A catamaran lifting apparatus is disclosed for lifting objects in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame spans between the vessels. A second frame spans between the vessels. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. Each of the frames extends upwardly in an inverted u-shape, providing a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables a marine vessel to be positioned in between the barges and under the frames.

A catamaran lifting apparatus is disclosed for lifting objects in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame spans between the vessels. A second frame spans between the vessels. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. Each of the frames extends upwardly in an inverted u-shape, providing a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables a marine vessel to be positioned in between the barges and under the frames.

A catamaran lifting apparatus is disclosed for lifting objects in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame spans between the vessels. A second frame spans between the vessels. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. Each of the frames extends upwardly in an inverted u-shape, providing a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables a marine vessel to be positioned in between the barges and under the frames.

The present invention provides a capturing mechanism and method for the recovery of at least one vessel to at least one marine platform; the at least one vessel having at least one engagement device either permanently or at least partially reversibly connectable to the same; the capturing mechanism including: a. at least one tensioned capturing line connected to the at least one marine platform; and b, at least one line maneuvering mechanism configured to displace the at least one tensioned capturing line in at least one direction selected from a group of up, down, left, right, forward, backward, playable into the at least one marine plat form, playable out of said at least one marine platform, playable into and out of the water and any combination thereof.

The present invention provides a capturing mechanism and method for the recovery of at least one vessel to at least one marine platform; the at least one vessel having at least one engagement device either permanently or at least partially reversibly connectable to the same; the capturing mechanism including: a. at least one tensioned capturing line connected to the at least one marine platform; and b, at least one line maneuvering mechanism configured to displace the at least one tensioned capturing line in at least one direction selected from a group of up, down, left, right, forward, backward, playable into the at least one marine plat form, playable out of said at least one marine platform, playable into and out of the water and any combination thereof.

According to one or more embodiments disclosed herein is a method of transporting equipment between sea-surface and seafloor by providing a structure with a subsea equipment package mounted thereon. The structure is used for installation and recovery in a subsea environment by changing the buoyancy of the structure or ballasting the structure to effect a controlled sinking motion.

According to one or more embodiments disclosed herein is a method of transporting equipment between sea-surface and seafloor by providing a structure with a subsea equipment package mounted thereon. The structure is used for installation and recovery in a subsea environment by changing the buoyancy of the structure or ballasting the structure to effect a controlled sinking motion.

A system and method for deploying and retrieving a plurality of ocean bottom seismic nodes to and from the seabed. An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is coupled to a node skid that is configured to handle the nodes. The AUV and coupled skid is lowered to and raised from the seabed and a surface vessel in a garage or basket. The skid may have a variable buoyancy system (VBS) formed of a plurality of pipes and a positive displacement pump, such that the VBS is configured to automatically control a buoyancy of the skid. The AUV and/or skid has a plurality of cameras for optical 3D stereo photogrammetry for identification, deployment, and retrieval of the nodes. Also disclosed is a method for retrieving a dead AUV from the ocean bottom by utilizing a garage and an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV).

A system and method for deploying and retrieving a plurality of ocean bottom seismic nodes to and from the seabed. An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is coupled to a node skid that is configured to handle the nodes. The AUV and coupled skid is lowered to and raised from the seabed and a surface vessel in a garage or basket. The skid may have a variable buoyancy system (VBS) formed of a plurality of pipes and a positive displacement pump, such that the VBS is configured to automatically control a buoyancy of the skid. The AUV and/or skid has a plurality of cameras for optical 3D stereo photogrammetry for identification, deployment, and retrieval of the nodes. Also disclosed is a method for retrieving a dead AUV from the ocean bottom by utilizing a garage and an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV).

A rope recovery tool for use on an anchor rope. The rope recovery tool includes a weight and a saddle that enclose the anchor rope. A blade is nested between the saddle and the weight. A recovery rope is attached to the rope recovery tool. In use, the tool is fed down the anchor rope until the tool reaches the anchor rope's end. The recovery rope is used to pull on the rope recovery tool, causing the blade on the rope recovery tool to cut the anchor rope to make the anchor rope recoverable whilst sacrificing the anchor.