Device and process for lowering a connector suspended from guide line to a guide column installed on an underwater station

A method of lowering and connecting a connector (15) suspended from a guideline (19) to a guide column (33) in which said connector (15) is housed within a module (3) which is suspended by cables from a support means (2) connected to a train of rods (1) supported by a floating structure, the guideline being wound on a constant tension winch the steps of:

• lowering the assembly of the support means and the module means into the sea while maintaining tension on the guideline at a constant value and while supporting the excess weight of the submerged assembly by said train of rods;
• positioning said submerged assembly by means of a television camera so that the upper end of the guide column is generally aligned with said connector being lowered;
• lowering the module into position over the guide column for automatic locking of the connector to the guide column;
• and raising the module and support assembly along the connected guideline while maintaining tension in cables suspending the module from the support means.