Method and associated apparatus

Abstract

A method 2 of performing an operation on a portion of a marine structure comprises: inserting a temporary support structure through an opening 16 into a confined space 14 of the marine structure, and longitudinally extending the temporary support structure within the confined space to increase a total length of the temporary support structure. An operations device is deployed with or on the temporary support structure, and the operations device is moved along at least a portion of the longitudinal path within the confined space. Operations are performed with the operations device deployed with or on the temporary support structure; wherein the method is performed without passage of any personnel through the opening. A vehicle or chassis may be supported on the support structure, and the operations device and / or the chassis or vehicle may be remotely manipulated using a flexible member or line.

Description

The present invention relates to a method of performing an operation on or in a marine structure, particularly, but not exclusively inspecting a portion of a vessel or the like, such as an inside thereof; and associated apparatus. BACKGROUND The Oil / Gas and indeed many other industries are concerned with the safety risks involved in people entering confined spaces. Additional risks are encountered when the confined space involves working at height, for example in a large storage tank or on a ship or offshore production facility. However, at least some situations require personnel entry into such confined spaces. For example, industries, such as Oil / Gas, stipulate a regulatory and classification requirement to inspect these confined spaces at regular intervals to assure the integrity of the structure. Such inspections involve having a competent person carry out a General Visual Inspection (GVI) and a Close Visual Inspection (CVI) of critical parts of the structure and an assessment of any structural deformation by various visual and / or mechanical means. These inspections are normally carried out by making the tank safe for man entry, cleaning the surfaces to be inspected to a given standard and providing safe access and egress to the components that require inspection. This requires considerable time, cost and renders the tank unavailable for use. Where the structure shows signs of corrosion then there may be a further requirement to measure the remaining thickness of the steel to confirm the structural and leak integrity of the component or tank respectively. Regulators and classification societies have prescribed that any inspection methods must provide a particular quality and scope of inspection to provide a GVI, CVI, structural deformation survey and wall thickness measurement of critical components where there is evidence of corrosion. Previously, the present inventor has attempted to improve inspection, such as disclosed in Applicant’s patent applications WO2017 / 191447 and WO2019 / 197826, the contents of each are incorporated herein by reference. It may be an object of one or more aspects, examples, embodiments, or claims of the present disclosure to at least mitigate or ameliorate one or more problems associated with the prior art. SUMMARY According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of performing an operation at or in a portion of a marine structure. The portion of the marine structure may comprise one or more of: an enclosed space; a confined space; a compartment; a storage area or space; a tank; an enclosure; a bulkhead; an interior surface / s of a vessel. The method may comprise performing an inspection. The method may comprise a visual inspection. The inspection may comprise an optical inspection. The inspection may comprise a scanning operation. The scanning may comprise an optical and / or a laser scanning. Additionally, or alternatively, the operation may comprise a measurement operation. Additionally, or alternatively, the operation may comprise a repair operation. Additionally, or alternatively, the operation may comprise a sampling operation. The method may comprise providing a support structure. The support structure may comprise a temporary support structure. The support structure may comprise a longitudinal support structure. The support structure may be for supporting a vehicle or chassis thereon or therewith The support structure may define a pathway for guiding the vehicle or chassis therealong. The support structure may comprise a track or trackway. The track or trackway may comprise one or more rail / s. The method may comprise inserting the support structure through an opening. The method may comprise inserting the support structure through an opening into a confined space of the marine structure. The method may comprise longitudinally extending the support structure within the confined space. The method may comprise longitudinally extending the support structure within the confined space so as to increase a total longitudinal length of the support structure. The method may comprise defining a longitudinal path with the support structure. The method may comprise deploying an operations device with or on the support structure. The method may comprise actively moving the operations device along at least a portion of the longitudinal path. The method may comprise actively moving the operations device along at least a portion of the longitudinal path to move the operations device within the confined space. The method may comprise actively moving the operations device along at least a portion of the longitudinal path to move the operations device to multiple locations or positions within the confined space. The multiple locations or positions may be for performing the operation / s, such as for performing an inspection / s at the multiple locations or positions. The method may comprise performing operations with the operations device deployed with or on the support structure. Accordingly, in at least some examples, there is provided a method of performing an operation on a portion of a marine structure, the method comprising: inserting a temporary support structure through an opening into a confined space of the marine structure; longitudinally extending the temporary support structure within the confined space so as to increase a total longitudinal length of the temporary support structure; defining a longitudinal path with the temporary support structure; deploying an operations device with or on the temporary support structure; actively moving the operations device along at least a portion of the longitudinal path