Abstract: Methods and apparatus for positively positioning receptacle at a pre-selected location. In a preferred embodiment a system for positioning a receptacle is provided. The system includes a transmitter, a receiver, and an indicator. The transmitter may be on the receptacle and transmits a signal from the current receptacle position. The receiver receives the signal and using the received signal, causes the indicator to indicate whether the receptacle is at the pre-selected position. In other preferred embodiments, the receptacle includes a power supply for the power consuming components on the receptacle. In another preferred embodiment, the transmitter is at the pre-selected position and the receiver is on the receptacle. Methods are also provided which include transmitting and receiving a signal from the current position of the receptacle. From the signal strength it is determined whether the receptacle is at the pre-selected position.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to identify existence of near-surface drilling hazards in the vicinity of a sea floor location comprising the steps of: obtaining 3D seismic data for the seafloor in the vicinity of the sea floor location; preparing high resolution 3D vertical profiles from the 3D seismic data; preparing an artificially-illuminated rendered surface based on the 3D seismic data; and identifying existence of near-surface hazards in the vicinity of the sea floor location by visual analysis of the rendered surface with reference to the high resolution 3D vertical profiles. Deep tow and geohazard surveys, which are expensive and time consuming are not required in the practice of the present invention. 3D seismic surveys that are used in the practice of the present invention have often been prepared for other purposes.