APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HANDLING A SUBMERSIBLE ITEM

摘要

A submersible barge (1) is disclosed and a method of its use for handling a submersible item and transferring it to and from the barge underwater. The barge has a deck (10) for supporting the item, at least two columns (20) spaced apart on the deck (10) and a buoyancy control system. The buoyancy control system controls the submerging of the deck of the barge to permit transfer of the item to or from the deck (10) while the item is submerged. The barge is useful for facilitating delivery of large and heavy submersible items to an underwater location, or for recovering them. Transferring the item onto the deck of the submersible barge wherein the deck and the item are both submerged allows a more stable transfer. The deck is typically supported in the water by buoyancy in the deck and in the columns (20).