DEP SPECIFICATION

PLANNING AND DESIGN OF GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

DEP 25.80.10.20-Gen.
February 2015

DESIGN AND ENGINEERING PRACTICE

DEM1

2015 Shell Group of companies

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, published or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior
written permission of the copyright owner or Shell Global Solutions International BV..

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PREFACE
DEP (Design and Engineering Practice) publications reflect the views, at the time of publication, of Shell Global Solutions
International B.V. (Shell GSI) and, in some cases, of other Shell Companies.
These views are based on the experience acquired during involvement with the design, construction, operation and
maintenance of processing units and facilities. Where deemed appropriate DEPs are based on, or reference international,
regional, national and industry standards.
The objective is to set the standard for good design and engineering practice to be applied by Shell companies in oil and
gas production, oil refining, gas handling, gasification, chemical processing, or any other such facility, and thereby to help
achieve maximum technical and economic benefit from standardization.
The information set forth in these publications is provided to Shell companies for their consideration and decision to
implement. This is of particular importance where DEPs may not cover every requirement or diversity of condition at each
locality. The system of DEPs is expected to be sufficiently flexible to allow individual Operating Units to adapt the
information set forth in DEPs to their own environment and requirements.
When Contractors or Manufacturers/Suppliers use DEPs, they shall be solely responsible for such use, including the
quality of their work and the attainment of the required design and engineering standards. In particular, for those
requirements not specifically covered, the Principal will typically expect them to follow those design and engineering
practices that will achieve at least the same level of integrity as reflected in the DEPs. If in doubt, the Contractor or
Manufacturer/Supplier shall, without detracting from his own responsibility, consult the Principal.
The right to obtain and to use DEPs is restricted, and is typically granted by Shell GSI (and in some cases by other Shell
Companies) under a Service Agreement or a License Agreement. This right is granted primarily to Shell companies and
other companies receiving technical advice and services from Shell GSI or another Shell Company. Consequently, three
categories of users of DEPs can be distinguished:
1)

Operating Units having a Service Agreement with Shell GSI or another Shell Company. The use of DEPs by these
Operating Units is subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the relevant Service Agreement.

2)

Other parties who are authorised to use DEPs subject to appropriate contractual arrangements (whether as part of
a Service Agreement or otherwise).

3)

Contractors/subcontractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers under a contract with users referred to under 1) or 2)

which requires that tenders for projects, materials supplied or - generally - work performed on behalf of the said
users comply with the relevant standards.

Subject to any particular terms and conditions as may be set forth in specific agreements with users, Shell GSI disclaims
any liability of whatsoever nature for any damage (including injury or death) suffered by any company or person
whomsoever as a result of or in connection with the use, application or implementation of any DEP, combination of DEPs
or any part thereof, even if it is wholly or partly caused by negligence on the part of Shell GSI or other Shell Company. The
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GSI may at any time require information satisfactory to them in order to ascertain how users implement this requirement.
All administrative queries should be directed to the DEP Administrator in Shell GSI.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6

INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................
SCOPE......................................................................................................................
DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS..........
DEFINITIONS............................................................................................................
CROSS-REFERENCES............................................................................................
SUMMARY OF MAIN CHANGES..............................................................................
COMMENTS ON THIS DEP......................................................................................

2.

BACKGROUND........................................................................................................

3.

RESPONSIBILITIES.................................................................................................

4.
4.1
4.2
4.3

GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY PLANNING AND DESIGN..............................................

PROJECT INITIATION PLAN....................................................................................
SURVEY DESIGN AND OPERATIONAL PLANNING................................................
PROJECT EXECUTION AND HSSE PLAN...............................................................

5.

REFERENCES........................................................................................................

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1.

