A floating boat barrier

Abstract

The present invention provides a robust and adaptable floating perimeter security system for aquatic environments. The barrier comprises a vertically oriented mesh extending above and below the waterline, supported by buoyancy floats and ballast weights to ensure stability under dynamic conditions. A primary buoyancy float maintains the mesh's vertical position, while a secondary buoyancy float, positioned laterally, is paired with a ballast to resist tilting forces. Tensile chains and vertical frames reinforce structural integrity, preventing sagging or deformation. Modular in design, the system is scalable, corrosion-resistant, and low-maintenance, making it suitable for securing aquatic perimeters in industrial, marine, and environmental applications.

Description

A FLOATING BOAT BARRIERFIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention pertains to perimeter security systems. More particularly, to a floating water-based security barrier designed for use in aquatic environments.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The protection of perimeters is a critical aspect of security for various facilities, including industrial complexes, ports, reservoirs, aquaculture farms, and marine installations. While land-based fencing systems have evolved significantly over time, there remains a significant gap in the availability of effective and practical physical perimeter security solutions for aquatic environments. Traditional security systems are acoustic intrusion alerts or oil spill booms used as security barriers, usually ineffective or prohibitively complex when adapted to water bodies, leaving these areas vulnerable to unauthorized access, and other intrusions.

[0003] One major challenge in designing water-based fencing systems is maintaining stability and durability under dynamic conditions. Water levels fluctuate due to tides, weather, drag forces due to currents, requiring any barrier system to adapt while retaining its functionality. Additionally, such systems must account for the force exerted by floating objects, boats, or individuals attempting to breach the perimeter. Existing floating booms or nets, are not made robust enough to withstand these forces, while more rigid structures can be obstruct the flow of water.

[0004] The invention addresses these shortcomings by offering a novel floating perimeter security system to create a reliable and adaptable water-based barrier. Unlike traditional floating barriers, this system incorporates key design elements to prevent tipping, sagging, or failure due to human or environmental interference.

[0005] In many applications, such as aquaculture farms, the need for secure water perimeters is not just about security but also environmental protection. Unwanted intrusion by boats, livestock, or debris can damage sensitive ecosystems or disrupt operations. This invention fills the critical need for a fencing system that not only secures aquatic boundaries.

[0006] This security barrier is useful to secure perimeter of a naval shipyard, port, dam reservoir, international border or any waterfront facility. This does on water, what an overland fence does on land.

[0007] The invention, therefore, represents a significant step forward in water-based security systems, providing an effective, scalable, and robust solution for securing aquatic perimeters. It is particularly suited for environments where maintaining both security and structural integrity is critical under changing and challenging conditions.

[0008] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The primary objective of the invention is to provide a robust and reliable water-based perimeter security system that effectively obstructs the movement of floating objects, boats, or livestock, ensuring the protection of aquatic boundaries in dynamic environments.

[0010] Another objective of the invention is to maintain structural stability under various physical and environmental conditions, such as tidal fluctuations, water currents, and forceful attempts to breach the barrier.

[0011] A further objective of the invention is to provide a scalable and adaptable solution for securing aquatic perimeters in diverse applications, including marine facilities, ports, reservoirs, aquaculture farms, and industrial zones.

[0012] An additional objective of the invention is to offer a low-maintenance and cost-effective security solution that is durable, ensuring long-term functionality.

[0013] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0014] In the following detailed description, a reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which the specific embodiments that may be practised are shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense. The various embodiments of the present invention constitute a floating boat barrier.

[0015] According to an embodiment of present invention, a floating boat barrier is provided for use in a body of water having a water surface (8), such as a river, canal, lake, reservoir, harbor or coastal zone. The barrier comprises a vertically oriented barrier mesh (2) arranged, in use, to extend from beneath the water surface (8) to a height above the water surface (8), and a first buoyancy float (3) attached to the mesh (2) at approximately the waterline. The first buoyancy float (3) supports the mesh (2) so that a lower portion remains submerged to intercept submerged or partially submerged objects while an upper portion projects above the water surface (8) to provide a visible and physical deterrent to vessels, debris, wildlife or livestock.

