Bolster hook for securing fairleads of floating vessels

Abstract

A bolster hook assembly for securing fairleads of floating vessels, along with subsea disconnect elements. A bolster hook has a shank portion and a hook base portion, and is shaped and has a weight distribution which brings the bolster hook into an engaging alignment with an anchor bolster on a floating vessel, as the bolster hook is pulled over the anchor bolster. Methods of use of the bolster hook assembly are disclosed in connection with, mechanical, and acoustic / mechanical subsea release apparatus.

Description

[0001] Patent Application

[0002] Of

[0003] Jason Pasternak, John Shelton, and Ginny Whisenhunt, Inventors Delmar Systems, Inc., Applicant

[0004] For

[0005] Bolster Hook for Securing Fairleads of Floating Vessels

[0006] Cross reference to related applications

[0007] This non-provisional patent application claims priority to United States provisional patent application SN 63 / 538377, filed September 14, 2023, for all purposes. The disclosure of that provisional patent application is incorporated herein by reference, to the extent not inconsistent with this disclosure.

[0008] Background - Field of the Invention

[0009] This invention relates to apparatus and methods for securing mooring elements and other equipment on floating vessels, more particularly securing fairleads of floating vessels. Floating vessels generally have multiple mooring lines, leading from the floating vessel to anchors. When mooring lines are disconnected from anchors, the mooring lines are typically pulled partially into or onto the floating vessel by a vessel winch. The mooring line runs around a fairlead which is mounted on the floating vessel relatively near the water line, the fairlead having a roller mechanism which reduces friction / wear on the mooring line. Fairleads are generally mounted on the floating vessel with a pinned connection which permits some rotation or swinging of the fairlead around a vertical axis. It is desirable to secure the fairlead from such uncontrolled rotation or swinging, and secure the mooring line section and any mooring components attached to it, for example a section of an underwater release mechanism, to avoid resulting damage to the floating vessel and / or the fairlead and any mooring line components.

[0010] Summary of the Invention

[0011] The bolster hook for securing fairleads of floating vessels embodying the principles of the present invention comprises a sleeve member (which may be a hook, collar, or trigger sleeve), a flexible tensile element (which may be chain, rope, or wire) connected to the sleeve member, and a bolster hook attached to the flexible tensile member. Preferably, one or more swivels or equivalent components that do not substantially resist rotation are positioned between the flexible tensile element and the bolster hook, so that the bolster hook can more easily rotate about an axis generally aligned with the shank of the bolster hook (which is also generally aligned with the tensile member). Preferably, the bolster hook is formed from plate and pipe material, but may be formed in other ways, including but not limited to casting or forging. The weight distribution of the bolster hook promotes rotation of the bolster hook around the axis through its shank, so that the bolster hook naturally rotates into an engaging position as it is pulled over an anchor bolster of the floating vessel, such that the bolster hook engages the anchor bolster. Continued takeup of the mooring line by the vessel winch places the tensile member under tension, and holds the fairlead in a secured position, the mooring line tension preventing rotation of the fairlead about its connection with the floating vessel. In addition, the mooring line and any elements attached to it are secured. Preferably, a bridle and line assembly is attached to the bottom of the bolster hook, to assist in deploying the bolster hook, and provide a positive connection with an intervention vessel, anchor handling vessel or the like.

[0012] The invention further comprises multiple methods of use of the bolster hook assembly, including use in conjunction with acoustic and mechanical release mechanisms, as well as preset moorings for vessels without anchors.

[0013] In another embodiment, the bolster hook and related elements are used without a sleeve, as later described in more detail.

[0014] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] Fig. 1 is a view of the bolster hook system embodying the principles of the present invention, in a secured position on a floating vessel.

[0016] Figs. 2 - 6 are sequential views of the bolster hook system, as it is retrieved to a floating vessel, and showing the rotation of the bolster hook from a first position out of alignment with the bolster hook, to a second, aligned position, in which the bolster hook can engage the anchor bolster.

