a method and apparatus for mounting a column / pile in an upstanding position on a supporting surface comprising the steps of lowering the column / pile to be installed from a support vessel into contact with the supporting surface , using the lower / toe end of the column / pile as a drill such as to form a bore in the supporting surface into which the lower region of the column / pile is to be located and leaving the column / pile in situ in the bore after the completion of a drilling operation .