to move the operations device within the confined space; and performing operations with the operations device deployed with or on the temporary support structure; wherein the method is performed without passage of any personnel through the opening. In at least some examples, the support structure may be longitudinally extended by incrementally adding modular members to the support structure. The modular member may comprise a longitudinal modular support member, each member comprising a modular support member length such that the support structure length is defined by the sum total of the modular support members comprised therein. The modular support members may be provided as discrete components. The method may comprise assembling the discrete modular support members to provide the support structure. The method may comprise connecting the plurality of modular support members to define the longitudinal support structure. Additionally, or alternatively, the modular support members may be provided in a pre-connected configuration, such as hingedly connected, for assembly into the longitudinal support structure. Additionally, or alternatively, the support structure may be longitudinally extended telescopically. For example, the support structure may comprise a telescopically extendable support structure. The support structure may comprise a plurality of modular support members that are co-linearly movable with respect to each other to telescopically extend the support structure. The method may comprise longitudinally extending the support structure to longitudinally extend the path for the vehicle or chassis. The method may comprise longitudinally extending the support structure within the confined space to enable the vehicle or chassis to be moved within the confined space. The method may comprise providing a rigid support structure. The support structure may comprise a rigidity to support a weight of the vehicle or chassis and / or a device thereon. The support structure may be a rigid support structure, configured to mitigate against its deformation. The rigidity may limit a deformation of the support structure to or less than a deviation from a longitudinal axis defined by the support structure. The deformation or deviation may be less than 10%; less than 5%; less than 2%; optionally less than 1% (e.g. as expressed as a lateral distance relative to a longitudinal length of the support structure). For example, where the longitudinal structure comprises or spans a total length of 10 metres, the lateral deviation may be 10cm or less. The longitudinal axis may comprise a horizontal axis when the support structure is horizontally deployed. The method may comprise extending the support structure, such as extending the support structure in, into or within the portion of the marine structure. The method may comprise extending the support structure through the opening. The method may comprise passing the support structure into or through the opening. The opening may comprise an access opening, such as for access for personnel. The opening may comprise a hatch, such as a Butterworth hatch. The method may comprise performing the operation without personnel passing through the opening. The method may comprise manipulating the support structure. The method may comprise manipulating the support structure during assembly of the support structure. The method may comprise manipulating the support structure within the confined space. The method may comprise manipulating the support structure from outside the confined space. The method may comprise manipulating the support structure through the opening. The method may comprise manually manipulating the support structure. The method may comprise manipulating the support structure to vary an orientation of the support structure. For example, the method may comprise manipulating the support structure between vertical and horizontal orientations; and / or angles therebetween. In at least some examples, the method comprises manipulating the support structure linearly to extend the support structure into or through the opening, such as to lower the support structure into or through the opening (e.g. into the confined space). The method may comprise manipulating the support structure to rotate the support structure within the confined or enclosed space. For example, the method may comprise rotating the support structure from an insertion orientation (e.g. substantially vertical) to a use orientation (e.g. substantially horizontal). The method may comprise indirectly manipulating the support structure. The method may comprise suspensively supporting the support structure. The method may comprise suspending the support structure. The method may comprise suspending the support structure at least during assembly thereof. The method may comprise suspending the support structure at least during insertion of the support structure into or through the opening. The method may comprise suspending the support structure for insertion, such as lowering, into the enclosed or confined space. The method may comprise suspending the support structure with or from one or more flexible members, such as wire / s, rope / s, cable / s or the like. The method may comprise suspending the support structure with or from a lifting device, such as a winch or hoist. The lifting device may be powered, such as electrically powered. Additionally, or alternatively, the lifting device may be manually powered (e.g. by operation of a handle, wheel, lever or the like). The method may comprise suspending and / or manipulating the support structure with a rigging. The rigging may comprise one or more of: a plurality of the flexible members or lines; one or more pulleys; attachment / s of the lines to the support structure. The lifting device may be located at or proximal the opening. The lifting device may be located outside of the confined or enclosed space. The method may comprise supporting the support structure with or against at least a portion of the marine structure. For example, the method may comprise supporting, resting or bracing the support structure against at least one interior surface / s of the marine structure. The method comprise supporting, resting or bracing the support structure The method may comprise manipulating the operations device and / or the chassis or vehicle. The method may comprise remotely manipulating the operations device and / or the chassis or vehicle. The method may comprise remotely manipulating the operations device and / or the chassis or vehicle to move the operations device and / or the