User manual

Chapter 6
Launch and Recovery
This chapter describes a basic MMP launch and recovery operation and provides sample
steps that you can refer to and modify for your specific launch and recovery scenarios. An
illustration of a simple mooring setup is shown in Figure 6-1. Use this schematic as an example
as you review the information provided in this chapter.
Attaching to a Mooring
Physical stoppers can be secured to the mooring cable above and below the range defined
by the pressure stops. These stoppers are typically placed 5 meters to 50 meters outside the range
defined by the pressure stops. The actual placement depends on the anticipated dynamics of the
mooring and on the placement of other mooring components. In the mooring schematic in
Figure 6-1, they have been placed 25 meters above the shallow pressure stop and 25 meters below
the deep pressure stop. The bumpers prevent the profiler from straying off the portion of the
mooring reserved for it. This is important because flotation and other instrumentation may
occupy other parts of the mooring. Repeated collisions due to profiler motion or current and
wave induced mooring motion are not in the best interests of either the MMP or those other
mooring components. Additionally, the deep end of the mooring may extend below the 6000
meter depth limit of the MMP.
Launch Overview
This launch example assumes a simple mooring with a subsurface float, a single,
continuous length of jacketed cable, an acoustic release, and an anchor. Two physical stops with
padded stoppers are mounted on the mooring, some distance above and below the programmed
depth limits of the profile. In more complex moorings there may be additional instruments above
and/or below the physical stops. The ship has a rear A-frame, a crane, and a selection of winches,
blocks, and capstans. You may need to modify the process that follows based on your specific
equipment.
6-1