Inventors:
Douglas W. DeGraaf - Addison IL
William A. Tam - Warrenville IL
Assignee:
Chicago Bridge & Iron Company - Oak Brook IL
International Classification:
B63B 2152
Abstract:
A quick-release mooring apparatus for a floating vessel comprising a substantially stationary structure anchored to the sea floor and projecting above sea level, a vessel mooring member attached at a first end above sea level to the stationary structure in a manner which permits the mooring member to rotate about vertical and horizontal axes passing through the point of attachment to the stationary structure, the second end of the mooring member comprising a vessel mooring yoke having a pair of spaced arms, one end of each of which is adapted to be releasably attached, by lifting the vessel mooring yoke, to opposite sides of the bow of a vessel for rotation about a horizontal axis, and the mooring member having sufficient buoyancy for the second end to float on the sea when unconnected to a vessel. The stationary structure can be a buoy anchored to the sea floor by lines, or it can be a tower supported by the sea floor.