Aquatic vessel hull

Abstract

A hull ( 10 ) for an aquatic vessel which provides a shark-repelling region about the vessel. The hull ( 10 ) includes two electrodes connected to an electromagnetic field signal generator, which in use, generates an electromagnetic field ( 40 ) about the vessel which repels sharks. The electrodes may be formed from the ends of an electrode cord ( 23 ), or may be formed from conductive ( 24, 25 ) plates ( 20, 21 ) mounted to, or integral with, the hull ( 10 ).

1 . An aquatic vessel hull adapted to support at least two electrodes connectable to an electromagnetic field signal generator, in use, the electrodes generating an electromagnetic field in a volume of water about the vessel, the electromagnetic field acting to repel selected aquatic creatures.  
   
   
       2 . An aquatic vessel hull according to  claim 1 , wherein said aquatic vessel hull includes at least two recesses for receiving one each of the at least two electrodes, such that the at least two electrodes do not protrude substantially beyond the surface of the hull.  
   
   
       3 . An aquatic vessel hull according to  claim 2  wherein said aquatic vessel hull further includes a channel connecting said recesses, said channel adapted to accommodate an electrode cord terminating at each end in one of said at least two electrodes.  
   
   
       4 . An aquatic vessel hull according to  claim 3  wherein said recesses are formed so as to allow maximum efficiency of distribution of the electromagnetic field generated by said electrodes when in use.  
   
   
       5 . An aquatic vessel hull incorporating at least two electrodes, connectable to an electromagnetic field signal generator, in use, the said electrodes generating an electromagnetic field in a volume of water about the aquatic vessel, said field acting to repel selected aquatic creatures.  
   
   
       6 . An aquatic vessel hull according to  claim 5  wherein said at least two electrodes do not substantially protrude beyond the surface of said hull.  
   
   
       7 . An aquatic vessel hull according to any one of claims  5  or  6  wherein said at least two electrodes are received in corresponding recesses in said hull.  
   
   
       8 . An aquatic vessel hull according to  claim 7  wherein said at least two electrodes constitute respective ends of a cord, which is received in a channel in said hull connecting said recesses.  
   
   
       9 . An aquatic vessel hull according to  claim 6  wherein said at least two electrodes consist of respective conductive plates.  
   
   
       10 . An aquatic vessel hull according to  claim 7  wherein said recesses are formed so as to allow maximum efficiency of distribution of the electromagnetic field generated by said electrodes when in use.