GP 86-01-04 Offshore Pipeline Surveying September 2013

Offshore Pipeline Surveying

GP 86-01-04

Scope
This Global Practice (GP) defines the minimum requirements for geophysical and geotechnical surveys
for reconnaissance, route selection, pre-lay, as-laid, and as-built pipeline route surveys. This GP is
intended for surveys placed under the scope of an EPC-type contractor, and not for surveys managed by
ExxonMobil Exploration Company Operations Geology, although the data requirements may be used as a
go-by.

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Copyright Waiver:
ExxonMobil (EM) hereby licenses the use of ExxonMobil Engineering Practices System (EMEPS) Global Practices (GPs) for use by any EM division, subsidiary, or
more-than-50% owned and in-fact operationally controlled affiliate. The GPs may be downloaded and modified as necessary for project and affiliate use. Written
permission from EM is not required. However, any modified GPs must be renumbered to a project-specific or affiliate-specific number to differentiate them from the GPs
on the EMEPS website. EM-operated Joint Ventures (JVs) may utilize the GPs to create project-specific or location-specific specifications. It is the responsibility of
each affiliate or Joint Venture to ensure that the use of GPs and their derivatives is limited to affiliate or JV-related business and not disclosed or used outside the JV
without appropriate EM management approval.
Note to Third Parties:
Copyright 2013 ExxonMobil. All rights reserved. No portion of this work may be reproduced or distributed by any means or technology or otherwise used in any manner
without the express written consent of ExxonMobil.
 GP 86-01-04 Offshore Pipeline Surveying September 2013

Table of Contents
1. Required References ............................................................................................ 4
1.1. Global Practices–ExxonMobil Engineering Practices ................................... 4
2. Other References .................................................................................................. 4
2.1. Annex C Technical Specifications ................................................................ 4
2.2. Annex C-1 Vessels ...................................................................................... 4
2.3. Annex C-2 Navigation and Positioning ........................................................ 4
2.4. Annex C-3 Analog Geophysical Systems .................................................... 4
2.5. Annex C-5 Seabed Sampling Systems and Laboratory Testing .................. 5
2.6. Annex C-6 Deliverables and Reporting ....................................................... 6
3. Definitions.............................................................................................................. 6
3.1. Terms ........................................................................................................... 6
3.2. Acronyms ..................................................................................................... 7
4. General Survey Requirements ............................................................................. 8

5. Survey Planning .................................................................................................... 8

5.1. Reconnaissance and Route Selection Surveys ............................................ 8
5.2. Pre-Lay, As-Laid, and As-Built Surveys ....................................................... 9
6. Reconnaissance Surveys ..................................................................................... 9
6.1. Geophysical.................................................................................................. 9
6.2. Geotechnical ................................................................................................ 9
7. Route Selection Survey ........................................................................................ 9
7.1. Geophysical................................................................................................ 10
7.2. Geotechnical .............................................................................................. 10
8. Pre-Lay Survey .................................................................................................... 10

9. As-Laid Survey .................................................................................................... 11

10. As-Built Survey ................................................................................................... 11

11. Reporting ............................................................................................................. 12

11.1. Alignment Sheets ....................................................................................... 12
11.2. Geographic Information System (GIS) ....................................................... 14
11.3. Documentation ........................................................................................... 15
11.4. Data Transmittal ......................................................................................... 15

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11.5. Final Report ................................................................................................ 16

Record of Change ....................................................................................................... 18

Attachment: Purpose Code Definitions.................................................................... 19

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1. Required References
This Section lists the Practices, codes, standards, specifications, and publications that shall be used with
this document. Unless otherwise specified herein, use the latest edition.

1.1. Global Practices–ExxonMobil Engineering Practices

GP 59-01-07 Pipeline Caliper and Mapping Pigging
GP 85-03-01 Geodetic Survey
GP 86-01-06 Offshore Pipeline, Flexible, Umbilical, and Cable Crossings

2. Other References
2.1. Annex C Technical Specifications
GS.00 Shallow Seabed Investigations - Index

2.2. Annex C-1 Vessels

GS.01 Site Survey Vessel
GS.02 Geotechnical Vessel

2.3. Annex C-2 Navigation and Positioning

GS.10 Positioning Services: Differential Global Positioning
GS.13 Positioning System: Gyro Compass
GS.14 Positioning System: Acoustic Ultra Short Base Line
GS.15 Positioning System: Position Data Computation, Logging
GS.16 Positioning System: Raw/Post Plot Data Tape Formats

