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.