[0016] According to an embodiment of present invention, the floating boat barrier further comprises at least one vertical frame (5) coupled to the mesh (2) and extending laterally away from it to support a second buoyancy float (4) positioned at a predetermined lateral distance from the mesh (2). A ballast mass (7) is disposed below and mechanically coupled to the second buoyancy float (4) so that the second float (4) and ballast (7) together define a lever system relative to the mesh (2). Under normal operating conditions, the second buoyancy float (4) is at least partially immersed and provides stabilizing buoyant support; when an external force tends to tilt the mesh (2) away from a substantially vertical orientation, the second buoyancy float (4) is lifted and loses buoyant upthrust while the ballast mass (7) continues to exert a downward force, thereby generating a restoring moment that passively returns the mesh (2) toward the vertical position.

[0017] According to an embodiment of present invention, the structural behavior of the floating boat barrier is enhanced by the provision of a main tensile member chain (6) extending along the longitudinal direction of the mesh (2) and attached to the vertical frames (5). The main tensile member chain (6) imparts lateral tensile strength to the barrier, distributes impact and environmental loads over multiple frames (5). At least one secondary securing chain (9) may extend between the adjacent second buoyancy float (4) maintaining a substantially constant lateral spacing between the floats and preserving the intended geometry under varying load and water level conditions.

[0018] According to an embodiment of present invention, the floating boat barrier is formed as a modular perimeter security system comprising a plurality of barrier sections that can be joined together to provide a perimeter of selectable length. Each section may include a corresponding portion of the mesh (2), one or more first buoyancy floats (3), associated vertical frames (5), second buoyancy floats (4), ballast masses (7), tensile member chains (6) and secondary securing chains (9). Section end connectors (1) provided at opposite ends of the mesh (2) and associated structural elements allow adjacent sections to be mechanically coupled so that the assembled barrier behaves as an integrated structure. This modularity facilitates manufacturing, transportation, installation, replacement of individual sections and reconfiguration of the barrier layout to suit different sites and security requirements.

[0019] According to an embodiment of present invention, the components of the floating boat barrier are formed from materials selected to withstand long‑term exposure to aquatic environments, including corrosion‑resistant metallic materials for the mesh (2), vertical frames (5), chains (6, 9) and ballast mass (7), and UV‑stabilized polymeric or composite materials for the buoyancy floats (3, 4). A corresponding method of restricting passage of floating objects, vessels or livestock across a body of water includes deploying one or more of the described barrier sections into the body of water, connecting them to form a desired perimeter, and allowing the second buoyancy floats (4) and ballast masses (7) to interact with the vertical frames (5) so that, when external forces act on the barrier and tend to tilt the mesh (2), the loss of buoyant upthrust on the second floats (4) and the continued downward force of the ballasts (7) generate restoring moments that maintain the mesh (2) substantially vertical and preserve the effectiveness of the perimeter.

[0020] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such as specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The other objects, features and advantages will occur to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] -3 illustrates a floating boat barrier, according to the present invention.

[0023] Although the specific features of the present invention are shown in some drawings and not in others. This is done for convenience only as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the present invention.

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] In the following detailed description, a reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which the specific embodiments that may be practised are shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense. The various embodiments of the present invention provide for a floating boat barrier.

[0026] According to an embodiment of present invention as illustrated in, a floating boat barrier is provided for use in a body of water having a water surface (8), for example a river, canal, lake, reservoir, harbor, estuary, or coastal zone. The barrier is configured to establish a physical and visual boundary that restricts or deters passage of floating objects, small or medium-sized vessels, debris, wildlife, or livestock while allowing water and, if desired, smaller particles to pass. The barrier may be deployed in straight lines, curves, or closed loops and may be anchored or free-floating depending on operational requirements.

[0027] According to an embodiment of present invention, the barrier comprises at least one vertically oriented barrier mesh (2) extending along a longitudinal direction of the barrier. The mesh (2) is arranged, in use, to extend from a submerged region below the water surface (8) to an elevated region above the water surface (8). The mesh (2) may be a flexible or semi-rigid sheet, fence, grate, lattice or net and can be produced by weaving, welding, molding, knitting, or assembling discrete elements. The openings of the mesh (2) may be of uniform or non-uniform size and shape so as to selectively block objects larger than a predetermined dimension while permitting water flow and reducing hydrodynamic loading.