chassis or vehicle along the longitudinal support structure. The method may comprise remotely manipulating the operations device and / or the chassis or vehicle using a flexible member or line, such as a rope / s, wire / s, cable / s or the like. For example, the method may comprise attaching a line to the chassis or vehicle at or towards each respective side of the chassis or vehicle (e.g. a first side in a first longitudinal direction of the support member and a second side at a second longitudinal direction of the support member). The method may comprise pulling a line in a first direction to pull the chassis or vehicle towards a first end of the longitudinal support member, such as along the track thereof. The method may comprise pulling the line in a second direction (e.g. when the line is looped) to pull the chassis or vehicle towards a second end of the longitudinal support member, such as along the track thereof. The method may comprise pulling a first line in the first direction to pull the chassis or vehicle towards the first end of the longitudinal support member; and pulling a second line in the second direction to pull the chassis or vehicle towards the second end of the longitudinal support member. The line / s may be operable via the opening. The line / s may be attached to the chassis or vehicle via one ore more pulleys. For example, each end of the longitudinal support may be provided with at least one respective pulley. The method may be for performing an operation in or on at least a portion of a marine structure. The marine structure may comprise one or more of: a marine vessel; a hull; a bulkhead; a FPSO; an oil / gas asset; an offshore asset. The operation may comprise one or more of: an inspection; a visual inspection; an optical inspection; a scanning; a laser scanning; a measurement; a sampling; a thickness measurement; an ultrasonic thickness measurement. The operations device may comprise a camera and / or a scanner, such as a laser scanner; and / or a sampling or measurement device. The operations device may be powered, such as with a battery or via an umbilical. The operations device may be remotely controlled or operable, such as wirelessly and / or via an umbilical. The method may comprise an offshore operation. The method may comprise performing the operation whilst the marine structure is deployed at sea. The method may comprise performing the operation without requiring the marine structure to be docked or even dry-docked. The method may comprise performing the operation without the marine structure being docked. The method may comprise performing the operation without temporarily drying or draining the portion of the marine structure to be protected. For example, the method may comprise performing the operation in an interior portion of the marine structure whilst the portion is wet. For example, the method may comprise performing the operation within a wet compartment, tank, vessel or the like whilst it is still wet. Particularly where the marine structure may be subject to movement and / or vibration, such as associated with weather, environment, location (e.g. wind, sea swell, tides, waves, etc.), the presently-disclosed method may provide benefits. For example, the provision of a (rigid) support structure for mounting a device / s thereon or thereto, may enable operations without requiring presence of personnel to directly operate the device / s, such as without requiring personnel to be present in the same (enclosed or confined) space as the device / s. Effectively connecting, attaching or bracing the support structure to, with or against the marine structure may mitigate movement of the marine structure. For example, the method may mitigate relative movement between the marine structure and the device / s. The method may comprise retrieving the operations device and / or the temporary support structure. The method may comprise reversing any or all of the steps of installing the temporary support structure. For example, the method may comprise disassembling the support structure. The method may comprise retrieving the operations device and / or the temporary structure through the opening. The method may comprise contracting, compressing or shortening the support structure for or during removal through the opening. For example, the retrieval method may comprise disconnecting the modular support members of the support structure. The method may comprise an unmanned operation. The performance of the operation may comprise an unmanned operation, such as an unmanned inspection. The method may comprise a remote inspection method. The method may comprise an unmanned inspection method. The method may comprise inspecting an inside or interior of the vessel. The method may comprise inspecting an entirety of the inside of the vessel. The method may comprise use of an unmanned vehicle, such as a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) or the like. The unmanned vehicle may comprise an unpowered vehicle, such as an electrically-powered vehicle. For example, the vehicle may be manually propelled. The vehicle may be manually propelled via ropes, wires, rigging, pulleys or the like. The unmanned vehicle may comprise the chassis, such as described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, the vehicle may comprise a unpowered vehicle. The method may comprise a remotely-controlled method. The unmanned vehicle may be deployed internally to the marine structure, such as within a compartment, tank, cavity or the like (e.g. within a dry and / or wet portion of the marine structure). The method may comprise a method without requiring roped access and / or working-at-height. The method may comprise a method without roped access and / or working-at-height. The method may comprise deploying a UV such as that described in Applicant’s UK patent application, GB 2215810.9, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The method may comprise performing an inspection and / or repair and / or installation operation in, on or of the portion of the marine structure with the UV. For example, particular or each bulkhead or surface of a tank or storage compartment may be inspected. The UV may comprise one or more camera / s, such as visual and / or IR camera / s. The UV may comprise one or more scanner / s, such as a laser scanner. The path of the UV may be at least partially controlled in dependence on the input / s received from the camera / and / or scanner / s. The UV’s path may be automatically and / or manually controlled. In at least some examples, the unmanned vehicle (UV) may comprise a remotely-operated vehicle (ROV). The unmanned vehicle may be configured for deployment in an enclosed structure. In at least some examples, the apparatus may be configured to access a confined setting. The confined setting may comprise an enclosed space or portion thereof, such as one or more of: an internal tank, a chamber, a vessel, a bulkhead, or the like. The method may comprise deploying the UV in or into the confined or enclosed space. The method may comprise deploying the UV in or through the opening to the enclosed space. According to an aspect of this disclosure, in at least some examples, there is provided a method of performing an operation in or on a marine structure, the method comprising performing the operation in an unmanned and / or remotely-controlled operation. According to an aspect there is provided an apparatus for performing an operation at, in or on a marine structure. The operation may be that as described in any other aspect, example, embodiment or claim. The apparatus may comprise the temporary longitudinal support structure, formed of a plurality of support members. The apparatus may comprise the chassis or vehicle. The chassis or vehicle may be retainably associated with the support structure. The support structure may comprise one or more tracks for the chassis or vehicle to move along, linearly. The apparatus may comprise a rigging system for suspensively supporting and / or manipulating the support structure. The apparatus may comprise a rigging system for operating the chassis or vehicle and / or the operation device / s mounted thereon. According to an aspect, there is provided a kit for performing an operation at, in or on a marine structure. The operation may be that as described in any other aspect, example, embodiment or claim. The kit may comprise components of the support structure; such as in a disassembled state. The kit may comprise one or more chassis or vehicles and / or one or more operations devices. The kit may comprise a rigging system. The kit may comprise a lifting device. It may be an advantage of the present disclosure, that inspections, repair and / or installation of marine structures can be performed with fewer or no personnel entering a confined space and / or working-at-height (e.g. roped access) and / or directly performing the operation. Accordingly, safety of personnel can be improved whilst ensuring industry-standard inspections, repair and / or installation can still be performed. The apparatus associated therewith (e.g. operations device / s) may be configured for operation in and inspection of Hazardous Area settings, such as predefined, specified Hazardous Area Equipment. The system, method or apparatus may be for one or more of: the oil / gas industry; utilities industries; assets such as FPSOs, FOIs, oil rigs, vessels, or other structures. The system may comprise an asset inspection or repair system. The asset may comprise one or more of: a floating vessel; a bulkhead; a FPSO; a storage container; a tank; a pressure tank; a vessel interior; a hull or portion thereof. According to an aspect, there is provided a method of using the system according to an aspect, claim, embodiment or example of this disclosure. The steps of the method may be in any order. According to an aspect of, there is provided a system configured to perform a method according to an aspect, claim, embodiment or example of this disclosure. According to an aspect, there is provided a controller arranged to perform a method according to an aspect, claim, embodiment or example of this disclosure. According to an aspect, there is provided a system comprising a controller according to an aspect, claim, embodiment or example of this disclosure, or a system arranged to perform a method according to an aspect, claim, embodiment or example of this disclosure. According to an aspect, there is provided computer software which, when executed by a processing means, is arranged to perform a method according to any aspect, claim, embodiment or example of this disclosure. The computer software may be stored on a computer readable medium. The computer software may be tangibly stored on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium may be non-transitory. Any controller or controllers described herein may suitably comprise a control unit or computational device having one or more electronic processors. Thus, the system may comprise a single control unit or electronic controller or alternatively different functions of the controller may be embodied in, or hosted in, different control units or controllers. As used herein the term “controller” or “control unit” will be understood to include both a single control unit or controller and a plurality of control units or controllers collectively operating to provide any stated control functionality. To configure a controller, a suitable set of instructions may be provided which, when executed, cause said control unit or computational device to implement the control techniques specified herein. The set of instructions may suitably be embedded in said one or more electronic processors. Alternatively, the set of instructions may be provided as software saved on one or more memory associated with said controller to be executed on said computational device. A first controller may be implemented in software run on one or more processors. One or more other controllers may be implemented in software run on one or more processors, optionally the same one or more processors as the first controller. Other suitable arrangements may also be used. Within the scope of this disclosure it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION An embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an example of a method according to the present disclosure; Figure 2 shows a portion of an apparatus according to the present disclosure in an initial stage of use, Figure 3 shows the portion of the apparatus of Figure 2, in a subsequent stage of use; Figure 4 shows the portion of the apparatus of Figure 3, in a subsequent stage of use; Figure 5 shows the portion of the apparatus of Figure 4, in a subsequent stage of use; Figure 6 shows the portion of the apparatus of Figure 5, in a subsequent stage of use; Figure 7 shows the portion of the apparatus of Figure 6, in a subsequent stage of use; Figure 8 shows the portion of the apparatus of Figure 7, in a subsequent stage of use; Figure 9 shows the portion of the apparatus of Figure 8, in a subsequent stage of use; Figure 10 shows the portion of the apparatus of Figure 9, in a subsequent stage of