INTRODUCTION

1.1

SCOPE
This DEP specifies requirements and gives recommendations for the design and planning
of all Shell operated airborne, onshore, transition zone and offshore geophysical surveys
including Controlled Source Electromagnetic (CSEM), passive Electromagnetic (EM),
Gravity, Magnetic and Seismic Surveys for exploration, development and reservoir
surveillance.
The purpose of this DEP is to ensure robust survey planning with the primary objective to
enable safe and cost efficient geophysical operations by balancing all technical,
operational, environmental and business aspects.
The custodianship and accountability for this DEP resides with the Global Discipline Head
Geophysics. Specific organizational roles and responsibilities for this standard are covered
in global, regional or OU-specific governance such as DCAF (Design Control Assurance
framework).
This DEP contains mandatory requirements to mitigate process safety risks in accordance
with Design Engineering Manual (DEM) 1 Application of Technical Standards.
This is a revision of the DEP of the same number dated February 2014; see (1.5) regarding
the changes.

1.2

DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

Unless otherwise authorised by Shell GSI, the distribution of this DEP is confined to Shell
companies and, where necessary, to Contractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers nominated
by them. Any authorised access to DEPs does not for that reason constitute an
authorisation to any documents, data or information to which the DEPs may refer.
This DEP is intended for use in facilities related to oil and gas production. This DEP may
also be applied in other similar facilities.
When DEPs are applied, a Management of Change (MOC) process shall be implemented;
this is of particular importance when existing facilities are to be modified.
If national and/or local regulations exist in which some of the requirements could be more
stringent than in this DEP, the Contractor shall determine by careful scrutiny which of the
requirements are the more stringent and which combination of requirements will be
acceptable with regards to the safety, environmental, economic and legal aspects. In all
cases, the Contractor shall inform the Principal of any deviation from the requirements of
this DEP which is considered to be necessary in order to comply with national and/or local
regulations. The Principal may then negotiate with the Authorities concerned, the objective
being to obtain agreement to follow this DEP as closely as possible.

1.3

DEFINITIONS

1.3.1

General definitions
The Contractor is the party that carries out all or part of the design, engineering,
procurement, construction, commissioning or management of a project or operation of a
facility. The Principal may undertake all or part of the duties of the Contractor.
The Manufacturer/Supplier is the party that manufactures or supplies equipment and
services to perform the duties specified by the Contractor.

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The Principal is the party that initiates the project and ultimately pays for it. The Principal
may also include an agent or consultant authorised to act for, and on behalf of, the
Principal.
The word shall indicates a requirement.
The capitalised term SHALL [PS] indicates a process safety requirement.
The word should indicates a recommendation.
1.3.2

1.4

Specific definitions
Term

Definition

Competence

The ability to perform a particular job in compliance with performance

standards (that is suitably trained and with sufficient experience and
understanding to safely perform the assigned work without supervision or
with only a minimum degree of supervision).

DCAF

Discipline Controls and Assurance Framework

GP

Geophysics

HSSE-CA

Health, Security, Safety & Environment - Critical Activity

MOPO

Manual of Permitted Operations

Region

An organisation within Upstream International or Upstream Americas that

represents a group of Assets involved in hydrocarbon exploration and
production, often spanning across national boundaries.

TA

Technical Authority

CROSS-REFERENCES
Where cross-references to other parts of this DEP are made, the referenced section or
clause number is shown in brackets ( ). Other documents referenced by this DEP are listed
in (5).

1.5

SUMMARY OF MAIN CHANGES

This DEP is a minor revision of the DEP of the same number dated February 2014. The
following are the main, non-editorial changes.

1.6

Section/Claus
e

Change

4.3.4

Include absence of controls and mitigations

4.3.5

Further clarification for noise mitigation controls for well seismic and
high resolution site surveys. Simplification in text for 2D and 3D
seismic and stronger focus on adequate environmental assessments.

COMMENTS ON THIS DEP

Comments on this DEP may be submitted to the Administrator using one of the following
options:
Shell DEPs Online
(Users with access to
Shell DEPs Online)

Enter the Shell DEPs Online system at

https://www.shelldeps.com
Select a DEP and then go to the details screen for

DEP 25.80.10.20-Gen.
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that DEP.
Click on the Give feedback link, fill in the online
form and submit.
DEP Feedback System
(Users with access to
Shell Wide Web)

Enter comments directly in the DEP Feedback

System which is accessible from the Technical
Standards Portal http://sww.shell.com/standards.
Select Submit DEP Feedback, fill in the online form
and submit.

