Systems and processes for covering openings of marine vessel hulls

A marine vessel, comprising;

• an underwater opening comprising a sea chest in the marine vessel hull;
• a single cover corresponding to the underwater opening and having a first and second surface and at least three peripheral edges wherein the first surface of the cover is provided with a seal configured to releasably seal the underwater opening, and wherein the cover is releasably sealable against the hull by reducing a pressure on the first surface of the cover;
• and at least one track device including at least two tracks having a tapered portion positioned on the marine vessel hull on opposite sides of the opening of the marine vessel hull and wherein the tracks are configured to receive at least two of the peripheral edges of the cover to remotely position the cover so that the first surface of the cover covers the underwater opening of the marine vessel hull;
• and wherein the tapered portion is positioned on an interior surface of the tracks;
• and wherein the tracks are configured in the shape of a groove capable of receiving a peripheral edge of the cover;
• and wherein the tracks are comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of fiberglass, a viscoelastic material, and blends thereof having a thickness of about 0.3 cm to about 1.5 cm.

A process for releasably covering an underwater opening in a marine vessel hull comprising:

• providing an opening below the waterline in the marine vessel hull, wherein the opening comprises a sea chest;
• from above the waterline, remotely positioning a cover having a first and second surface and at least three peripheral edges wherein the first surface of the cover is provided with a seal configured for contact with the hull of the marine vessel so that at least two of the peripheral edges are received by and guided along a track device to a position at which the first surface covers the underwater opening of the marine vessel hull;
• wherein the track device includes at least two tracks having an interior tapered portion positioned on the marine vessel hull on opposite sides of the opening of the marine vessel hull and reducing a pressure on the first surface of the cover sufficient to engage and releasably seal the cover against the hull;
• and wherein the tracks are configured in the shape of a groove capable of receiving a peripheral edge of the cover;
• and wherein the tracks are comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of fiberglass, a viscoelastic material, and blends thereof having a thickness of about 0.3 cm to about 1.5 cm.