2.4. Annex C-3 Analog Geophysical Systems

GS.20 Hydrographic Echo Sounder
GS.21 Multibeam Bathymetry System - Depth Zone 0-3500 meters
GS.21a Shallow Water Multibeam Bathymetry System - Depth Zone 0-120
meters
GS.22 Multibeam Bathymetry Processing
GS.23 Calibrated Velocimeter Systems

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GS.24 Water Column Profiling Devices - Salinity/Temperature/Depth (CTD)

GS.25 Tide Gauge
GS.30 Side Scan Sonar
GS.30a High Speed Side Scan Sonar
GS.40 Marine Magnetometer
GS.45 Marine Gravity Meter
GS.50 Sub-Bottom Profiler - Pinger
GS.51 Sub-Bottom Profiler - Surface Tow Boomer
GS.52 Seismic Profiler: Mini-Airgun
GS.53 Sub-Bottom Profiler - Chirp Profiler
GS.54 Sub-bottom Profiler: Deep Submergence Profilers

2.5. Annex C-5 Seabed Sampling Systems and Laboratory Testing

GEOT.04 Water Depth Measurement
GEOT.05 Drilling and Sampling (includes Gas Handling)
GEOT.06.01 Piezocone Penetration Testing
GEOT.06.02 Vane Sheer Testing
GEOT.06.03 Pore Pressure Probe
GEOT.06.04 High Capacity Downhole Friction Cone Penetrometer
GEOT.06.05 Seismic Cone (S-PCPT)
GEOT.07 Large Piston Coring
GEOT.08 Offshore Laboratory Testing
GEOT.09 Onshore Laboratory Testing
GEOT.12.4 Supplemental Guidance – Suction Caissons
GEOT.13 Multiple Sensor Core Logger
GEOT.14 Industry Standards
GEOT.16 T-Bar Penetration Testing
GS.69 Seabed Sampling - Box Corer (including Environmental Seabed
Sampling Protocols)
GS.70 Seabed Sampling - Grab Sampler
GS.71 Seabed Sampling - Piston and Vibracore Cores
GS.74 In Situ Geotechnical Testing - Cone Penetrometer
GS.75 Marine Geotechnical Sampling - Rotary Boring and Soils Testing
Analysis

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GS.76 Geotechnical/Geological Testing of Core Samples

GS.77 Seabed Geochemical Sampling and Preservation of Core Samples
GS.78 Shallow Seabed Heat Flow Measurements
GS.79 Marine Soil Classification and Description
GS.80 Geochemical Testing of Core Samples
GS.82 Offshore Environmental Conditions Survey

2.6. Annex C-6 Deliverables and Reporting

GEOT.10 Geotechnical Reporting
GS.90.1 Pre-Survey and Start of Survey Deliverables - Standard Products
GS.90.2 Survey Deliverables - Standard Products
GS.90.3 Post Survey Deliverables - Standard Products
GS.91 Geohazards Report - Standard Products and Deliverables
GS.92 OIMS Shallow Drilling Hazards Evaluation Report - Standard Products
and Deliverables
GS.93 Field Development Project Site Investigation Reports - Standard
Products and Deliverables
GS.94 Shallow Drilling Hazard Report - Standard Products and Deliverables
GS.95 Pipeline and Cable Route Reporting - Standard Products and
Deliverables
GS.96 Data Transmittal Report
GS.97 Reconnaissance Geophysical Report - Standard Products and
Deliverables
GS.98 Offshore Environmental Conditions Report

3. Definitions
3.1. Terms
Term Description
Contractor Survey contractor
EPC Contractor Company awarded for project engineering, procurement, and/or
construction.
Geohazard Geological condition that could lead to risk of damage; e.g. debris flow,
shallow gas, etc.

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Term Description
Geophysical Geophysical data describes the physical nature of the seabed; e.g. shape
(rugosity, morphology), subsurface structure, movement, etc.
Geotechnical Geotechnical data describes the engineering behavior of seabed
materials; e.g. soil density, porosity, friction angles and coefficients, etc.
Reconnaissance Early survey intended to assist in corridor selection. Usually covers
Survey wide area with lower data requirements.
Route Selection Survey to gather all data needed to select and perform detailed
Survey engineering of selected route. Covers final route corridor with high
resolution data.

