Methods and apparatus for launch and recovery of a remote inspection device within a fluid storage tank. In one embodiment, the tank is accessed by opening an entrance hatch and then injecting a vapor suppression foam across a surface of a stored liquid mass to form a foam layer. A launching system having a remote inspection device is attached to the entrance hatch to define a launch and recovery space sealed from an external environment and isolated from the stored liquid mass in the tank via a valve and the foam layer. The launch and recovery space is purged of hazardous vapors by injection of an inert gas prior to launch and recovery of the remote inspection device. Prior to removal of the launching system, the surface of the stored liquid mass is re-coated with vapor suppression foam.

Methods and apparatus for launch and recovery of a remote inspection device within a fluid storage tank. In one embodiment, the tank is accessed by opening an entrance hatch and then injecting a vapor suppression foam across a surface of a stored liquid mass to form a foam layer. A launching system having a remote inspection device is attached to the entrance hatch to define a launch and recovery space sealed from an external environment and isolated from the stored liquid mass in the tank via a valve and the foam layer. The launch and recovery space is purged of hazardous vapors by injection of an inert gas prior to launch and recovery of the remote inspection device. Prior to removal of the launching system, the surface of the stored liquid mass is re-coated with vapor suppression foam.

Methods and apparatus for launch and recovery of a remote inspection device within a liquid storage tank are described herein. In one embodiment, the tank is accessed by opening an entrance hatch and then injecting a vapor suppression foam across a surface of a stored liquid mass to form a foam layer. A launching system having a remote inspection device is attached to the entrance hatch to define a launch and recovery space sealed from an external environment and isolated from the stored liquid mass in the tank via a valve and the foam layer. The launch and recovery space is purged of hazardous vapors by injection of an inert gas prior to launch and recovery of the remote inspection device. Prior to removal of the launching system, the surface of the stored liquid mass is re-coated with vapor suppression foam.

Methods and apparatus for launch and recovery of a remote inspection device within a liquid storage tank are described herein. In one embodiment, the tank is accessed by opening an entrance hatch and then injecting a vapor suppression foam across a surface of a stored liquid mass to form a foam layer. A launching system having a remote inspection device is attached to the entrance hatch to define a launch and recovery space sealed from an external environment and isolated from the stored liquid mass in the tank via a valve and the foam layer. The launch and recovery space is purged of hazardous vapors by injection of an inert gas prior to launch and recovery of the remote inspection device. Prior to removal of the launching system, the surface of the stored liquid mass is re-coated with vapor suppression foam.

A boat lift that may have a first worm screw operably connected to the drive shaft defining an axis of rotation aligned with the drive shaft and operably contacting a first worm gear, the first worm screw and the first worm gear defines a first lifting stage. The boat lift may also have a second worm screw operably connected to the first worm gear and operably contacts a second worm gear, the second worm screw and the second worm gear defines a second lifting stage. The boat lift may have a tapered roller bearing assembly that operably engages the second worm screw, the tapered roller bearing assembly has a first tapered roller bearing secured at a first location proximate a first end of the second worm screw and a second tapered roller bearing secured at a second location proximate a second opposing end of the second worm screw.

A boat lift that may have a first worm screw operably connected to the drive shaft defining an axis of rotation aligned with the drive shaft and operably contacting a first worm gear, the first worm screw and the first worm gear defines a first lifting stage. The boat lift may also have a second worm screw operably connected to the first worm gear and operably contacts a second worm gear, the second worm screw and the second worm gear defines a second lifting stage. The boat lift may have a tapered roller bearing assembly that operably engages the second worm screw, the tapered roller bearing assembly has a first tapered roller bearing secured at a first location proximate a first end of the second worm screw and a second tapered roller bearing secured at a second location proximate a second opposing end of the second worm screw.

System for launch and recovery of a surface vehicle, comprising a floating cradle structure configured to receive the surface vehicle, the cradle structure being bottomless such that contact between a submersed portion of the surface vehicle and the cradle structure is avoided upon receiving the surface vehicle.

System for launch and recovery of a surface vehicle, comprising a floating cradle structure configured to receive the surface vehicle, the cradle structure being bottomless such that contact between a submersed portion of the surface vehicle and the cradle structure is avoided upon receiving the surface vehicle.

There is provided a storage system for storing and retrieving watercraft or other items to or from a storage position in a storage area as part of an enclosure having a plurality of storage areas. The storage system may include at least one carrier to support the item during movement to or from a storage position, and a positioning system to move the carrier system. An elevator system is usable to move the positioning system and carrier system to and from a storage area, and a control system is usable to control the positioning system to move the carrier system and item into and out of its storage position.

There is provided a storage system for storing and retrieving watercraft or other items to or from a storage position in a storage area as part of an enclosure having a plurality of storage areas. The storage system may include at least one carrier to support the item during movement to or from a storage position, and a positioning system to move the carrier system. An elevator system is usable to move the positioning system and carrier system to and from a storage area, and a control system is usable to control the positioning system to move the carrier system and item into and out of its storage position.