The present invention concerns a damping apparatus for the damping of vibrations in tool holders, machine elements and work pieces in machine tools and in other objects that are exposed to unwanted vibrations. An incoming packet is classified according to its priority based on predefined rules to produce a weight value based on the priority of the packet. The conductor casings may optimally be further engaged with the seafloor to a second depth by the application of suction to the interiors thereof or by the use of a drop hammer.