METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR UNDERWATER COUPLING

摘要

A method and apparatus for underwater coupling of an underwater craft and an underwater package. The underwater craft has a centre of mass with a winch positioned in a winch pocket directly below the centre of mass. A first underwater coupling assembly is provided having two or more first coupling components positioned symmetrically around the winch pocket. The underwater package has a centre of mass with a lift line receiver positioned in a receiver pocket directly above the centre of mass. A second underwater coupling assembly is provided having two or more second coupling components positioned symmetrically around the receiver pocket. A lift line is lowered and engages the lift line receiver. The winch is activated to draw the underwater craft down onto the underwater package and bring the coupling components into coupling engagement.