said pump jet being configured to receive water entering said passageway through said inlet and pump said water out of said outlet, whereby to propel said hull through water; a plurality of nozzles disposed on the outer surface of said hull, aft of said inlet, wherein said plurality of nozzles are configured to release a friction-reducing fluid, whereby the friction-reducing fluid displaces water from the surface of said hull so as to diminish friction on the outer surface of said hull and facilitate high speeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swimming aid apparatus worn on the body. The swimming aid apparatus worn on the body according to the present invention is worn by the user to provide propulsive force so that the user can enjoy swimming. Also, a water jet propeller may be used and stably operated without breaking down or being damaged by underwater living organisms or foreign substances. The swimming aid apparatus worn on the body according to the present invention includes: a body frame worn on the user's body; a water jet propeller fixed to the body frame to spray water, thereby generating propulsive force; a battery connected to the water jet propeller to supply power; and a controller controlling the operation of the water jet propeller.

Abstract: A water jet propulsion watercraft includes a hull having a sealed engine room, an engine installed in the engine room, a jet propulsion unit arranged to be driven by the engine so as to suck in water from around the hull and jet the water, a saddle type seat disposed above the engine room, a first exhaust pipe, an exhaust pipe cooling unit, and a catalyst unit. The first exhaust pipe is attached to a side of the engine inside the engine room, extends rearward from the side of the engine, and is arranged to guide exhaust gas discharged from the engine. The exhaust pipe cooling unit is arranged to cool the first exhaust pipe. The catalyst unit is connected to the first exhaust pipe, is disposed inside the engine room so as to oppose a rear surface of the engine, and is arranged to promote reaction of components contained in the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A diving services multihull vessel with a starboard pontoon and a port pontoon, with dive support stations built into the bow and stern, a port independently operable water jet drive operated by a port diesel engine; a starboard independently operable water jet drive operated by a starboard diesel engine; a dive compressor, a water jetting unit, a hydraulic power unit, a decompression chamber, a generator; a fuel tank, an onboard dive server for tracking divers and monitoring dive operations and presenting the information on the display as well as for tracking sensor signals including diver depth, elapsed time of dive, ambient water temperature around a diver, video and/or audio feed from a diver and presenting on a display, as well as transmitting via a network to a location remote to the vessel, wherein the vessel further includes a helm control connected to a navigation control and the jet drives.

Abstract: This invention relates to an amphibious vehicle and especially to an amphibious vehicle having twin internal combustion engines propelling the vehicle in water with a pair of water jet drives and propelling the vehicle on land with one of the same engines having an automatic transmission controlling a pair of track assemblies with a pair of planetary gears, clutches and disc brakes.

Abstract: A watercraft has an elongate hull having an arcuately shaped bow and a propulsion system including a flow generator coupled thereto. A shroud extends below a forward portion of the hull, and in combination with said hull defines a conduit therethrough with the flow generator positioned in the conduit. The arcuately shaped bow and the conduit in combination at least partially form a funnel shaped forward-to-aft fluid path for water flow induced by the flow generator. The flow generator in operation produces a forward thrust vector and a Bernoulli thrust vector created by the forward-to-aft fluid flow of water flow along the partial funnel shaped forward-to-aft fluid path.

Abstract: A system for recapturing energy from a ship moving through the water utilizes a hydraulic turbine positioned within the ship's hull. Water pushed up from the bow of the ship is fed into a water conducting tube and used to drive the turbine. The turbine may produce electricity for powering on-board systems or may be used to augment the main propulsion system, thereby reducing energy costs for ship operations.

Abstract: An underwater vehicle includes a fore-body and a flexible aft. The flexible aft includes a flexible body. The flexible body includes a spring body including a spring element extending along a main axis, and a cavity. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.

Abstract: A waterjet based propulsion system and method that utilizes more than one waterjet outlet port and controls the selective application of power to the waterjets with a splitter gearbox thereby improving the efficiency of the marine craft at low and high speeds.

Abstract: A small planing boat includes a multi-cylinder engine, and a propulsion unit driven by the engine for propelling a hull by drawing up and jetting out water. The engine can be configured to change the number of deactivated cylinders in a phased manner corresponding to an engine speed when the engine speed becomes a prescribed speed or more, and can include a memory for storing cylinder deactivation sequence schedules for determining sequences of cylinders that are deactivated and increasing the number of deactivated cylinders in a phased manner. An operation control device configured to deactivate the cylinders of the engine in a phased manner in accordance with the cylinder deactivation sequence schedules stored in the memory. The operation control device shifts the cylinder deactivation sequence schedules to be read out from the memory to another cylinder deactivation sequence schedule corresponding to an operational state of the engine.