[0017] Figs. 7A - 9 are additional views of the bolster hook system being pulled into the floating vessel, the bolster hook engaging the anchor bolster, and with continued pulling, engaging the mechanical release on the subsea disconnect to part the subsea disconnect.

[0018] Fig. 10 is another view of the bolster hook system, showing the bolster hook engaged on the anchor bolster and the tensile element in tension.

[0019] Figs. 11 and 12 are perspective views of one embodiment of the bolster hook.

[0020] Fig. 13 is a plan view of an arrangement of the bolster hook system, in combination with a mooring line assembly, in preparation for deployment from an anchor handling vessel.

[0021] Figs. 14 -22 show the steps of use of one embodiment of the system.

[0022] Figs. 23 - 26 show the steps of use of another embodiment of the system.

[0023] Figs. 27 - 31 show the steps of use of another embodiment of the system, also incorporating use of an anchor handling vessel.

[0024] Fig. 32 is a plan (overhead) view of another arrangement of the bolster hook system, in combination with a mooring line assembly, in preparation for deployment from an anchor handling vessel. In this arrangement, the bolster hook system is deployed from an intervention (e.g. anchor handling) vessel.

[0025] Figs. 33 - 39 are sequential views of the bolster hook system, as it is retrieved to a floating vessel, where the bolster hook system is deployed from an intervention (e.g. anchor handling) vessel.

[0026] Figs. 40 and 41 are views of the embodiment of the bolster hook assembly deployed from an intervention vessel, as same is pulled into engagement with a bolster.

[0027] Figs. 42 - 44 are views of another embodiment of the bolster hook assembly, without the sleeve element, and use thereof.

[0028] Description of the Presently Preferred Embodiment(s)

[0029] While various bolster hook systems, and methods of their use, can embody the principles of the present invention, with reference to the drawings some of the presently preferred embodiments can be described.

[0030] Referring to Fig. 1, floating vessel 300 comprises an anchor bolster 400 and fairlead 500. Bolster hook system 10 comprises bolster hook 20, tensile element 30, and sleeve member 40. Bolster hook 20 comprises a shank portion 22 and a hook base portion 24. Fig. 1 shows bolster hook system 10 in a latched position, with bolster hook 20 engaged on anchor bolster 400, and tensile element 30 in tension, thereby restraining fairlead 500 from rotating or swinging on its hinged mount 320. Fairlead 500 is typically mounted on floating vessel 300 by a pinned connection as part of hinged mount 320, which permits some movement of fairlead 500 about a vertical axis.

[0031] It is to be understood that bolster hook system 10 may be used to secure equipment, generally, on floating vessel 300, including fairlead 500, a mooring line 60 (described further below), or other elements which may be found on a floating vessel, all of which may collectively be referred to as “equipment” herein.

[0032] It is understood that the present bolster hook system may be used on a floating vessel having no fairlead, but with the mooring line simply running down toward the waterline or running around a chute, sheave, or similar means.

[0033] Tensile element 30 may comprise chain, wire rope, or other materials known in the relevant art. The length of tensile element 30 may be any length suitable for a given application.

[0034] A sleeve member 40 is attached to tensile element 30, generally at an end distal from bolster hook 20. Sleeve member 40 may be a tube-like member, such as a trigger sleeve, as shown in the figures; or alternatively may be a hook, collar, or other similar element known in the relevant art.

[0035] A bridle 50 and tail line 52 are typically attached to the base or bottom of hook base portion 24. Tail line 52 may be handled by an intervention vessel 350 (as can be seen in Figs. 13 and 27 - 31), which may be an anchor handling vessel or other vessel. The respective lengths of the legs 53 and 54 of bridle 50 may be adjusted to provide a desired orientation of bolster hook 20, as is later described. It is understood that bridle 50 may comprise only a single leg, by way of example only leg 53 as shown, or alternatively only leg 54 as shown. Generally, the various elements of bolster hook system 10 are fabricated and arranged to cause bolster hook 20 to rotate from a first, frequently non-engaging alignment position, into a second, engaging alignment position with anchor bolster 400, as bolster hook 20 is pulled onto and over anchor bolster 400. Figs. 2 - 6 show the desired movement of bolster hook 20.

