Offshore oil and gas operations require a range of survey work to be carried out before, during, and after operations. Surveyors play a critical role in the industry, and two key roles are Offshore Online Surveyors and Offshore Offline Surveyors.

In this article, we explore the difference between these two roles and what their responsibilities and duties entail.

What is an Offshore Online Surveyor?

An Offshore Online Surveyor is responsible for monitoring the real-time positioning of vessels and equipment during offshore operations. This role requires working with dynamic positioning systems, monitoring weather and sea conditions, and tracking the precise location of equipment. Online Surveyors work in real-time, and as such, they must have experience with a range of software and communication tools, as well as an understanding of offshore operational procedures.

Responsibilities of an Offshore Online Surveyor

An Offshore Online Surveyor is responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of equipment and vessels. The primary responsibilities of an Online Surveyor include:

1. Providing regular updates to the operations team and other stakeholders.
2. Maintaining accurate records of the vessel and equipment positions, as well as the surrounding sea and weather conditions.
3. Responding to changing weather conditions and sea states to minimize risk.
4. Troubleshooting and repairing equipment malfunctions and system failures.
5. Collaborating with other offshore personnel to ensure that operations run smoothly.
6. Ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards.

The duties of an Offshore Online Surveyor include:

1. Monitoring the position and status of equipment in real-time using a range of software and equipment.
2. Troubleshooting and fixing any equipment malfunctions or system failures.
3. Communicating with other team members to ensure safe and efficient operations.
4. Conducting regular checks of the vessel and equipment positions, as well as the surrounding sea and weather conditions.
5. Creating reports detailing the equipment status, sea and weather conditions, and vessel position.
6. Maintaining accurate records of all activities.
7. Collaborating with other offshore personnel, including the operations team, engineering and construction teams, and clients, to ensure that all requirements are met.

What is an Offshore Offline Surveyor?

An Offshore Offline Surveyor is responsible for collecting and analysing data about offshore locations before and after offshore operations. This role requires conducting surveys of the seabed and surrounding areas, collecting data on water depth, seabed topography, and soil composition.

Offline Surveyors work with information being analysed and processed onshore and are often involved in the planning and design stages of offshore projects.

Responsibilities of an Offshore Offline Surveyor

An Offshore Offline Surveyor is responsible for collecting and analysing data about offshore locations before and after offshore operations. The primary responsibilities of an Offline Surveyor include:

1. Planning and executing surveys of the seabed and surrounding areas.
2. Collecting data on water depth, seabed topography, and soil composition using specialised equipment.
3. Creating accurate maps and charts of the seabed and surrounding areas.
4. Communicating with other team members to ensure that survey work is carried out safely and efficiently.
5. Analysing survey data and presenting findings to stakeholders.
6. Conducting research to ensure that surveys comply with industry regulations and standards.

Duties of an Offshore Offline Surveyor

The duties of an Offshore Offline Surveyor include:

1. Planning and executing surveys of the seabed and surrounding areas using a range of equipment, including GPS, sonar, and magnetometers.
2. Collecting data on water depth, seabed topography, and soil composition.
3. Analysing survey data using specialized software and presenting findings to stakeholders.
4. Ensuring that all survey work complies with industry regulations and standards.
5. Creating detailed maps and charts of the seabed and surrounding areas.
6. Collaborating with other offshore personnel, including the operations team, engineering and construction teams, and clients, to ensure that all requirements are met.

Difference between Offshore Online Surveyor and Offshore Offline Surveyor

The primary difference between Offshore Online Surveyor and Offshore Offline Surveyor is that they have different responsibilities and duties. Offshore Online Surveyors work in real-time, monitoring the position and status of equipment and vessels during offshore operations. They must have experience with a range of software and communication tools, as well as an understanding of offshore operational procedures.

Offshore Offline Surveyors, on the other hand, work with information being analysed and processed onshore and are often involved in the planning and design stages of offshore projects. They are responsible for collecting and analysing data about offshore locations before and after offshore operations. This involves conducting surveys of the seabed and surrounding areas, collecting data on water depth, seabed topography, and soil composition, and creating detailed maps and charts of the seabed and surrounding areas.

Conclusion

Offshore Surveyors play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of offshore oil and gas operations. The roles of Offshore Online Surveyor and Offshore Offline Surveyor are both essential and require a range of skills and knowledge. Online Surveyors work in real-time, monitoring the position and status of equipment and vessels during offshore operations, while Offline Surveyors collect and analyse data about offshore locations before and after offshore operations.

Regardless of the role, Offshore Surveyors must have an understanding of offshore operational procedures, industry regulations, and standards. They must also be able to work collaboratively with other offshore personnel to ensure that all requirements are met.