The present disclosure is directed to a system to locate seismic data acquisition units in a marine environment. The system can include a first seismic data acquisition unit. The first seismic data acquisition unit can include a case having a wall defining an internal compartment, a power source, a clock, a seismic data recorder, and at least one geophone disposed within the case. The system can include a flexible connector and a telltale component, wherein the flexible connector and the telltale component can be stored adjacent to the first seismic data acquisition unit, wherein a second seismic data acquisition unit is coupled with the first seismic data acquisition unit.