[0036] Fig. 2: bolster hook system 10 is being pulled toward floating vessel 300 by mooring line 60, which is being pulled by a winch on floating vessel 300, in the direction of the arrows. Mooring line 60 runs through sleeve member 40, and mooring line fixture 62 cannot pass through sleeve member 40, therefore provides a positive connection to pull anchor system 10. Mooring line fixture 62 may be an element of a subsea acoustic or mechanical connector. By way of example, mooring line fixture 62 may be the “vessel side” portion of a subsea acoustic, mechanical, or combined acoustic / mechanical connector. Bolster hook 20 is depicted in a first position, as may often be the case, rotated away from an engaging alignment with anchor bolster 400.

[0037] Fig. 3: bolster hook system 10 continues movement toward floating vessel 300, with shank portion 22 of bolster hook 20 beginning to ride up onto anchor bolster 400. Bolster hook 20 is beginning to rotate toward an engaging alignment with anchor bolster 400.

[0038] Fig. 4: bolster hook system 10 continues movement toward floating vessel 300. Shank portion of bolster hook 20 is generally substantially circular in cross section, which facilitates rotation of bolster hook 20. As will be described further below, the center of gravity or weight distribution of bolster hook 20, especially hook base portion 24, and / or forces imposed by bridle 50, provides a force to generate the desired rotation. In addition, bridle legs 53, 54 of bridle 50 (or in the case of a single leg bridle, leg 53 or 54), along with tail line 52, are sized and positioned to generate the desired rotation.

[0039] Fig. 5: under continued movement toward floating vessel 300, bolster hook 20 moves up onto anchor bolster 400 and rotates into engaging alignment with anchor bolster 400.

[0040] Fig. 6: bolster hook 20 is shown in full engagement on anchor bolster 400. Mooring line 60 is put in and locked in tension by pulling against tensile element 30 / bolster hook 20 / anchor bolster 400. Fairlead 500 is now restrained from swinging or rotation about its connection 320. Mooring line fixture 62, along with mooring line 60, is likewise restrained from movement.

[0041] Mooring line fixture 62 may be a component (for example, the “vessel side” portion) of an acoustic and / or mechanically releasable subsea connector. In one embodiment, shown in Figs. 7 - 9, a subsea connector 70 having a mechanical release is shown. Sleeve member 40 comprises a trigger sleeve. When subsea connector 70 is pulled into engagement with sleeve member 40 by mooring line 60, sleeve member 40 exerts sufficient force on subsea connector 70 to activate the mechanical release, thereby separating subsea connector 70, as shown in Fig. 9. This feature permits disconnect of floating vessel 300 from mooring line 60 without the need for an intervention vessel.

[0042] Fig. 10 shows bolster hook system 10 after release of subsea connector 70, with mooring line fixture 62 (being part of a mechanically, acoustically, or mechanically / acoustically released subsea connector 70) in place.

[0043] Figs. 11 and 12 are views of an embodiment of bolster hook 20. Preferably, bolster hook 20 is fabricated by joining plate materials (e.g. high strength steel) by welding or similar means, but may also be cast, forged, or 3D printed. Shank portion 22 is preferably substantially circular in cross section, in essence a section of pipe, which as previously described assists in bolster hook 20 rotating to a desired engaging alignment as bolster hook 20 is pulled over an anchor bolster 400. Hook base portion 24 has suitable connector points 25, 26 to attach bridle legs 53, 54. Bolster hook 20, and in particular hook base portion 24, has a center of gravity CG (weight distribution) displaced from an axis through shank portion 22, see Figs. 11 and 12, and Figs. 2 - 6, such that gravitational forces on bolster hook 20 rotate bolster hook 20 into a desired alignment, as shown in Figs. 2 - 6 and described above. The desired rotational forces on bolster hook 20 may also be imposed, in whole or part, by a double or single leg bridle.

