Marine transfer apparatus and method of using the same

Marine transfer apparatus for transferring a body (7) between a vessel (6) subjected to waves and an offshore structure (10). The apparatus comprises a transfer cable (1) on which the body (7) can ascend and descend in use. A structure coupling (4) connects a first end of the transfer cable (1) to an attachment point (12) provided on the offshore structure. A vessel coupling (5) connects a second end of the transfer cable (1) to the vessel (6). The transfer cable (1) comprises an elastically extendable region (3) for extending its length when taut between the structure (4) and vessel couplings (5) as the vessel moves in the waves (9). The vessel coupling (5) further comprises a reeling device (8) for reeling the transfer cable (1) between a taut state and a slack state when connected between the structure (4) and vessel couplings (5).