A submersible and remotely-operable platform system for carrying out
repeated operations in a submarine position, and producing electrical
energy as either a primary or secondary purpose by means of one or more
energy-conversion payload devices installed thereon. The platform and
payload devices may be periodically brought to the surface and thence, if
necessary, to a shore-based facility for maintenance or refit. In
deployment, the platform is preferably engaged to its mooring lines and
electrical cables while still on the surface. Simultaneous with
controlled flooding of certain of its volumes, the platform is guided to
an operational depth and attitude by the action of its winch assemblies
upon their engaged mooring lines. Subsea currents energize the platform's
payload of energy conversion devices, the electrical output being
preferably conveyed via one or more surface-attached cables to an
off-board facility for further processing, distribution, or consumption.