[0044] As previously described, in one embodiment, the center of gravity (weight distribution) of hook base portion 24 is positioned sufficiently away from axis A-A to provide the desired rotation of bolster hook 20. Further, shank portion 22 is preferably substantially circular in cross section, to facilitate the rotation of bolster hook 20 into the desired engaging alignment. In addition, the geometry of bridle 50, legs 53 and / or 54, and the weight of tail line 52, may assist in the desired rotation of bolster hook 20. In some embodiments, the desired forces to induce rotation of bolster hook 20 may be imposed in part or in whole by forces from a double or single leg bridle 50, if desired along with forces from tail line 52.

[0045] Referring to the drawings, for example Fig. 1, in a preferred embodiment, bolster hook 20 attaches to tensile element 30 by swivels 32, to assist in bolster hook 20 rotating to an engaging alignment as previously described.

[0046] Fig. 13 is a bird’s eye view of an equipment layout on the deck of a vessel, for example an anchor handling vessel, prior to bolster hook assembly being deployed overboard. Mooring line 60 is restrained on the deck of the vessel, and running through sleeve member 40. Tensile element 30, bolster hook 20, and bridle 50 with bridle legs 53, 54 and tail line 52 are all shown.

[0047] Methods of use of the system

[0048] Figs. 14 - 22 show an exemplary use of bolster hook system 10 in combination with a mooring line assembly comprising a subsea release 70 comprising an acoustic release mechanism. Figs. 14 and 15 show the overall system before disconnect of subsea release 70. In Fig. 16, subsea release 70 has been released or disconnected by acoustic means, thereby separating floating vessel 300 from the lowermost section of mooring line 60 and anchor 64. Figs. 17 - 22 show a sequence of bolster hook system 10 and mooring line 60 being pulled into floating vessel 300.

[0049] Figs. 23 - 26 show another use of bolster hook system 10, in conjunction with a subsea release 70 comprising a mechanical release mechanism. Fig. 23 shows the overall arrangement, comprising anchor 64, mooring line 60, subsea release 70, and buoy 66. Mooring line 60 is being pulled into floating vessel 300 by a winch on floating vessel 300. In Fig. 24, bolster hook 20 has engaged anchor bolster 400, and further pull on mooring line 60 brings subsea release 70 into contact with sleeve member 40. In Fig. 25, with continued pull on mooring line 60, sleeve member 40 has applied sufficient force to subsea release 70 to actuate the mechanical release mechanism, the subsea release 70 has separated. In Fig. 26, bolster hook system is secured on floating vessel 300 (also securing fairlead 500 and a portion of mooring line 60 and mooring line fixture 62), and buoy 66 suspends mooring line 60 so that it can be retrieved.

[0050] Figs. 27 -31 show a use of bolster hook system 10 wherein the system operates in conjunction with an intervention vessel, such as an anchor handling vessel (AHV) 350, to effect release of the subsea release 70, which comprises a mechanical release mechanism. In Fig. 27, AHV 350 is connected to tail line 52. Sleeve member 40 is a trigger sleeve. In Figs. 28 and 29, AHV 350 pulls the assembly so as to place sleeve member 40 in contact with the mechanical release mechanism of subsea release 70, then with continued pull, actuates the mechanical release, resulting in separation of mooring line 60 as can be seen in Fig. 29 and 30. In Fig. 31, bolster hook system 10 has been retrieved to floating vessel 300, and tail line 52 has been transferred from AHV 350 to floating vessel 300.

[0051] Figs. 32 - 41 show an embodiment of the bolster hook system, wherein the bridle is connected to the service vessel (AHV) rather than to the floating vessel. Fig. 32 shows various components of the system on the deck of AHV 350. In the embodiment shown, tail line 52, deployed from intervention vessel 350, connects to leg 54; it is understood that bridle 50 comprises only a single leg, which by way of example is leg 54.

