Systems and methods for positioning objects in underwater environments are provided. The geolocation of a target for an object is determined, and a light source provided as part of a positioning system is operated to project a visible target at that location. The determination of the target location relative to the positioning system can include determining a location of the positioning system using information obtained from a laser system included in the positioning system. The light source used to project the visible target can be the same as a light source included in the laser system. A location of an object relative to the target location can be tracked by the laser system as the object is being moved towards the target location. The described methods and systems utilize one or more non-touch subsea optical systems, including but not limited to laser systems, for underwater infrastructure installation, measurements and monitoring.