3.2. Acronyms
Term Description
CDT Column Profiling Devices
CPT Cone Penetrometer Testing
EM ExxonMobil
GEOT Company Geotechnical Specification
GIS Geographic Information System
GP Global Practice
GS Generic Specification
ITT Invitation to Tender
LAT Lowest Astronomical Tide
OIMS Operations Integrity Management System
QA Quality Assurance
QC Quality Control
ROV Remotely Operated Vehicle
SSDM Seabed Survey Data Model
SSH&E Safety, Security, Health, and Environmental
SSS Sidescan sonar
UXO Unexploded Ordinance

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4. General Survey Requirements

1) Geophysical and geotechnical surveys shall be in accordance with requirements of this GP unless
superseded by more stringent local regulations. Company will identify supplemental requirements as
needed according to project scope.
2) Contractor shall propose specific equipment to achieve data requirements described herein and/or by
the project scope of work. For Pipeline Reconnaissance and Route Selection surveys, all equipment
shall be in accordance with applicable Generic Specification (GS) and/or Company Geotechnical
Specification (GEOT). Equipment not described by Company specifications may be permitted on a
case-by-case basis if, for example, the Contractor can demonstrate that new methods and equipment
fulfill the survey objective and are more cost effective. Such changes or exceptions to this work
scope shall be clearly described in the bid and accepted in advance by Company.
3) The personnel required to perform the pipeline survey shall be properly qualified to complete work
scope safely and effectively. This includes professional and/or technical experience, training, and
health requirements.
4) [S] Vessels and equipment shall meet or exceed requirements in GS.01 or GS.02, as applicable, for
safety and function.
5) [A] Detailed survey procedures and test schedules shall be submitted for approval prior to the start of
the work.
6) Contractor shall provide adequate redundancy for all critical systems in the event of any equipment
malfunction. Therefore, it shall be documented prior to completion of mobilization that adequate
backup and/or spares are available for all equipment to be deployed for the work.
7) Surveys shall comply with all host country government and local EM Affiliate requirements for
procurement, permitting, and field operations. Such requirements shall be determined early in the
project since they can be very complex, prescriptive, and require a lengthy approval process.
Company regulatory experts shall be resourced to identify special requirements.

5. Survey Planning
1) Survey activities shall be outlined in an Invitation to Tender (ITT) package; either a standalone
package for the survey or an item in a larger ITT package.
2) [A] According to applicable data requirements, Contractor shall submit a Project Execution Plan for
Company review and approval, and present it to Company according to schedule stated in ITT.

5.1. Reconnaissance and Route Selection Surveys

1) EPC Contractor shall plan and host a kickoff meeting with Company to determine project-specific
survey requirements. Data requirements presented in this GP shall be considered as the minimum.
Location and project-specific requirements shall be considered. Company will supply route or
corridor details as required, unless EPC Contractor is also tasked with a desktop study to select a
corridor.

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2) Based on outcome of kickoff meeting, EPC Contractor shall develop and propose the following:
a) Acquisition Specification outlining survey equipment and other technical and Safety, Security,
Health, and Environmental (SSH&E) requirements as specified in EM GSs and GEOTs.
b) Survey Design designating data coverage, line spacing, corridor width, route, tie-line
requirements, and geotechnical testing, sampling, and/or coring locations, according to the route
and local regulations
3) [A] Company must approve the Acquisition Specification and the Survey Design before issuing an
ITT package. Project Execution Plan shall be as specified in GS.90.1.

5.2. Pre-Lay, As-Laid, and As-Built Surveys

The construction or installation Contractor shall manage and/or perform surveys related to the
construction and subsequent mapping of pipelines.

6. Reconnaissance Surveys
During the pipeline route selection process, it may be necessary to perform a reconnaissance survey of a
large swath of seabed to search for and identify a preferred corridor. Lower resolution data may be more
acceptable for these purposes than for engineering level surveys in order to remain cost effective while
surveying large areas.

6.1. Geophysical
1) [A] Bathymetric data gathered for a reconnaissance survey must have a horizontal resolution of 25 m
(82 ft) or less, and the depth must be accurate to within 1% of water depth. The method of data
collection shall ensure 100% coverage over the specified survey area.
2) [*] In new areas, the project may wish to gather sub-bottom data to determine shallow geological
data. The quality of the data shall be sufficient to characterize soil types from the mudline to the
target depth of the project. For unburied pipelines, the target depth shall be 10 m (33 ft). For
trenched and/or buried pipelines, the target depth shall be the maximum trench depth plus 10 m (33
ft).
3) [*] If applicable to the project, appropriate sensors shall be used to locate potential Unexploded
Ordinance (UXO), shipwrecks, and archeological sites that could affect corridor selection.

