Streamer handling apparatus for use on seismic survey vessels

This invention relates to streamer handling apparatus for use on seismic survey vessels, and is more particularly concerned with such apparatus for use on seismic survey vessels of the kind used in performing 3D marine seismic surveys covering large areas. Streamer handling apparatus for use on a seismic survey vessel () comprises one or more trolleys () movable along a guide rail () over the width of stern () and of the streamer deck () of the vessel. The or each trolley () is provided with a clamping device () which can be used to grip the inboard end of part of a multi-section streamer () deployed over the stern end of the streamer deck (), so facilitating the transfer of parts of streamers from one streamer () station to another across the width of the streamer deck ().