Patent ID: 6960047

Claim:
A protection apparatus that is configured to float on a body of water, comprising: a composite-based durable barrier structure, the barrier structure configured to hold a net in place, wherein the protection apparatus protects an area in the body of water or abutting the body of water from waterborne craft; and at least three pontoons, wherein a first pontoon is coupled to a portion of the barrier structure adjacent to a first end of the barrier structure, wherein a second pontoon is coupled to a portion of the barrier structure adjacent to a second end of the barrier structure, and wherein a third pontoon is coupled to a portion of the barrier structure between the first and second ends of the barrier structure, and wherein the barrier structure comprises: a beam that is coupled to the first, second and third pontoons, and that extends longitudinally along a direction of the net; and a plurality of net holding members that extend upward from the beam; a first brace that extends from the third pontoon to a position on the beam that is between the first pontoon and the third pontoon; and a second brace that extends from the third pontoon to a position on the beam that is between the second pontoon and the third pontoon.