6.2. Geotechnical
[*] The project may wish to obtain drop piston cores or box cores to calibrate the results of the
geophysical interpretation with respect to the shallow soil types over areas of interest. Cone Penetrometer
Testing (CPT) may be performed if requested by Company. Sample locations shall be positioned along
sub-bottom profiler lines, or as close as reasonably possible.

7. Route Selection Survey

1) A route selection survey covers the designated corridor with high-resolution geophysical data for the
purpose of selecting a final centerline route. The data resolution and coverage must be suitable for

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detailed design and installation of the pipeline as specified by Company, including seabed clearance
for installation vessel anchors, if applicable.
2) Once a suitable centerline has been selected, regulations may require acquisition of a survey line
along the centerline, with one or more offset lines (i.e., winglines) on either side at a specified
distance.

7.1. Geophysical
1) [A] Route selection surveys require bathymetric data of a density suitable for gridding at a 3 m (10 ft)
or better grid interval and a relative vertical resolution (morphology) of 0.1 m (4 in). Depth measured
shall be accurate to within 1% of water depth. The method of data collection shall ensure 200%
coverage over the specified survey area.
2) Side scan sonar data shall be used to confirm locations of archaeological sites, seabed obstructions,
and pipelines/cables. Resolution and accuracy shall be suitable to map obstructions within 3 m (10 ft)
of actual location. Potential locations of pipeline and cable crossings shall be examined more closely;
the angular orientation of the pipe or cable to be crossed (if on surface) must be accurately identified
within 5º, and its elevation above seabed, if in span, shall be identified within 0.5 m (1.5 ft).
3) Sub-bottom profiler data shall be collected to aid in the interpretation of geotechnical data and
identify hard soil layers and other conditions that may affect the trenching, burial, or embedment of
the pipeline. Buried pipes, if large enough to be detected by equipment, shall be accurately located
within 3 m (10 ft), with depth of burial measured within 0.5 m (1.5 ft). Subsurface boulder detection,
if deemed beneficial, shall not be used except on very short lines less than 500 m (1640 ft), or for
small areas such as tie-in locations or excavated drill centers.

7.2. Geotechnical
1) A combination of piston cores, box cores, CPTs, grab samples, and other technology as specified by
Company should be used to determine soil parameters for pipeline design and installation. Required
geotechnical parameters will vary with the pipeline design requirements; e.g., burial, lateral buckling,
on bottom stability, backfill integrity, etc. If the pipe is to be laid on the seabed, the top 3-5 m (10 –
16 ft) of soil must be characterized, with focused effort in top 1 m (3 ft). For trenched and/or buried
pipelines, characterization must extend to the maximum trench depth plus a minimum of 1 m (3 ft).
2) Internal friction angle shall be defined within a 5º range (e.g., 25º–30º).
3) Breakout and residual friction factors shall be determined in the axial and lateral directions. Both an
upper bound and lower bound shall be determined for each.
a) Shear strength
b) Bearing strength
4) Soil density

8. Pre-Lay Survey
1) Prior to pipeline or flowline installation, the route centerline must be surveyed to confirm the route is
suitable for pipelay. The timing of this survey shall allow adequate time to analyze the data and
determine readiness for installation. This survey is usually performed by pipe installation contractor.

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2) Sidescan sonar (SSS), video, or other technology should be used to ensure the centerline is free of
obstructions, and that no re-routing is required to accommodate obstructions such as wrecks, dropped
objects, or otherwise, that were not present during the route selection survey.
3) Crossing locations shall be surveyed in detail to confirm crossing design and parameters. Crossing
design shall conform to GP 86-01-06. Suitable equipment shall be used to confirm the location of the
existing pipe or cable.

9. As-Laid Survey
1) As soon as possible after pipeline installation, an "as-laid" survey of the pipeline(s) shall be
performed. A mapping/XYZ pig may be used to collect supplementary data or confirm data (refer to
GP 59-01-07), but shall not be the primary data collection method
2) The pipeline location shall be determined to an accuracy of better than ±3 m (10 ft).
3) The length and maximum height of free-spans shall be to an accuracy of ±1.5 m (5 ft) and 0.3 m (1
ft), respectively. Similarly, the length and depth of pipe burial shall be to an accuracy of 6.0 m and
0.3 m (10 ft and 1 ft), respectively. A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) may be used to obtain this
information. ROV operations and equipment are not covered by this GP.
4) Contractor shall also note any mechanical damage to the pipeline, anodes, or pipeline coating. As
part of the daily correspondence outlined in Section 11 - Reporting below, Contractor shall
immediately notify Company of all pipeline free-spans, damage, and unusual in-place conditions
during the survey. An ROV may be used to obtain this information. ROV operations and equipment
are not covered by this GP.

