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 arc 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 provides a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables a package to be lifted and/or a marine vessel to be positioned in between the barges and under the frames. In this fashion, an object that has been salvaged from the seabed can be placed upon the marine vessel that is positioned in between the barges and under the frames.

A steering for a marine propulsion unit adjusts at least one of a required steering speed and a required steering torque such that the required steering speed and the required steering torque fall within an output region when the required steering speed and the required steering torque are outside the output region, sets a target steering angle according to the adjusted required steering speed and required steering torque, and sets the target steering angle according to a rotation angle of a steering wheel when the required steering speed and the required steering torque are within the output region.

Aerodynamic aquatic weed removal and decontamination devices and decontamination methods are disclosed. In an embodiment, the aerodynamic aquatic weed removal and decontamination device includes a boat body and a shore-based device for remotely controlling the boat body. The boat body includes a power unit, a weed removal and decontamination unit, a positioning system, an environment perception system, and a shipborne controller. The power unit includes an engine, a propeller connected to the engine, and a rudder servo motor configured to control a heading of the boat body. The weed removal and decontamination unit includes a mesh conveyor. The positioning system includes a positioner configured to obtain real-time location information and heading information of the boat body. The environment perception system includes a wind sensor and a visual sensor. The shipborne controller is configured to control a navigation state of the boat body.

Aerodynamic aquatic weed removal and decontamination devices and decontamination methods are disclosed. In an embodiment, the aerodynamic aquatic weed removal and decontamination device includes a boat body and a shore-based device for remotely controlling the boat body. The boat body includes a power unit, a weed removal and decontamination unit, a positioning system, an environment perception system, and a shipborne controller. The power unit includes an engine, a propeller connected to the engine, and a rudder servo motor configured to control a heading of the boat body. The weed removal and decontamination unit includes a mesh conveyor. The positioning system includes a positioner configured to obtain real-time location information and heading information of the boat body. The environment perception system includes a wind sensor and a visual sensor. The shipborne controller is configured to control a navigation state of the boat body.

Summary

The present invention relates to a system and method of self-rescue of people in distress in an aquatic environment, personal beacon (10) emitting distress and location signals and a U-shaped buoy (20), self-propelled by turbines and battery powered, configured to carry out the self-rescue method and provided with an electronics module (30) in the said U-shaped buoy (20), equipped with signal processing and data processing means, operatively connected to the turbines (40).

Summary

The present invention relates to a system and method of self-rescue of people in distress in an aquatic environment, personal beacon (10) emitting distress and location signals and a U-shaped buoy (20), self-propelled by turbines and battery powered, configured to carry out the self-rescue method and provided with an electronics module (30) in the said U-shaped buoy (20), equipped with signal processing and data processing means, operatively connected to the turbines (40).

A device for mounting one or more electric motors to a kayak or a small non-powered vessel, whereby a rotatable assembly is mounted on the gunnel of the vessel on either the port or starboard side, or both. The rotatable assembly includes an axle and an adjustable arm rotatably mounted thereon, with a motor on the end of the adjustable arm The rotatable assembly may be manipulated to move the motor(s) into or out of the water and lock in either position. The adjustable arm allows the motor to be adjusted in the pitch, yaw, and roll orientations. The motor(s) are powered by a battery and controlled by a hand-held unit that allows the motors to be independently operated.

A device for mounting one or more electric motors to a kayak or a small non-powered vessel, whereby a rotatable assembly is mounted on the gunnel of the vessel on either the port or starboard side, or both. The rotatable assembly includes an axle and an adjustable arm rotatably mounted thereon, with a motor on the end of the adjustable arm The rotatable assembly may be manipulated to move the motor(s) into or out of the water and lock in either position. The adjustable arm allows the motor to be adjusted in the pitch, yaw, and roll orientations. The motor(s) are powered by a battery and controlled by a hand-held unit that allows the motors to be independently operated.

A marine vessel including a steering mechanism that includes a steering wheel including shift switches to cause the marine vessel to shift to a course holding mode to hold a course of the marine vessel, and a traveling direction maintaining mode to maintain a traveling direction of the marine vessel.

A method includes receiving a position hold signal from a human-machine interface of a marine vessel; in response to receiving the position hold signal, monitoring sensor data from at least one sensor; determining a hold position based at least on the monitored sensor data; and selectively controlling a thruster system of the marine vessel to hold the marine vessel in the hold position using the monitored sensor data.