[0028] According to an embodiment of present invention, the mesh (2) may be formed from metallic, polymeric, composite or hybrid materials. Suitable metallic materials include, without limitation, stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum and corrosion-resistant alloys. Suitable polymeric materials include high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polyester, aramid fibers, or combinations thereof. The choice of material and wire or strand diameter of the mesh (2) may be selected to withstand expected tensile force, bending and impact forces due to water currents, waves, vessel contact and environmental exposure, at the same time have minimum obstruction to flow of water and thus minimize the drag force.

[0029] According to an embodiment of present invention, a first buoyancy float (3) is mechanically attached to the mesh (2) and is configured to support the mesh (2) at a position corresponding approximately to the water surface (8). The first buoyancy float (3) may extend continuously or discontinuously along the length of the mesh (2), and may be fixed to the mesh (2) by brackets, straps, clamps, welded connections, molded integrally with the mesh (2), or other fastening arrangements. In operation, the first buoyancy float (3) maintains a lower portion of the mesh (2) submerged beneath the water surface (8) and an upper portion projecting above the water surface (8) such that both underwater and above-water obstruction is provided.

[0030] According to an embodiment of present invention, the first buoyancy float (3) is a sealed buoyant body providing positive buoyancy when at least partially immersed. The float (3) may be hollow and air-filled, may contain closed-cell foam, or may comprise multiple buoyant compartments to provide redundancy. The float (3) can have any suitable external geometry, such as rectangular, cylindrical, toroidal, or polygonal, and may be sized to support not only the weight of the mesh (2) but also additional loads from attachments, ice, debris or temporary surges in water level.

[0031] According to an embodiment of present invention, at least one vertical frame (5) is coupled to the mesh (2) and functions as a primary load-bearing structure of the barrier. The vertical frame (5) extends generally upright when the barrier is in use and may be mounted at spaced intervals along the mesh (2) so that loads from the mesh (2) are transmitted into the structural system. Each vertical frame (5) may include connection points for the second buoyancy float (4), the ballast mass (7), and tensile members (6, 9), thereby integrating the various components into a unified mechanical system. When the Mesh tilts in opposite direction, the secondary buoyancy float is immersed more and the buoyancy increases due to higher displacement of water and this produces a reaction to lift the secondary float back to water surface and restore the mesh again to vertical.

[0032] According to an embodiment of present invention, each vertical frame (5) comprises an upright portion and a generally horizontal portion forming a lever arm. The upright portion is attached directly or indirectly to the mesh (2) at one or more locations along its height by clamps, brackets, fasteners or welding, thereby constraining the mesh (2) to a substantially vertical plane. The generally horizontal portion extends from the upright portion toward the second buoyancy float (4) so that the second buoyancy float (4) is located laterally away from the plane of the mesh (2) by a predetermined distance. The length and orientation of the generally horizontal portion determine the effective lever arm by which forces generated by the second buoyancy float (4) and the ballast mass (7) act to counter tilt of the mesh (2).

[0033] According to an embodiment of present invention, the second buoyancy float (4) is positioned at a lateral distance from the mesh (2) and is mechanically linked to the vertical frame (5). The second buoyancy float (4) may be mounted at or near the outer end of the generally horizontal portion of the frame (5) using rigid brackets, hinges, flexible couplings, or combinations thereof. The lateral distance between the second buoyancy float (4) and the mesh (2) can be fixed by the geometry of the frame (5) or adjustable by telescoping members, sliding joints or adjustable linkages, thereby allowing tuning of the leverage effect to suit different site conditions.

[0034] According to an embodiment of present invention, the second buoyancy float (4) is configured similarly to the first buoyancy float (3) as a sealed corrosion-resistant enclosure providing positive buoyancy when at least partially immersed in the body of water (8). The second buoyancy float (4) may be of the same or different size, shape or buoyancy as the first buoyancy float (3). In some embodiments the second buoyancy float (4) is dimensioned to provide sufficient buoyant force under normal conditions to assist in stabilizing the vertical frame (5) but to lose a significant portion of that buoyant force when lifted upward, for example during a tilting event, thereby enhancing the restoring behavior.

[0035] According to an embodiment of present invention, a ballast mass (7) is disposed below the second buoyancy float (4) and is mechanically coupled to the second buoyancy float (4) by rigid or flexible connectors such as rods, chains, cables, or brackets. The ballast mass (7) may be located directly beneath the center of buoyancy of the second buoyancy float (4) or offset laterally to modify the resulting moment. The ballast mass (7) can be made of dense materials such as steel, cast iron, lead, concrete or stone, and may optionally be encased in a protective shell to prevent corrosion or environmental contamination.