10. As-Built Survey

1) As soon as possible after alleviation of free-spans and other repairs or rectifications, if needed,
Contractor shall provide an "as-built" survey of the pipeline. A mapping/XYZ pig may be used to
collect supplementary data or confirm data (refer to GP 59-01-07), but shall not be the primary data
collection method.
2) This GP (and GSs and GEOTS) do not cover ROV operations, but it is likely that video of the
pipeline route shall be required as part of the as-built survey. If a pipeline route video is required,
Contractor shall submit a proposal detailing how the work will be conducted. The objective is to
provide a video record of the pipeline at all crossings, riser installations, and sites where span
rectification or other repairs have been carried out.
3) The as-built pipeline's position shall be determined to an accuracy of ±3 m (10 ft). The following
additional requirements apply:
a) The vertical distance from the top of the pipe to mean seabed shall be determined to an accuracy
of ±0.15 m (0.5 ft).
b) Contractor shall provide a general description of the trench profile, including the maximum
height of the spoil on either side of the trench to ±0.3 m (1 ft).

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11. Reporting
1) After contract award and prior to mobilization, Contractor shall finalize the survey itinerary,
milestones, and schedule of deliverables with the project manager, party chief, and operations
manager. It shall be Contractor's responsibility and obligation to perform a high quality interpretation
of the survey data according to established standard methods.
2) During acquisition, Contractor shall keep continuous records of all operations, observations, and
measurements, in a form that is readily available, if needed, to re-investigate or check in detail certain
areas within the scope of the project.
3) When surveying features of special interest (i.e., pipeline crossings, subsea structures and
obstructions, free-spans, etc.), additional chart orientations, formats, and scales may be required by
Company. Each chart sheet shall have an adequate overlap -along track direction and appropriate
annotation to enable easy identification of neighboring sheets. Contractor shall provide overview
maps, and any additional maps at sizes and scales requested by Company.
4) The datum and coordinate system(s) to be used for the project shall be as specified by the Geodetic
Parameters document produced by the project. Geodetic Surveys, conducted in order to establish
Geodetic Control, should follow the guidelines provided in GP 85-03-01.

11.1. Alignment Sheets

1) [A] The processed data shall be compiled and drawn on Alignment sheets at a horizontal scale of
1:5000 and a vertical scale of 1:250, unless otherwise required by local regulations or specific
projects. Charts shall be produced using AutoCAD, Intergraph, or other similar software approved by
Company prior to mobilization (program version to be approved by Company).
2) [A] An example alignment sheet shall be developed and approved by Company prior to the kickoff of
the interpretation effort.
3) [*] All charts shall be constructed using the datum specified by Company. A summary sheet shall
also be provided to identify key information without adding clutter to panels. Each Alignment Sheet
shall include four panels as specified below:
a) Track chart with seabed features and bathymetry
b) Interpreted longitudinal profile along the centerline to a minimum of 5 m (16 ft) below mudline
c) Pipeline engineering data (to be left blank if performing pre-lay route survey)
d) A legend box (navigation datum description and conversion parameters, seabed feature symbols,
chart index numbers, contractor details, and survey name/Company)

11.1.1. Track Chart Information and Bathymetry

The track chart shall show, as a minimum, the following information:
1) [A] Grid lines based on the projected coordinate system specified by Company (e.g., UTM, Zone __)
and North arrow
2) Geographic lines of longitude and latitude in the horizontal datum specified by Company (e.g., WGS
1984)
3) Centerline of the proposed or as-built pipeline route with kilometer posts marked (or mile posts if
specified by Company)

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4) Manmade items such as third-party pipelines and cables, pipeline crossings, fixed structures, anchor
scars, etc.
5) Sonar interpretation of seafloor conditions focused on sediment changes, naturally occurring or
manmade obstructions, sandwaves, megaripples, etc.
6) Hatched areas for pockmarks, hard grounds, boulder fields, rock outcrops, etc. Potential obstructions
such as boulders shall have estimated size and density (e.g., number per 100 m x 100 m [328 ft x 328
ft] area) described in the text. The text is also to include example records of important features (e.g.,
typical pockmarks or free-spans, etc.)
7) Limits of investigated area
8) Core sample and CPT locations
9) Vessel's track and fixes
10) Kilometer posts showing survey stationing along proposed pipeline route
11) Bathymetry contours reduced to LAT (Lowest Astronomical Tide). The contour interval shall be
selected to show adequate seabed detail but avoid undue clutter, typically at 0.5 m (1.5 ft) intervals
except in areas of interest where a denser contouring would delineate important features better.