[0052] Figs. 33 and 34 show deployment of bolster hook 20 from AHV 350, as collar 40, being pulled by tail line 52 from intervention vessel 350, moves down mooring line 60 to contact release subsea connector 70. In Fig. 35, sufficient force has been applied to subsea connector 70by collar 40 to cause subsea connector 70 to separate. Fig. 36 shows mooring line 60 as a portion of mooring line 60 (the “anchor side”) falls to the seabed, and the upper portion (the “vessel side”) of subsea connector 70 and collar 40 are pulled toward floating vessel 300. AHV 350 moves as needed.

[0053] Fig. 37 shows a portion of mooring line 60 on the seabed, as the upper portion of subsea connector 70 and collar 40 are being pulled toward floating vessel 300.

[0054] Fig. 38 shows bolster hook 20 pulled into engagement with fairlead bolster 400. In Fig. 39, bridle 52 has been handed over to floating vessel 300. Figs. 40 and 41 show more detail regarding the engagement of bolster hook 20 with bolster 400. In Fig. 40, bolster hook 20, being pulled by mooring line 60 as it is being pulled in by floating vessel 300, approaches engagement with bolster 400. In Fig. 41, bolster hook 20 has engaged bolster 400, and sufficient tension has been placed on mooring line 60 to hold bolster hook 20 engaged and to secure fairlead 500 from movement.

[0055] Form of subsea release mechanism

[0056] While various subsea release mechanisms may be used in conjunction with the disclosed invention, one suitable subsea release mechanism is the RAR Plus release available from Delmar Systems, Inc., Broussard, Louisiana, USA. It is understood that subsea release mechanisms suitable for use herein include, but are not limited to, acoustic, mechanical, and combined acoustic / mechanical release mechanisms.

[0057] Another embodiment of the system

[0058] In connection with Figs. 42 - 44, another embodiment of the system can be described. This embodiment has particular applicability when no subsea release device, or a subsea release device without a mooring line fixture (previously described as element 62) to engage a sleeve member (previously described as element 40). By way of example, this embodiment can use the floating vessel wire or chain to hook the bolster hook on the anchor bolster, then by tensioning the wire or chain the fairlead and mooring line is secured.

[0059] Referring to Fig. 42, bolster hook 20 is being pulled by mooring line 60 toward anchor bolster 400. Tail line 52 connects to bridle 50, which in Fig. 42 is a single leg bridle, which may be designated as leg 54. It is understood that bridle 50 may comprise one or more legs.

[0060] In Fig. 43, bolster hook 20 has rotated into an engaging position and engaged anchor bolster 400. Mooring line 60 can then be tensioned and line 52 passed back to floating vessel 300. In Fig. 44, a desired tension has been placed on mooring line 60, thereby securing fairlead 500 and mooring line 60 from unwanted movement. Tail line 52 has been slackened and may be secured to the floating vessel 300, as desired. In Fig. 44, bridle 50 comprises two legs 53, 54; as previously noted this is by way of example only, and a single leg bridle as in Figs. 42 and 43 can be used. Conclusion

[0061] While the preceding description contains many specificities, it is to be understood that same are presented only to describe some of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and not by way of limitation. Changes can be made to various aspects of the invention, without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be determined not by the illustrative examples set forth above, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

We claim:

1. Apparatus, comprising: a bolster hook comprising a shank portion and a hook base portion; a tensile element attached to said shank portion of said bolster hook; a sleeve member attached to said tensile element distal from said shank portion; and a bridle assembly attached to said hook base portion.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: said bolster hook comprises a weight distribution wherein, when said bolster hook shank portion is pulled onto an anchor bolster of a floating vessel, said bolster hook rotates to an engaging alignment wherein said hook base portion engages said anchor bolster.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: said bridle assembly comprises first and second bridle legs attached to said hook base portion; and wherein said bridle assembly imposes a force on said bolster hook such that, when said bolster hook shank portion is pulled onto an anchor bolster of a floating vessel, said bolster hook rotates to an engaging alignment wherein said hook base portion engages said anchor bolster.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: said bridle assembly comprises a single leg attached to said hook base portion; and said bolster hook comprises a weight distribution wherein, when said bolster hook shank portion is pulled onto an anchor bolster of a floating vessel, said bolster hook rotates to an engaging alignment wherein said hook base portion engages said anchor bolster.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:said bridle assembly comprises a single leg attached to said hook base portion; and wherein said bridle assembly imposes a force on said bolster hook such that, when said bolster hook shank portion is pulled onto an anchor bolster of a floating vessel, said bolster hook rotates to an engaging alignment wherein said hook base portion engages said anchor bolster.