[0036] According to an embodiment of present invention, the second buoyancy float (4) and the ballast mass (7) are cooperatively arranged with the vertical frame (5) so that, when an external force acts on the mesh (2) and tends to tilt the mesh (2) away from the substantially vertical orientation, (with a lifting action on the secondary float) the second buoyancy float (4) travels upward relative to the water surface (8) and may become partially or completely emerged. This upward movement reduces the hydrostatic pressure and buoyant upthrust acting on the second buoyancy float (4) while the ballast mass (7) continues to exert a substantially constant downward gravitational force. The difference between the reduced upward force and the sustained downward force produces a net restoring moment about the connection point of the frame (5) to the mesh (2) which tends to rotate the frame (5) and mesh (2) back toward the vertical configuration.

[0037] According to an embodiment of present invention, the magnitude of the restoring moment can be tuned by selecting the mass of the ballast (7), the buoyancy characteristics of the second float (4), and the effective lever arm distance between the mesh (2) and the second float (4). By appropriately choosing these parameters, the barrier can be designed to remain stable under routine environmental conditions such as waves and currents, yet resist more severe loads such as intentional ramming, climbing or levering attempts by producing progressively stronger restorative forces as tilt increases.

[0038] According to an embodiment of present invention, a main tensile member chain (6) or equivalent tensile element is attached to the vertical frames (5) and extends generally along the longitudinal direction of the mesh (2). The main tensile member chain (6) may be secured vertical frames (5), at intermediate locations or at lower positions, and may also be attached to the mesh (2) or to additional structural elements. The chain (6) functions to impart lateral tensile strength to the perimeter security system by transmitting tensile loads along the barrier, thereby reducing local overstress in the mesh (2) and ensuring that forces from localized impacts are distributed over multiple vertical frames (5).

[0039] According to an embodiment of present invention, the main tensile member chain (6) may be formed from interconnected metallic links, high-strength synthetic rope, wire cable or other tensile materials. The chain (6) may be continuous over many barrier sections or subdivided into sections that are connected by couplers, shackles or tensioners. The chain (6) may further serve as a structural element for towing, positioning or retrieving the barrier, and may also provide an attachment point for additional devices such as buoys, lights, signage or monitoring sensors.

[0040] According to an embodiment of present invention, at least one secondary securing chain (9) is provided to maintain geometric relationships. The chain (9) thus maintains a substantially constant lateral spacing between adjacent secondary buoyancy float (4) and prevents excessive drift, yawing or rotation of the float-ballast assembly relative to the frame (5).

[0041] According to an embodiment of present invention, the secondary securing chain (9) may be of fixed length or may incorporate an adjustment mechanism such as a turnbuckle, ratchet, or sliding connection which allows the spacing and pre-tension to be set or modified after installation. This adjustability enables compensation for varying water depths, tidal ranges and load conditions, and allows the barrier geometry to be optimized for different security scenarios.

[0042] According to an embodiment of present invention, each barrier section is provided with section end connectors (1) at opposite ends of the mesh (2). The section end connectors (1) are configured to mechanically couple with corresponding connectors of adjacent barrier sections so that multiple sections can be joined end-to-end to form a modular perimeter of selectable length. The connectors (1) may be implemented as mating profiles, hinged couplers, eye-and-pin couplings, hook-and-loop mechanisms, or other arrangements capable of transmitting tensile and bending loads while allowing manual or tool-assisted assembly and disassembly.

[0043] According to an embodiment of present invention, the section end connectors (1) may be located not only at the ends of the mesh (2) but also on associated structural elements such as the main tensile member chain (6), the vertical frames (5) and the floats (3, 4). In such embodiments, joining two sections together using the connectors (1) aligns and couples the mesh (2), the chains (6, 9) and the frame-float-ballast assemblies so that the barrier behaves as an integrated structure. The modularity provided by the connectors (1) facilitates manufacturing, transport, installation, repair, replacement of individual sections and reconfiguration of the barrier footprint.

