Seabed analysis

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for investigating the properties of seabeds. Test equipment is deployed from a floating vessel or the like, the test equipment comprising testing apparatus for determining geotechnical, geophysical, geochemical, geological characteristics, and soil penetrator which forms an exploratory hole. The testing apparatus also includes at least one sensor or sampler. The test equipment being deployed by coiled tubing or the like, the one end of the coiled tubing being attached to the vessel. The test equipment is of sufficient weight to keep itself and the coiled tubing above it substantially vertical. The test equipment is also kept correctly orientated by a structure resting substantially on the seabed. A heave compensatior, such as one or more winching lines at a constant load tension which are attached to and support the coiled tubing. A casing can be attached to the test equipment and introduced to the exploratory hole by the soil penetrator. Such test equipment can be deployed at two separate locations simultaneously from the same vessel.