Patent ID: 9278741
Filing Date: 2016-03-08
CPC Classification: B63B,B63C

Claim Text:
1. A semi-submersible platform comprising: a semi-submersible structure; and a landing bay inside said semi-submersible structure accessible by vessels through an opening through said semi-submersible structure; wherein said landing bay comprises: a platform sized to fit under a docking vessel and movable between a submerged position in which said platform is beneath the surface of water in said landing bay to a depth that allows said vessel to float over said platform, and an exposed position in which said platform holds said docking vessel out of the water; a lifting mechanism for moving said platform between said submerged position and said exposed position; and a stabilizing mechanism comprising a plurality of suction moorings having a first end affixed to said semi-submersible structure and a second end for attaching to the sides of said docking vessel for holding said docking vessel in a level position responsive to said platform moving from said submerged position to said exposed position.