6. A fairlead securing system on a floating vessel, comprising: a floating vessel comprising a fairlead and an anchor bolster positioned proximal a water surface; a mooring line attached to said floating vessel, and a winch on said floating vessel engaging said mooring line, said mooring line running downward from said floating vessel and around said fairlead, an end of said mooring line comprising a mooring line fitting; a bolster hook comprising a shank portion and a hook base portion; a tensile element attached to said shank portion of said bolster hook; a sleeve member attached to said tensile element distal from said shank portion, said mooring line running through said sleeve member and said mooring line fitting abutting said sleeve member; and wherein said mooring line is tensioned, bringing said mooring line fitting and said sleeve member into engagement, said tensile element thereby transmitting force to said bolster hook, and wherein said bolster hook is engaged on said anchor bolster, under said force transmitted by said tensile element, whereby a force imposed on said fairlead by said mooring line, and a force imposed onsaid mooring line fitting by said sleeve member, restrains said fairlead from movement about its mounting on said floating vessel, and restrains said mooring line fitting from unwanted movement.

7. A method of securing fairleads on floating vessels from unwanted movement, and of securing mooring line fittings from unwanted movement, comprising the steps of: a) providing an apparatus comprising: a floating vessel comprising a fairlead and an anchor bolster positioned proximal a water surface; a mooring line attached to said floating vessel, and a winch on said floating vessel engaging said mooring line, said mooring line running downward from said floating vessel and around said fairlead, an end of said mooring line comprising a mooring line fitting; a bolster hook comprising a shank portion and a hook base portion; a tensile element attached to said shank portion of said bolster hook; a sleeve member attached to said tensile element distal from said shank portion, said mooring line running through said sleeve member and said mooring line fitting abutting said sleeve member; b) tensioning and retrieving said mooring line onto said floating vessel, bringing said mooring line fitting and said sleeve member into engagement, said tensile element thereby transmitting force to said bolster hook and moving said bolster hook toward said floating vessel, over said anchor bolster; c) continuing retrieving said mooring line, until said shank portion of said bolster hook moves up onto said anchor bolster;d) continuing retrieving said mooring line, as said bolster hook moves further onto said anchor bolster, and, under influence of forces asserted on said bolster hook, said bolster hook rotates into an engaging alignment with respect to said anchor bolster; e) continuing retrieving said mooring line, until said bolster hook engages said anchor bolster, said mooring line and said tensile element are in tension; whereby a force imposed on said fairlead by said mooring line, and a force imposed on said mooring line fitting by said sleeve member, restrains said fairlead from movement about its mounting on said floating vessel, and restrains said mooring line fitting from unwanted movement.

8. A method of securing fairleads on floating vessels from unwanted movement, and of securing mooring line fittings from unwanted movement, comprising the steps of: a) providing an apparatus comprising: a floating vessel comprising an anchor bolster positioned proximal a water surface; a mooring line attached to said floating vessel, and a winch on said floating vessel engaging said mooring line, said mooring line running downward from said floating vessel, an end of said mooring line comprising a mooring line fitting; a bolster hook comprising a shank portion and a hook base portion; a tensile element attached to said shank portion of said bolster hook; a sleeve member attached to said tensile element distal from said shank portion, said mooring line running through said sleeve member and said mooring line fitting abutting said sleeve member;b) tensioning and retrieving said mooring line onto said floating vessel, bringing said mooring line fitting and said sleeve member into engagement, said tensile element thereby transmitting force to said bolster hook and moving said bolster hook toward said floating vessel, over said anchor bolster; c) continuing retrieving said mooring line, until said shank portion of said bolster hook moves up onto said anchor bolster; d) continuing retrieving said mooring line, as said bolster hook moves further onto said anchor bolster, and, under influence of forces asserted on said bolster hook, said bolster hook rotates into an engaging alignment with respect to said anchor bolster; and e) continuing retrieving said mooring line, until said bolster hook engages said anchor bolster, said mooring line and said tensile element are in tension.