[0044] According to an embodiment of present invention, the choice of materials for the mesh (2), vertical frames (5), chains (6, 9), ballast mass (7) and floats (3, 4) is made to provide high durability in corrosive, UV-rich and biofouling aquatic environments. Metallic components may be selected from stainless steels, galvanized steels, aluminum alloys or other corrosion-resistant alloys, optionally coated with protective layers such as paint, epoxy, or polymer sheathing. The buoyancy floats (3, 4) may be formed from UV-stabilized thermoplastic or thermoset polymers, fiber-reinforced plastics, or combinations thereof, optionally filled with closed-cell foam to prevent loss of buoyancy in the event of shell damage.

[0045] According to an embodiment of present invention, an assembly as illustrated in-3, for forming a perimeter security system comprises a plurality of mesh panels (2) adapted to be arranged in a substantially continuous line, a plurality of first buoyancy floats (3) configured for attachment to respective mesh panels (2) at a waterline corresponding to the water surface (8), and a plurality of vertical frames (5) configured to be connected at predetermined intervals along the mesh panels (2). The assembly further includes a plurality of second buoyancy floats (4) to be coupled to the respective vertical frames (5) at positions laterally spaced from the mesh (2), a plurality of ballast masses (7) configured to be attached below the second buoyancy floats (4), main tensile member chains (6) dimensioned to extend along the mesh panels (2), secondary securing chains (9) for linking the second buoyancy floats (4).

[0046] According to an embodiment of present invention, the components of the assembly are cooperatively dimensioned such that, when the barrier is assembled and deployed in the body of water (8), each vertical frame (5) together with its associated mesh portion (2), first float (3), second float (4), ballast (7), and chains (6, 9) behaves as a lever system that generates a restoring moment whenever the mesh (2) is displaced from its substantially vertical equilibrium position. Multiple such lever systems distributed along the length of the barrier collectively maintain the mesh (2) upright and stable even under significant environmental and impact loads, thereby preserving the integrity of the perimeter.

[0047] According to an embodiment of present invention, a method of restricting passage of floating objects, vessels or livestock across a body of water having a water surface (8) includes the step of deploying one or more of the described barrier sections into the body of water. Deployment may involve assembling sections on shore or on a vessel, towing the assembled barrier into position, connecting section end connectors (1) to form a continuous line, and optionally anchoring or tensioning the barrier using shore ties, seabed anchors or additional mooring components. The method may further include adjusting the lengths or pre-tension of secondary securing chains (9) and main tensile chains (6) to achieve the desired barrier geometry and stiffness.

[0048] According to an embodiment of present invention, once deployed, the method continues by allowing the second buoyancy floats (4) and ballast masses (7) to interact with the vertical frames (5) as described so that, when an external force acts on the barrier and tends to tilt the mesh (2), the resulting reduction of buoyant upthrust on the second floats (4) and constant downward force of the ballasts (7) generate restoring moments that resist and reverse the tilt. This automatic, passive restorative behavior enables the barrier to maintain its effectiveness over prolonged periods without active control, and thereby restricts the passage of unauthorized or unintended floating objects, vessels or animals across the protected boundary.

[0049] According to an embodiment of present invention, the floating boat barrier provides several advantages over conventional floating barriers and fixed fences used in aquatic environments. The cooperative arrangement of the mesh (2), first buoyancy float (3), vertical frames (5), second buoyancy float (4) and ballast mass (7) creates a passive self-righting lever system that inherently resists tilting or climbing attempts without the need for active control, external power or complex mechanical actuators, thereby improving reliability and reducing operating costs. The combination of submerged and above-water mesh regions enhances interception of vessels, debris, wildlife and livestock while maintaining water flow and accommodating changing water levels. The main tensile member chain (6) and secondary securing chains (9) distribute loads and preserve barrier geometry so that local impacts are shared by multiple sections, reducing the risk of catastrophic failure. The modular construction with section end connectors (1) permits rapid installation, removal, repair and reconfiguration to suit different sites and threat levels, while the use of corrosion-resistant metallic components and UV-stabilized buoyant elements minimizes maintenance requirements and enables long-term deployment in harsh aquatic conditions.

[0050] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such as specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments.

