A method of protecting an integrity of a wellhead includes the steps of affixing a subsea structure to the wellhead, installing a plurality of piles into the subsea floor adjacent the wellhead, extending lines between the subsea structure and the piles, and tensioning the lines such that each of the lines applies tension to the subsea structure. The plurality of lines are secured to an upper portion of the subsea structure. The tensioning mechanism has a tensioning cylinder having a ratchet rod extending therefrom. The ratchet rod is connected to either the line, the pile or the subsea structure.