9. A method of disconnecting floating vessels from mooring assemblies, comprising the steps of: a) providing an apparatus comprising: a floating vessel comprising an anchor bolster positioned proximal a water surface; a mooring line attached to said floating vessel, and a winch on said floating vessel engaging said mooring line, said mooring line running downward from said floating vessel, said mooring line fitting comprising a mechanical release disconnect, said mechanical release disconnect actuable by forces imposed by a sleeve member; a bolster hook comprising a shank portion and a hook base portion; a tensile element attached to said shank portion of said bolster hook;a sleeve member attached to said tensile element distal from said shank portion, said mooring line running through said sleeve member; b) tensioning and retrieving said mooring line onto said floating vessel, bringing said mechanical release disconnect and said sleeve member into engagement, said tensile element thereby transmitting force to said bolster hook and moving said bolster hook toward said floating vessel, over said anchor bolster; c) continuing retrieving said mooring line, until said shank portion of said bolster hook moves up onto said anchor bolster; d) continuing retrieving said mooring line, as said bolster hook moves further onto said anchor bolster, and, under influence of forces asserted on said bolster hook, said bolster hook rotates into an engaging alignment with respect to said anchor bolster; and e) continuing retrieving said mooring line, until said bolster hook engages said anchor bolster, said mooring line and said tensile element are in tension; f) continuing retrieving said mooring line until said sleeve member exerts sufficient force upon said mechanical release disconnect to disconnect same.

10. A method of disconnecting floating vessels from mooring assemblies, comprising the steps of: a) providing an apparatus comprising: a floating vessel comprising an anchor bolster positioned proximal a water surface; a mooring line attached to said floating vessel, and a winch on said floating vessel engaging said mooring line, said mooring line running downward from said floating vessel, saidmooring line fitting comprising a mechanical release disconnect, said mechanical release disconnect actuable by forces imposed by a sleeve member; a bolster hook comprising a shank portion and a hook base portion; a bridle assembly attached to said bolster hook; a tensile element attached to said shank portion of said bolster hook; a sleeve member attached to said tensile element distal from said shank portion, said mooring line running through said sleeve member; b) connecting a line from an intervention vessel to said bridle; c) applying tension so said line from said intervention vessel, to pull said sleeve member into engagement with said mechanical release disconnect, sufficient to disconnect said mechanical release disconnect; d) retrieving said mooring line from said floating vessel, until said shank portion of said bolster hook moves up onto said anchor bolster; e) continuing retrieving said mooring line, as said bolster hook moves further onto said anchor bolster, and, under influence of forces asserted on said bolster hook, said bolster hook rotates into an engaging alignment with respect to said anchor bolster; and f) continuing retrieving said mooring line, until said bolster hook engages said anchor bolster, said mooring line and said tensile element are in tension.

11. Apparatus for securing equipment on a floating vessel, comprising: a bolster hook comprising a shank portion and a hook base portion, said bolster hook attached to a mooring line from said floating vessel; a bridle assembly attached to said hook base portion,wherein said bolster hook comprises a weight distribution such that when said bolster hook shank portion is pulled onto an anchor bolster of said floating vessel, said bolster hook rotates to an engaging alignment, wherein said hook base portion engages said anchor bolster.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said bridle assembly comprises a single leg.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein said bridle assembly comprises two legs.

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