COURSE OVERVIEW:

Marine Seismic Acquisition and Survey Design is a technical course focused on the planning and execution of offshore seismic surveys. The success of any exploration project begins with the quality of the raw seismic data, which is heavily dependent on the chosen acquisition parameters. This course introduces participants to the mechanics of marine surveys, covering everything from seismic source arrays (airguns) to the complex configuration of hydrophone streamers and ocean-bottom cables (OBC/OBN).

The coverage includes the fundamental physics of wave propagation in a marine environment, focusing on the trade-offs between penetration depth and vertical resolution. Attendees will learn how to design surveys that address specific geological challenges, such as imaging beneath salt, basalt, or complex overburden. The scope also addresses the geometry of 2D, 3D, and Wide-Azimuth (WAZ) surveys, emphasizing the importance of bin size, fold of coverage, and offset distribution in achieving high-quality subsurface images.

Furthermore, the course addresses the operational and environmental aspects of marine acquisition. This includes vessel navigation, streamer positioning with GPS and acoustic networks, and the management of "noise" from weather and other vessels. The curriculum highlights the regulatory requirements for protecting marine life, including the use of Marine Mammal Observers (MMO). By the end of the course, participants will be able to design a cost-effective marine seismic survey that meets the imaging objectives while minimizing operational and environmental risks.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Define the primary objectives and components of a marine seismic survey.
• Explain the physics of airgun arrays and the concept of the "source signature."
• Design survey geometries including 2D, 3D, and 4D (Time-lapse) configurations.
• Determine optimal bin size and fold of coverage for specific targets.
• Evaluate the benefits of Streamer surveys versus Ocean Bottom Nodes (OBN).
• Understand the principles of Wide-Azimuth (WAZ) and Full-Azimuth acquisition.
• Manage the impact of "ghosting" and design de-ghosting strategies.
• Analyze the role of navigation and positioning in marine seismic data quality.
• Mitigate environmental impacts and comply with marine life regulations.
• Calculate the Fresnel zone and horizontal resolution for a survey design.
• Assess the cost-benefit of various acquisition technologies and vessels.
• Manage operational risks including weather downtime and equipment failure.
• Perform Quality Control (QC) on raw seismic gathers and navigation data.
• Formulate a comprehensive tender for a marine seismic acquisition project.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Geophysicists, Acquisition Engineers, Survey Supervisors, and Exploration Managers responsible for offshore data gathering.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.