chord plate cp the standoff plates s the jacking rack jr and each other to provide rigidity in all directions the vertical gusset plates vg are omitted from fig2 d for clarity as with the other components of the leg l different dimensions and materials can be used for the components just described depending on the environment and operating conditions encountered in using the platform in operation the platform p is elevated by jacks not shown at the corner locations on the platform p where the legs extend through the hull h the jacking rack jr has on its outer edge a series of jacking teeth jt at a predetermined pitch tp the teeth jt on the portion of a leg l extending through the platform hull h engage one or more pinion gears on one or more jacks mounted on the hull h as jacking motors cause the pinion gears to rotate the legs l are lowered into the water the teeth jt on successive leg sections form a continuous jacking rack in this fashion the legs are lowered until they sink into the seabed s and anchor securely therein further jacking elevates the platform above the surface of the water w the hull is secured in position relative to the legs l by brakes not shown incorporated into the jacking system this is a conventional manner of setting up a.