use; Figure 11 shows the portion of the apparatus of Figure 10, in a subsequent stage of use; Figure 12 shows the portion of the apparatus of Figure 11, in a subsequent stage of use; Figure 13 shows the portion of the apparatus of Figure 12, in a subsequent stage of use; Figure 14 shows the portion of the apparatus of Figure 13, in a subsequent stage of use; Figure 15 shows the apparatus of Figure 14 in an alternative use; Figure 16 shows the apparatus of Figure 15 in a yet further alternative use; Figure 17 shows a further version of the apparatus of Figure 2 in an alternative deployment; Figure 18 shows a photograph of an example of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 2; Figure 19 shows an example of an image obtained with the apparatus of Figure 18; Figure 20 shows a further example of an image obtained with the apparatus of Figure 18; Figure 21 shows a photograph of an example of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 18 with an alternative operations device; Figure 22 shows an example of an image obtained with the apparatus of Figure 21; and Figure 23 shows an example of an image obtained with the apparatus of Figure 21. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is shown a schematic example of a method 2 of operation according to the present disclosure. The method comprises the assembly of a transport system in a first step 2; and the performance of a remote inspection thereafter using the assembled transport system in a second step 6. It will be appreciated that the method 2 can include the insertion of assembly components through an opening 16 in an additional step 4, which can be performed prior to and / or during the step 6 of assembling the transport system 10, as exemplified in the ensuing figures. Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown an initial or early phase of the step 2 of assembling the transport system 10. Here the assembly components of the transport system 10 include a first longitudinal member 18a, defining a longitudinal track for The apparatus 10 of Figure 2 is shown positioned generally outside of the enclosed space 14 of the marine structure 12. The first support member 18a is inserted partially through the opening 16. In this example, the marine structure 12 is a marine vessel, such as a FPSO, with a series of bulkheads associated with the confined space 14. The operation to be performed here is an inspection (e.g. a CVI). As shown here, the first support member 18a has the chassis 20 associated with it already at initial assembly. Here, the chassis 20 is mounted on the tracks of the first support member 18a, held in longitudinal position on the first support member 18a during assembly by a system of lines. It will be appreciated that the lines and support rigging have been generally omitted from the figures for clarity, to illustrate the assembly process of the transport system 10. It will be appreciated that the first support member 18a is to be inserted longitudinally (vertically) into the confined space 14 through the opening 16, as indicated in Figure 2 by the vertical arrow. Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a subsequent stage of assembly of the transport system 10 of Figure 2. As indicated by the broken line arrow (corresponding to the arrow of Figure 2), the first support member 18a has been lowered through the opening 16 into the confined space. Thereafter, the support member 18a has been rotated through 90 degrees, from vertical to horizontal, as indicated by the solid arrows of Figure 3. It will be appreciated that this rotation has been achieved with rigging lines, which also suspensively support the support member 18a from above. Figure 4 shows the portion of the apparatus of Figure 3 in a subsequent stage of use. Here, it can be seen that the support member 18a has been pulled vertically upwards towards the opening 16, as indicated by the broken line arrow of Figure 4. Accordingly, the chassis 20 is accessible at the opening 16. Figure 5 shows the portion of the apparatus of Figure 4, in a subsequent stage of use. Here, an operations device 22 has been mounted to the chassis 20 at the opening 16. This mounting can be performed with the operations device 22 out of the confined space 14. In this example, the operations device 22 is a camera. Figure 6 shows the portion of the apparatus of Figure 5, in a subsequent stage of use. Here, the support member 18a has been lowered with the rigging again, to a position roughly similar to that of Figure 3 - however, with the operations device 22 mounted thereto this time. It will be appreciated that the dimensions of the opening 16 here are too restrictive to have allowed the passage of the transport system 10 comprising the support member 18a, chassis 20 and operations device 22 therethrough. Accordingly, the manipulation method of Figures 2 through 4 allows the positioning in the confined space 14 of a transport system 10 with support member 18a and movable operations device 18a that is larger than otherwise possible. Figure 7 shows the portion of the apparatus of Figure 6, in a subsequent stage of use. Here, the support member 18a has been manipulated with the rigging (not shown) to rotate the support member 18a back through 90 degrees, from horizontal to vertical -as indicated by the broken line arrows. Again, here the position and orientation of the transport system 10 corresponds roughly to that of Figure 2 - however with the operations device 22 mounted to the chassis 20 this time. Figure 8 shows the portion of the apparatus of Figure 7, in a subsequent stage of use. Here, a second support member 18b has been added to the first support member 18a to longitudinally extend the length of the support structure in the form of the transport system 10. It will be appreciated that the second support member 18b has been attached to the first support member 18a to provide a continuous, uninterrupted track along which the chassis 20 will be movable. The partially assembled support structure comprising of the first and second modular support members 18a, 18b can be moved further into the confined space 14 by passing downwards through the opening 16 as indicated by the arrow I Figure 8. Figure 9 shows the portion of the apparatus of Figure 8, in a subsequent stage of use. The process to reach this stage is similar to that as shown in Figure 8, with a further support member 18c having been similarly attached to the second support member 18b. Likewise, Figure 10 shows the portion of the apparatus of Figure 9, in a subsequent stage of use, with a fourth support member 18d