Patent ID: 7942051

Claim:
Method for surveying the ocean floor, and cables and other structures on the ocean floor in areas with strong currents using, a submersible survey platform ( 10 ) lowered from a surface vessel by a winch system ( 12 ) on the vessel to a desired depth in relation to the ocean floor, and controlling the distance from the ocean floor in relation to the topography of the ocean floor while the vessel moves the platform ( 10 ) along a desired trajectory using the winch ( 12 ) to control the depth of the platform, characterized by controlling in real time the distance to the ocean floor using one or more sensors that register distance to and, optionally, the direction towards the ocean floor the one or more sensors being connected to the winch ( 12 ) via a control system ( 14 ), and at the same time compensating for any sideways movements of the platform ( 10 ) caused by currents using one or more sensors that are connected to a plurality of thrusters ( 16 ) mounted on the platform ( 10 ) via said control system ( 14 ).