A method of controlling a marine seismic streamer towed by a vessel includes deploying a workboat next to a section of the streamer and receiving, at the vessel, from the workboat, a command to enter a maintenance mode. In response, a locking command is transmitted via a streamer data link to direct a bird attached to the streamer to lock movable surfaces thereof. A user interface on the vessel is locked so that control of the bird is no longer available therethrough. A control apparatus for marine seismic operations includes the user interface, a receiver to receive commands from the workboat, a streamer interface to command the birds, a memory recording locations and identifiers of the birds, and a processor configured to carry out the method steps. A marine seismic detection system includes the streamer, a maintenance controller in the workboat, and an integrated navigation system controller in the vessel.