Methods and apparatus for anchoring a boat are described. Novel methods provide means for sensing and measuring the real time rate and length of rode release based on detecting real time changes in the angular position of a windlass by computer vision using a portable computing device. Rode release is also detected using novel methods based on sensing sound, rode chain movement, and sensing acceleration and/or motion. The apparatus can include software operable to provide safe anchoring based on monitoring real times values of the rate and length of rode release, comparing these values to the speed and position of the boat, and providing local and remote status and alarm information to crew members.

The invention relates to a buoy comprising a buoyant, plastic core component, and a plurality of detachable flotation components that support and surround the core component. The buoy is preferably more than 2.5 metres diameter, but the diameter of the core component is preferably less than or equal to 2.35 metres diameter. This facilitates transport in a single shipping container. A novel tie bar assembly and novel lifting/mooring mounts are also disclosed.

A mixed rope used for oceanographic buoy mooring system, comprises mixed core rope of metal and fiber and cover rope, wherein, the mixed core rope of metal and fiber comprises metal coil spring and fiber supporting core inside the metal coil spring; the cover rope is woven of several number of twisted strand; the mass content of the mixed core rope of metal and fiber is not greater than 20% of the mass of mixed rope, the mass content of the cover rope is not less than 80% of the mass of the mixed rope. Mixed rope used for oceanographic mooring system disclosed in present embodiments has small linear density and high fracture strength, may be used as data communication channel from under-water sensor to the over-water receiver, being soft, light and easy to deploy, the mixed rope can be used as the upper part of the oceanographic buoy mooring system with prospective application.

The disclosed invention relates to a connecting system for connecting a mooring line to a body comprising a first part being attached to the mooring line and connected with a pin having two ends, to a second part being attached to the body and having an arrangement for guiding the pin into a hang-off structure in the second part where the hang-off structure substantially comprises at least one hook. The system is characterized by a connecting structure for a temporary pulling means mounted on the first part in transverse direction to its longitudinal axis and eccentrically to an axial center of gravity of the first part. The invention relates also to a method regarding the application of the system.

A dual axes connection device for use with a mooring line, a line guide and pulling means for connecting a floating body and a fixed body is provided. The connecting device comprises a dual axes hinge unit, with orthogonal rotational axes x and y, comprising means for fastening the unit to the floating or fixed body, a connecting link fastened to the hinge unit comprising two parallel arms, a funnel connected to the two parallel arms enveloping the mooring line, and locking means for locking the mooring line to the funnel. The mooring line, the line guide and connection device are positioned in one plane.

A wave energy thermal storage type seawater thermoelectric power generation device which comprises a buoy-type energy capture system, a platform system and a mooring system. A whole friction liquid heating, thermal storage and power generation device is arranged inside a platform, which improves the adaptability of the whole system to the external environment. A flywheel and liquid friction heating method is adopted to generate heat more efficiently. Inner ratchets and pawls are used to control the movement of a flywheel so that the flywheel always rotates in one direction, and when the rotating speed of the flywheel exceeds that of the inner ratchets, the external wave energy cannot be transferred to the flywheel through the movement of the inner ratchets so as to limit the upper limit of the rotating speed of the flywheel and protect the safety of the flywheel system.

An adjustable tether system and method for operating same, the system comprises first and second straps movable connected together by a length adjustment device that adjusts the overall length of the system, first strap has one first strap end that supports a first attachment device and second first strap end fixedly attached to the length adjustment device, the second strap has one second strap end movably inserted into the length adjustment device and other second strap end supporting a second attachment device, wherein for one embodiment, the attachment device removably connects to a vehicle such as a boat while other second attachment device removably connects to an object that is not the vehicle.

Described herein are mooring systems for floating structures and methods for manufacturing and installing such mooring systems. The mooring system may comprise a line having a first end operatively connected to the floating structure and a second end operatively connected to an anchor underwater or to a seabed, wherein the line comprises at least two substantially rigid links joined together; and a watertight sheath surrounding the line and extending at least along a length of the line from a position below the waterline to a position above the waterline.

Surge damping systems and processes for using same. In some embodiments, a system for mooring a vessel can include a mooring support structure that can include a base structure and a turntable disposed on the base structure. A vessel support structure can be disposed on the vessel. At least one extension arm can be suspended from the vessel support structure. A ballast tank can be connected to the extension arm. A uni-directional passive surge damping system can be disposed on the vessel and can include an elongated tension member connected to the ballast tank that can be configured to dampen a movement of the ballast tank by applying a tension thereto. A yoke can extend from and can be connected at a first end to the ballast tank and can include a yoke head disposed on a second end thereof that can be configured to connect to the turntable.

A technique for calculating the motion and stress at any location along a riser or mooring line that is connected to an oil platform using data from multiple motion sensors that are installed above the water level on the platform is disclosed. A relationship between motion at the locations of the motion sensors and motion at the point at which the riser or mooring line is attached to the platform is determined from a model of the platform. From this relationship, the motion at the location at which the riser or mooring line is attached to the platform is computed from motion that is measured by the motion sensors. The motion and stress at any location along the riser or the mooring line is calculated based on the acceleration at the location at which the riser or mooring line is attached to the platform.