[0051] It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications. However, all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

A floating boat barrier in a body of water (8), comprising:a vertically oriented barrier mesh (2) configured, in use, to extend from beneath the water surface (8) to a height above the water surface (8);a first buoyancy float (3) attached to the mesh (2) and configured to support the mesh (2) at approximately the water surface (8) such that a first portion of the mesh (2) is submerged and a second portion projects above the water surface (8);at least one vertical frame (5) coupled to the mesh (2);a second buoyancy float (4) positioned at a lateral distance from the mesh (2) and mechanically linked to the vertical frame (5); anda ballast mass (7) disposed below the second buoyancy float (4) and mechanically coupled thereto,wherein the second buoyancy float (4) and the ballast mass (7) are arranged such that, when an external force acting on the floating boat barrier tends to tilt the mesh (2) away from a substantially vertical orientation, upward movement of the second buoyancy float (4) relative to the water surface (8) reduces buoyant upthrust on the second buoyancy float (4) while the ballast mass (7) continues to exert a downward force, thereby producing a restoring moment that resists further tilting of the mesh (2).The floating boat barrier as claimed in claim 1, wherein each vertical frame (5) comprises an upright portion attached to the mesh (2) and a generally horizontal portion extending from the upright portion toward the second buoyancy float (4) to define a lever arm between the mesh (2) and the second buoyancy float (4).The floating boat barrier as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a main tensile member chain (6) attached to the vertical frames (5) and extending along the mesh (2) to impart lateral tensile strength to the floating boat barrier.The floating boat barrier as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one secondary securing chain (9) between the adjacent secondary floats and thus keeping the shape of the mesh generally smooth.The floating boat barrier as claimed in claim 1, further comprising section end connectors (1) at opposite ends of the mesh (2), the section end connectors (1) being configured to mechanically couple with corresponding section end connectors (1) of adjacent barrier sections to form a modular perimeter of selectable length.The floating boat barrier as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mesh (2) extends below the water surface (8) and above the water surface (8), the second buoyancy float (4) is positioned laterally from the mesh (2), and the ballast mass (7) is disposed below the second buoyancy float (4).The floating boat barrier as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first buoyancy float (3) and the second buoyancy float (4) each comprise sealed corrosion resistant enclosures configured to provide positive buoyancy when at least partially immersed in the body of water (8).The floating boat barrier as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the mesh (2), the vertical frames (5), the chains (6, 9) and the ballast mass (7) are formed from corrosion resistant alloys and the buoyancy floats (3, 4) are formed from UV stabilized polymeric material.An assembly for forming the floating boat barrier of claim 1 in a body of water (8), the assembly comprising:a plurality of mesh panels (2) configured to form a substantially continuous vertically oriented barrier;a plurality of first buoyancy floats (3) configured to be attached to the mesh panels (2) at a waterline corresponding to the water surface (8);a plurality of vertical frames (5) configured to connect to the mesh panels (2);a plurality of second buoyancy floats (4) configured to be coupled to the vertical frames (5) at positions laterally spaced from the mesh panels (2);a plurality of ballast masses (7) configured to be attached below the second buoyancy floats (4);main tensile member chains (6) configured to extend along the mesh panels (2);secondary securing chains (9) configured to extend and keep equal spaces between adjacent the second buoyancy floats (4) and the ballast masses (7) andsection end connectors (1) for joining ends of adjacent ones of the mesh panels (2),the components being cooperatively dimensioned such that, when assembled in the body of water (8), the second buoyancy floats (4) and the ballast masses (7) generate a restoring moment that maintains the mesh panels (2) substantially vertical.A method of restricting passage of floating objects, vessels or livestock across a body of water having a water surface (8), the method comprising:deploying in the body of water a perimeter barrier that includes a vertically oriented mesh (2) extending from below the water surface (8) to above the water surface (8), a first buoyancy float (3) attached to the mesh (2) at approximately the water surface (8), at least one vertical frame (5) coupled to the mesh (2), a second buoyancy float (4) positioned at a lateral distance from the mesh (2) and coupled to the vertical frame (5), and a ballast mass (7) disposed below and coupled to the second buoyancy float (4); andallowing the second buoyancy float (4) and the ballast mass (7) to interact such that, when an external force acts on the perimeter barrier and tends to tilt the mesh (2) away from a substantially vertical orientation, lifting of the second buoyancy float (4) out of the water reduces buoyant upthrust on the second buoyancy float (4) while the ballast mass (7) continues to exert a downward force, thereby generating a restoring moment that resists tilting of the mesh (2) and restricts passage of the floating objects.

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