DEP Standard Form

(Other users)

Use DEP Standard Form 00.00.05.80-Gen. to record

feedback and email the form to the Administrator at
standards@shell.com.

Feedback that has been registered in the DEP Feedback System by using one of the above
options will be reviewed by the DEP Custodian for potential improvements to the DEP.

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2.

BACKGROUND
Managing geophysical acquisition is an HSSE critical activity (HSSE-CA) with geophysical
survey planning and survey design being of particular importance as the largest impact on
risk management is during planning and preparation.
Geophysical surveys are acquired by service Contractors to support specific business
objectives in various, often challenging and remote environments. The majority of Shell
operated surveys are carried out by globally operating service providers with only a small
fraction being executed by smaller regional or local providers.
The survey technique and corresponding technical parameters shall be tailored to the
operational environment to enable safe and efficient operations that satisfy local and
national legislation and meet the geophysical (technical) requirements and business needs.
The wide range of survey examples globally operated by Shell include (amongst others)
seismic deepwater seabed surveys, marine arctic seismic surveys, airborne surveys for
gravity and magnetic and onshore survey operations in densely populated, jungle or
mountainous areas, deserts or other remote and environmentally sensitive areas.
Geophysical surveys are frequently the first field operations associated with exploration and
production activities in frontier areas, and the time required for scouting and information
gathering, risk analysis, permitting, impact assessment, Contractor capability assessment,
survey design and tendering can be significant. Detailed technical survey design has to
take non-technical aspects adequately into account. Especially for new venture projects, it
is not uncommon that the survey preparation timeline is dominated by managing nontechnical risk.
New acquisition techniques like high productivity vibroseis, significantly higher channel
count systems and lighter and more portable seismic drilling equipment for onshore surveys
and new streamer technologies and seabed recording techniques for offshore surveys
allow for many more options to be considered and therefore enable the selection of a safe
and optimal design.

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3.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Specific organizational roles and responsibilities for the planning and design of geophysical
surveys are covered in the region or OU-specific governance (such as DCAF and
HSSE-CA).
The following survey planning responsibilities are considered critical as they have a major
impact on the actual operations:
a. Information gathering for the survey area. For onshore operations a scouting trip to
the survey area shall be conducted.
b. HAZID, risk analysis and quantitative risk analysis (QRA) where needed.
c.

Survey design and preparation.

d. Contractor selection and Contractor capability assessment including tendering.

e. Operations management and supervision of survey execution.
The critical activities listed above shall be conducted under the direct supervision and
responsibility of Shell personnel with demonstrated competence in geophysical operations
and fulfilling the HSSE competency requirements for Geophysical Operations (OTE-3 for
senior operations geophysicists).
The final deliverables specified in this DEP shall be signed off by the Accountable Technical
Authority and Responsible Technical Authority (where applicable) as specified by the
Regional/OU standard as well as DCAF.

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4.

GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY PLANNING AND DESIGN

4.1

PROJECT INITIATION PLAN

For each proprietary geophysical survey, a Project Initiation Plan shall be prepared at the
start of the project. The Project Initiation Plan is to be signed off by the Principal and the
responsible TA2 for geophysical operations.
The ability to influence project risks is largest prior to mobilization and deserves particular
attention. The Project Initiation Plan shall ensure that there is sufficient lead time to
adequately manage risk and relevant project aspects, and that competent staff resources
are assigned to the project, including their detailed roles and responsibilities.
The allocation of responsibilities and accountabilities from pre-award to project execution is
critical and shall be clearly defined for all phases of the project in the form of a
Responsibility, Accountability, Support, Consult, Inform (RASCI) chart at project initiation.
The project initiation plan shall include a description of the survey area and an initial risk
assessment.

4.2

SURVEY DESIGN AND OPERATIONAL PLANNING

A survey design report shall document and demonstrate that the chosen survey design is
adequate. The survey design and acquisition technology shall be determined based on the
following critical information to enable the selection of a safe (ALARP) and optimal survey
design option:
a.

