Abstract: Method and apparatus for use in drilling a well from a floating vessel by means of a riser, which connects the vessels drilling equipment to a wellhead assembly adjacent the ocean floor. The riser is capable of being disconnected from the wellhead assembly, and having its upper end locked to the vessel. The present riser locking apparatus is made up of selectively-positionable resiliently-moveable locking beams adapted to be remotely actuated to lock the upper elements of the riser to the vessel, thereby preventing lateral or vertical movement of the riser relative to the vessel.