Mooring structure mounted on a vessel

Abstract

A method and structure for mooring seaworthy craft against boat landings is disclosed. The structure comprises a fender (4) with a layer of compressible material having an exposed surface, mounted on the craft. Anchor points (12) are secured at laterally spaced locations on the craft, as are two draw mechanisms (14), one associated with each anchor point (12). A tie (10) is provided for extending from each anchor point (12) to its associated draw mechanism (14), and each mechanism is operable to draw its respective tie from an anchor point around a pylon thereby urging the fender (4) against both pylons. In the mooring process, the craft is first steered to the boat landing to engage the fender (4) against the pylons (6), and the ties (10) are withdrawn from each draw mechanism (14) and taken around one of the pylons. Each tie is then attached to an anchor point (12) on the craft, and the mechanisms (14) are activated to draw the ties (10) around the pylons to urge the fender (4) against them. A control system maintains the required tension in the ties to secure the mooring.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.