For onshore and transition zone surveys:

i. Topography,
ii.

terrain and soil conditions,

iii. vegetation,
iv. land use and
v. existing infrastructure information like buildings, remoteness and
access, roads, facilities, overhead and buried power lines, pipelines
and buried pipelines and waters.
b.
For onshore and transition zone surveys, the use of satellite imagery and a
scouting trip shall be included.
c.
For marine surveys water depth variations, offshore facilities, subsea
installations, pipelines and cables.
d.
If applicable available information on Explosive Remnants of War (ERW)
and unexploded ordnance (UXO).
e.

Climate and Metocean information including flooding and water levels.

f.
Environmental (regulatory) constraints and Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) results.
g.

Archaeological, historical and socially sensitive sites (e.g., cemeteries).

h.

Initial risk assessment.

i.

Operational reports from legacy surveys.

j.
Any available subsurface information like well data, legacy surveys and
interpretation reports.

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k.
Raw field data from legacy surveys to help defining adequate source and
receiver parameters.
l.
Assessment of available vessels and Contractor equipment, related
operational footprint and Contractor capabilities.
m.

Assessment of available crew change and MEDEVAC options.

The selected survey design shall be subject to qualified peer review and the survey design
report shall be signed off by the responsible TA2 for geophysical operations.
4.3

PROJECT EXECUTION AND HSSE PLAN

The Project Execution and HSSE Plan shall be based on OGP 432. The Project Execution
and HSSE Plan shall demonstrate that all identified risks in the red and yellow RAM area
are reduced to ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable).
The Project Execution and HSSE Plan shall be signed off by the Principal and the
responsible TA2 for geophysical operations.
Risk areas like Health, Personal and Process Safety, Security, the Environment and Social
Performance, Contractor HSSE Management and Transport are critical for geophysical
operations and are covered by other manuals in the Shell HSSE & SP Control Framework.
The following areas which are specific for geophysical operations shall be addressed with
particular focus in the project execution and HSSE plan.

4.3.1

Explosives
Explosives are frequently used as sources during onshore seismic field operations and
pose a significant risk if not properly handled. All explosives (detonators and charges) are
dangerous and their use and handling is generally strictly regulated by local law. Handling
of explosives includes the following activities:
a. Transportation of explosives and detonators
b. Storage and inventory of explosives and detonators
c.

Shot hole loading and priming

d. Shot firing
e. Managing misfires and disposing explosives
The handling of explosives and detonators shall be in full accordance with applicable local
laws and regulations. The guidelines stipulated by the IAGC Land Geophysical Safety
Manual SHALL [PS] apply as a minimum standard.
In the event of conflicting regulations, the more stringent obligation, restraint or IAGC
guideline shall always be exercised.
Surface shooting techniques with explosives shall be avoided at all times and safer
alternatives shall be identified.
4.3.2

Source point locations and shot hole drilling

Source point locations and source point offsets and distances from structures, facilities,
overhead and buried powerlines, pipelines and pressurized pipelines SHALL [PS] be
planned to conform to the most stringent safety distance requirements stated in local
regulations or in the IAGC Minimum Offset Guidelines for Land Seismic Sources. Particular
attention shall be paid to buried hazards when planning shot hole drilling.

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4.3.3

Airguns
Airguns rapidly release compressed air into water to create an energy pulse as source for
marine seismic surveys. To create sufficient source energy, compressors that generate
significant operating pressures are required. Any unintended release of these high
pressures poses a serious risk and the guidelines for handling airguns and compressors as
described in the IAGC Marine Safety Manual should be followed.
The volume and sound output of airguns and airgun arrays in marine surveys should be
tuned to the depth of investigation and balanced with environmental constraints defined by
the applicable EIA to the lowest practicable output and power levels to achieve all
geophysical survey objectives. Unnecessary high frequency noise produced by the airguns
should be minimized, see also (4.3.6).