having been added. It will be appreciated that as many support members as required, and accommodated within the space (limited here by the height above and below the opening 16), can be added in subsequent similar steps. It will also be appreciated that the transport system support structure 10 can be manipulated, such as partially rotated to an inclined angle to increase available space for adding length tot the support structure (not shown in figures here). Figure 11 shows the portion of the apparatus of Figure 10, in a subsequent stage of use. Here, support lines 30 and a winch 32 are schematically illustrated - noting that additional lines can be used for manipulation of the support structure or members 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d or of the chassis 20 or operations device 22 mounted thereon. End stops 24 are also schematically indicated, which can be optionally included in or with the endmost support members 18a, 18d to prevent any unintentional passage of the chassis 20 beyond or off the tracks. Figure 12 shows the portion of the apparatus of Figure 11, in a subsequent stage of use. Here it can be seen that the chassis has been manipulated to reposition the operations device 22 mounted thereon. In this example, the chassis has been manipulated by manually pulling on lines associated with each side of the chassis. Figure 13 shows the portion of the apparatus of Figure 12, in a subsequent stage of use. Here, the entire support structure 10 has been pulled up vertically (using the winch 32 and lines 30, not visible in Figure 13). The support structure 10 is pulled upwards with tension to press against an underside of the confined space 14 of the marine structure. Accordingly, the transport system 10 is braced against the marine structure 12, thereby mitigating relative movement between the transport system 10 and the marine structure. Accordingly, the operations device 22 can be operated and moved along the tracks of the transport system 10. Here the operations device 22 can be used to obtain images of the confined space. It will be appreciated that the images can be relayed live, real-time to an operator (e.g. outside the confined space, above the opening 16). Additionally, or alternatively, the images can be recorded for subsequent viewing and / or analysis. Figure 14 shows the portion of the apparatus of Figure 13, in a subsequent stage of use. Here, the operations device 22 has been manipulated to be rotated around the transport system 10, as indicated by the broken line arrow of Figure 14. Accordingly, the operations device 22 can be operated to obtain images of other portions of the confined space 14. Figure 15 shows the apparatus of Figure 14 in an alternative use. Here, the transport system 10 has been lowered further within the confined space 14, using the suspensive system (of rigging, lines 30 and winch 32 - not shown in Figure 15). Here the transport system is pressed against the marine structure 12 using gravity. Accordingly, relative movement between the transport system 10 and the marine structure 12 is mitigated. The operations device 22 can therefore be moved and operated with the transport system 10 positioned as shown in Figure 15. Accordingly images of or from lower positions within the confined space 14 can be obtained with the operations device 22. Figure 16 shows the apparatus of Figure 15 in a yet further alternative use. Here, again the operations device 22 has been manipulated to rotate 180 degrees about the longitudinal support structure 10 so as to be able to move along the other side of the transport system 10 and obtain images from an opposite side of the support structure 10. It will be appreciated that in all positions of the transport system 10 shown, the chassis 20 is movable there along. Figure 17 shows a further version of the apparatus of Figure 2 in an alternative deployment. Here, yet further support members 18e and 18f have been added. Here, the transport system is deployed for use in a vertical configuration. It will be appreciated that the transport system 10 can be supported from above (e.g. with lines and a winch, not shown) and / or from below - such as resting on the marine structure 12, as shown in Figure 17. Figure 18 shows a photograph of an example of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 2.. Here, it can be seen that the operations device is an optical camera. Figure 19 shows an example of an image obtained with the apparatus of Figure 18; and Figure 20 shows a further example of another image obtained with the apparatus of Figure 18. Figure 21 shows a photograph of an example of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 18 with an alternative operations device, being a laser scanner in this example. It will be appreciated that in some examples, multiple operations devices 22 can be deployed. These can be non-contemporaneously, such as sequentially with a first operations device 22 being removed prior to use of a subsequent operations device. Alternatively multiple operations devices may be deployed simultaneously - such as with a first operations device 22 mounted on a first side (e.g. top) of the chassis 20 and a second operations device 22 mounted on a second side (e.g. bottom) of the chassis 20. Figure 22 shows an example of an image obtained with the apparatus of Figure 21; and Figure 23 shows an example of another image obtained with the apparatus of Figure 21. It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can be realised in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like a ROM, whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory such as, for example, RAM, memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a CD, DVD, magnetic disk or magnetic tape. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are embodiments of machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a program or programs that, when executed, implement embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing a system or method as disclosed in any aspect, example, claim or embodiment of this disclosure, and a machine-readable storage storing such a program. Still further, embodiments of the present disclosure may be conveyed electronically via any medium such as a communication signal carried over a wired or wireless connection and embodiments suitably encompass the same. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. The claims should not be construed to cover merely the foregoing embodiments, but also any embodiments which fall within the scope of the claims, including with equivalence. 19

