A lifting platform for use in a body of water has (a) a plurality of float modules, each float module having a buoyancy compartment, and each float module being attached to adjacent float modules by means of flexible joints; (b) at least one container disposed in each float module for retaining a buoyancy fluid; and (c) a discharge apparatus for discharging buoyancy fluid to the buoyancy compartments of the float modules, so as to fill each buoyancy compartment with buoyancy fluid, thereby causing the plurality of modules to float to a position at or near the surface of the body of water.