4.3.4

Manual of Permitted Operations (MOPO)

Seismic operations are often carried out under adverse weather conditions and in difficult
terrains including 24 hr operations. To ensure safe operations at all times, a clear Manual of
Permitted Operations (MOPO) SHALL [PS] be developed for all permitted survey
operations and survey conditions. The MOPO shall be determined based on the minimum
following considerations:
a

Regulatory requirements.

HEMP results for the corresponding activities.

Temperature, wind, precipitation, visibility and soil condition limits for land operations.

Wind, wave height, visibility and current limits for marine and transition zone
operations.

Availability of first aid and MEDEVAC capabilities and required controls and
safeguards.

Concurrent activities and potentially escalating factors like absence of required

controls or mitigations.

The MOPO shall clearly specify which survey activities are permitted and set clear
operating envelopes for these activities, with clearly defined STOP or PROCEED WITH
CAUTION conditions. Conditions shall be monitored with particular caution on marginal
changes towards slow degradation and adequate communication means shall be available
to stop activities if necessary.
4.3.5

Marine life and sound

The impact of the acoustic sound generated by airguns used in offshore 2D and 3D seismic
surveys on marine life SHALL [PS] be mitigated by:

Adhering to applicable local regulatory requirements.

Application of the JNCC guidelines for minimising the risk of injury and disturbance
to marine mammals from seismic surveys in absence of any stricter local
regulatory requirements and if not mandated otherwise.

As part of the applicable EIA, determine the sensitivity of species present in the
area of operations to the type of sound produced, assess seasonal variations and
the need for additional controls.

Well seismic surveys like VSP and high resolution site surveys produce lower
sound pressure levels and adherence to JNCC is not mandated. In absence of any

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stricter local regulatory requirements, a scoping environmental assessment based
on the applicable EIA has to determine if special sound mitigations are needed.
The applicable and identified sound mitigation controls are to be documented in the Project
Execution and HSSE Plan.
4.3.6

Roles and responsibilities

At crew level, HSSE critical responsibilities shall be identified, clearly specifying individual
associated responsibilities and job descriptions for each supervisory position on the project.

4.3.7

Pre mobilization planning

Mobilization and survey start-up activities have the highest risk exposure and need careful
planning and preparation. The Contractor shall develop a detailed mobilization plan,
identifying the following:

Detailed mobilization schedule for equipment and personnel, clearly defined point
and time of mobilization

Training requirements at different phased of mobilization

Required audits and inspections

The Company site representative shall be present in the field from the start of mobilization
activities. Mobilization or start-up shall be attended by Shell staff.

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5.

REFERENCES
In this DEP, reference is made to the following publications:
NOTES:

1. Unless specifically designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used,
together with any amendments/supplements/revisions thereto.
2. The DEPs and most referenced external standards are available to Shell staff on the SWW (Shell
Wide Web) at http://sww.shell.com/standards/.

SHELL STANDARDS
DEP feedback form

DEP 00.00.05.80-Gen.

Design Engineering Manual (DEM) 1 Application of Technical

Standards

DEM1

http://sww.manuals.shell.com/HSSE/
Shell HSSE and SP Control Framework
http://sww.shell.com/hse/group_hse_standards/control_framework/

HSSE and SP Control

Framework

Design Control Assurance Framework (DCAF)

DCAF

http://sww.shell.com/pt/projects/dcaf/index.html
BRITISH STANDARDS
JNCC guidelines for minimising the risk of injury and disturbance to
marine mammals from seismic surveys, August 2010

JNCC, August 2010

Issued by: Joint Nature Conservation Committee

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
IAGC Minimum Offset Guidelines for Land Seismic Sources, 2007

IAGC, 2007

Issued by: International Association of Geophysical Contractors

IAGC Land Geophysical Safety Manual, 2010

IAGC, 2010

Issued by: International Association of Geophysical Contractors

IAGC Marine Safety Manual, 2010

IAGC, 2010

Issued by: International Association of Geophysical Contractors

Managing HSE in a Geophysical Contract Report No: 432,

December 2009
Issued by: International Association of Oil & Gas Producers

OGP 432