Method and apparatus for tensioning and deploying mooring chain

A mooring chain adjustment apparatus for a chain having links, comprising:

• a frame having an inboard and an outboard end;
• a plurality of pawls supported to said frame wherein at least one pawl is always in engagement with the chain;
• a drive system operably connected to at least one of said pawls to adjust the chain position by movement of said pawl when it is engaged to the chain;
• at least one first pawl that is pivotally mounted to said frame;
• at least one second pawl pivotally mounted to a support that is translatable by said drive system;
• said first pawl is mounted toward the outboard end of said frame and said second pawl is mounted toward the inboard end of said frame on said support which is driven in opposed directions;
• said plurality of pawls further comprises:
• at least two first pawls;
• at least two second pawls mounted on a common support and driven by said drive system;
• said drive system comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder operating on at least one rod connected to said common support;
• said first pawls are displaced out of the path of the chain by movement of the chain toward the inboard end of said frame due to said drive system driving said second pawls while they are engaged to the chain, whereupon after a predetermined chain movement, said first pawls engage a different link in the chain;
• and
• said second pawls, when moved by said drive system toward said outboard end of said frame, with said first pawls engaging the chain, are displaced by the chain until, after a predetermined translation, said second pawls again engage the chain for a subsequent movement of the chain toward the inboard end of said frame.

A method of adjusting at least one mooring chain on a vessel, comprising:

• supporting the chain on at least one first pawl mounted to a frame;
• engaging the chain with at least one second pawl;
• driving the second pawl;
• displacing the first pawl with the chain as a result of advancement of the second pawl;
• moving the chain onto the vessel sufficiently with said second pawl to allow said first pawl to reengage the chain.

A method of adjusting at least one mooring chain on a vessel, comprising:

• providing at least one first pawl for selective engagement with the chain;
• providing at least one second pawl for selective engagement with the chain;
• feeding chain off the vessel by advancing said second pawl while said first pawl is disengaged;
• reengaging said first pawl to support the chain;
• repositioning said second pawl to reengage the chain in a different point as it is supported by said first pawl.