Claims

1015201. A method of performing an operation on a portion of a marine structure, the method comprising:inserting a temporary support structure through an opening into a confined spaced of the marine structure;longitudinally extending the temporary support structure within the confined space so as to increase a total longitudinal length of the temporary support structure;defining a longitudinal path with the temporary support structure;deploying an operations device with or on the temporary support structure;actively moving the operations device along at least a portion of the longitudinal path to move the operations device within the confined space; andperforming operations with the operations device deployed with or on the temporary support structure;wherein the method is performed without passage of any personnel through the opening.

2. The method of claim 1, comprising longitudinally extending the support structure by incrementally adding modular members to the support structure.

3. The method of claim 1, comprising longitudinally extending the support structure telescopically.

4. The method of any preceding claim, comprising supporting a vehicle or chassis on 25 the support structure.

5. The method of any preceding claim, comprising remotely manipulating the operations device and / or the chassis or vehicle to move the operations device and / or chassis or vehicle along the longitudinal support structure.

306. The method of claim 5, comprising remotely manipulating the operations device and / or the chassis or vehicle using a flexible member or line.

7. The method of claim 6, comprising pulling a line in a first direction to pull the chassis 35 or vehicle towards a first end of the longitudinal support member and pulling the or aline in a second direction to pull the chassis or vehicle towards a second end of the longitudinal support member.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the line(s) is / are operable via the opening.

59. The method of any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the vehicle comprises an unpowered vehicle.

10. The method of any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the support structure defines a io pathway for guiding the vehicle or chassis therealong, and the method comprises longitudinally extending the support structure to longitudinally extend the path for the vehicle or chassis to be moved within the confined space.

11. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the opening is an access opening, such is as for access for personnel.

12. The method of any preceding claim, comprising extending the support structure through the opening.20 13. The method of any preceding claim, comprising manipulating the support structurewithin the confined space, through the opening, and from outside of the confined space.

14. The method of claim 13, comprising manipulating the support structure to vary an 25 orientation of the support structure.

15. The method of claim 13 or claim 14, comprising manipulating the support structure to rotate the support structure within the confined space from an insertion orientation to a use orientation.3016. The method of any preceding claim, comprising suspending the support structure at least during assembly thereof.

17. The method of claim 16, comprising suspending the support structure with or from a35 lifting device, wherein the lifting device is located outside of the confined space.

