Abstract: An automated quality control system for processing geophysical seismic data and positioning data from a marine navigation system. The invention includes a prospect data logger in communication with system components for accessing the seismic data, for coordinating seismic data processing, and for identifying and storing attribute data relevant to the seismic data and the positioning data. The prospect data logger is capable of storing data in a programmed format, and can be engaged with a display for illustrating data accessible to the prospect data logger. The prospect data logger is capable of automatically performing quality control functions such as checking seismic data and positioning data, of verifying the format of merged seismic and positioning data, of generating a command for indicating an event or for controlling another system component. The prospect data logger can verify storage tape quality immediately after data is inputted, and a record of events can be generated.