Boat stopping device

Abstract

A boat capture system for slowing and/or stopping a maritime vessel is provided. The system comprises an inflatable barrier, the barrier being movable and deformable upon impact whereby to slow or arrest movement of a vessel by increasing drag thereon. The barrier may further include at least one entanglement means.

1 . A boat capture system for slowing and/or stopping a maritime vessel, the system comprising an inflatable barrier, the barrier being movable and deformable upon impact whereby to slow or arrest movement of a vessel by increasing drag thereon. 
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the barrier is generally linear and is deformed to be generally V-shaped upon impact. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the barrier is elongate or capable of being elongated. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the barrier includes a sealing system. 
     
     
         5 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the barrier is formed from flexible material. 
     
     
         6 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the barrier is launchable from a boat. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  1 , wherein the inflatable barrier is a temporary inflatable barrier deployable on to a water surface into the path of the target. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the barrier is convertible from a stowed, transport configuration to an inflated configuration achievable before, during, or after deployment. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the barrier is inflated or inflatable in use by forced fluid flow or by ram air. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the barrier is partially inflated or substantially fully inflated. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the barrier is inflated automatically upon deployment. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein barrier is at least partially deflated upon impact from a target. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the barrier further comprises at least one stabilizing means. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the stabilizing means is selected from the group consisting of weights; anchoring means; floodable chambers; drogues; and a combination of any of these. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the barrier further comprises at least one entanglement portion, which device is configured to catch a vessel following impact. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the entanglement portion is selected from the group consisting of meshwork; webbing; netting; net-like structure; and a combination of any of these. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein at least part of the entanglement portion is configured as an integral part of the material from which the barrier is formed. 
     
     
         18 . A boat capture device for stopping a maritime vessel, the device comprising an inflatable barrier, the barrier comprising at least one entanglement portion configured to catch a vessel following impact. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the entanglement portion is selected from the group consisting of meshwork; webbing; netting; net-like structure; and a combination of any of these. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein at least part of the entanglement portion is configured as an integral part of the material from which the barrier is formed. 
     
     
         21 . The device as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the barrier is movable and deformable upon impact whereby to slow or arrest the movement of a vessel by increasing drag thereon. 
     
     
         22 . A method for arresting a maritime target comprising the steps of:
 providing an inflatable barrier;   inflating the barrier; and   deploying the barrier on-move, directly in the path of a target.