18. The method of any one of claims 13 to 17, comprising manipulating and / or suspending the support structure with a rigging, wherein the rigging comprises one or more of: a plurality of the flexible members or lines; one or more pulleys;5 attachment / s of the lines to the support structure.

19. The method of any preceding claim, comprising supporting, resting or bracing the support structure against at least one interior surface of the marine structure.io 20. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the operation comprises an inspection.

21. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the operations device comprises a camera and / or a scanner.1522. An apparatus for performing an operation on a portion of a marine structure, the apparatus comprising:a temporary support structure defining a longitudinal path;a chassis or vehicle retainably associated with the support structure;wherein the support structure comprises one or more tracks for the chassis or vehicle to move along, linearly.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, comprising an operations device.

24. The apparatus of claim 22 or claim 23, comprising a rigging system for suspensively 25 supporting and / or manipulating the support structure.

25. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the temporary support structure comprises a plurality of modular members configured to be added together to incrementally longitudinally extend the support structure.30Amendments to the claims have been made as follows:23 07 25CLAIMS1. A method of performing an operation on a portion of a marine structure, the method comprising:5 inserting a temporary, modular support structure through an opening into aconfined spaced of the marine structure;longitudinally extending the temporary support structure through the opening and into the confined space by incrementally adding discrete modular members so as to increase a total longitudinal length of the temporary support structure, wherein io each modular member defines a longitudinal track;defining a longitudinal track with the temporary support structure;deploying an operations device with or on the temporary support structure;actively moving the operations device along at least a portion of a path defined the longitudinal track to move the operations device within the confined is space; andperforming operations with the operations device deployed with or on the temporary support structure;wherein the method is performed without passage of any personnel through the opening.

202. The method of claim 1, comprising supporting a vehicle or chassis on the support structure.

3. The method of any preceding claim, comprising remotely manipulating the operations 25 device and / or the chassis or vehicle to move the operations device and / or chassis or vehicle along the longitudinal support structure.

4. The method of claim 3, comprising remotely manipulating the operations device and / or the chassis or vehicle using a flexible member or line.

305. The method of claim 4, comprising pulling a line in a first direction to pull the chassis or vehicle towards a first end of the longitudinal support member and pulling the or a line in a second direction to pull the chassis or vehicle towards a second end of the longitudinal support member.23 07 256. The method of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the flexible member or line is looped around a pulley at each end of the longitudinal support, and the method comprises pulling the ends of the line to pull the chassis or vehicle along the longitudinal support member.

57. The method of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the line(s) is / are operable via the opening.

8. The method of any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the vehicle comprises an unpoweredvehicle.

109. The method of any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the support structure defines a pathway for guiding the vehicle or chassis therealong, and the method comprises longitudinally extending the support structure to longitudinally extend the path for the vehicle or chassis to be moved within the confined space.1510. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the opening is an access opening for access for personnel.

11. The method of any preceding claim, comprising extending the support structure 20 through the opening.

12. The method of any preceding claim, comprising manipulating the support structure within the confined space, through the opening, and from outside of the confined space.2513. The method of claim 12, comprising manipulating the support structure to vary an orientation of the support structure.

14. The method of claim 12 or claim 13, comprising manipulating the support structure to 30 rotate the support structure within the confined space from an insertion orientation to a use orientation.

15. The method of any preceding claim, comprising suspending the support structure at least during assembly thereof.23 07 2516. The method of claim 15, comprising suspending the support structure with or from a lifting device, wherein the lifting device is located outside of the confined space.

17. The method of any one of claims 12 to 16, comprising manipulating and / or 5 suspending the support structure with a rigging, wherein the rigging comprises one or more of: a plurality of the flexible members or lines; one or more pulleys; attachment / s of the lines to the support structure.

18. The method of any preceding claim, comprising supporting, resting or bracing the io support structure against at least one interior surface of the marine structure.

19. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the operation comprises an inspection.

20. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the operations device comprises a is camera and / or a scanner.

21. An apparatus for performing an operation on a portion of a marine structure, the apparatus comprising:a temporary support structure defining a longitudinal track;20 wherein the temporary support structure comprises a plurality of discretemodular members each defining a longitudinal track and configured to be added together to incrementally longitudinally extend the support structure and track through an opening and into a confined space of a marine structure;a chassis or vehicle retainably associated with the support structure;25 wherein the track defines a path for the chassis or vehicle to move along,linearly.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, comprising an operations device.30 23. The apparatus of claim 21 or claim 22, comprising a rigging system for suspensivelysupporting and / or manipulating the support structure.

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