11.1.2. Longitudinal Profile Box

The longitudinal profile box shall show, as a minimum, the following information:
1) Mean seabed level reduced to LAT
2) Shallow structure and stratigraphy derived from the sub-bottom profiler data, including a detailed
description in the Summary Sheet
3) Sub-bottom profile contours to rock or specified penetration
4) Core and CPT data and positions. Sample and CPT logs shall be superimposed within the profile or
highlighted just above within the panel. Core and CPT depth of penetration shall be illustrated on the
profile.
5) Elevation grid at 1 m (3 ft) intervals
6) Kilometer post values and horizontal grid

11.1.3. Pipeline Engineering Data

1) The pipeline engineering data box shall show all relevant information to describe the pipe, including,
as a minimum, the following:
a) Line size
b) Wall thickness
c) Coating details (inner and outer)
d) Pipe material
e) Flanges and/or connectors
f) Anodes
g) Buckle arrestors
h) Components (e.g., valves)
i) Design pressure/hydrotest pressure

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j) Weight in air
k) Submerged weight during installation/hydrotest/operation
l) Allowable span length during installation/hydrotest/operation
m) Burial depth, if required
2) For specific survey types, the pipeline engineering box shall:
a) Be left blank if performing pre-lay route survey (allowing future import of line size, coating
details, etc. by the pipeline designer)
b) Include all as-built information when performing a post-lay survey

11.1.4. Additional Requirements

In addition, each chart shall carry:
1) A key plan
2) Legend box
3) Scale box
4) Chart details
5) Position system information box
6) Revision box
7) Chart number
8) Contract number
9) [*] Other information as required

11.2. Geographic Information System (GIS)

1) Contractor shall deliver a GIS database containing all geological, geophysical, geotechnical, and
geodetic information gathered before and during the respective survey campaign. Survey results shall
be delivered within the GIS Layers defined for the Seabed Survey Data Model (SSDM). The required
GIS layers if collected include the following:
a) Backscatter_Image
b) Backscatter_Raster_Catalog
c) Bathymetry_Contours
d) Bathymetry_Grid_X_XM
e) Chart_Index_Map
f) Fault_arc
g) Fault_Ply
h) Fault_Pnt
i) Geologic_Feature_Arc
j) Geologic_Feature_Ply
k) Geologic_Feature_Pnt
l) Geotechnical_Sample_Pnt

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m) Line_of_Profile
n) Seabed_Feature_Arc
o) Seabed_Feature_Ply
p) Seabed_Feature_Pnt
q) Sediment_Primary_Ply
r) Sediment_Secondary_Ply
s) SSS_Image
t) SSS_Raster_Catalog
u) Survey_Equipment_Details
v) Survey_Job_Details
w) Survey_Keysheet
x) Survey_Sounding_GRID_XxXM
y) Survey_Tracklines
2) As applicable according to survey scope, GIS database shall also include, but not be limited to:
a) Interpreted soil data; i.e., surficial geology with the parameters from Section 7.2 in metadata
b) Pipeline route (or route options)
c) Pipeline corridor
3) The datum used shall match that used for alignment sheets.

11.3. Documentation
1) Contractor shall plan and organize the field work reporting procedures in order to obtain efficient and
comprehensive reporting. The reporting shall consist of the following categories:
a) Initial submissions prior to and at the start of the survey, according to GS.90.1
b) Daily operational, SSH&E, etc., reports, according to GS.90.2
c) Weekly and monthly Survey Activity Reports, according to GS.90.2
d) Final Operations Report for each mobilized vessel, according to GS.90.3
2) Included in these reports shall be forms, notes, and lists as applicable to fully document all relevant
activities of the survey operations.

11.4. Data Transmittal

1) [A] One week after demobilization, or within otherwise pre-agreed time frame with Company,
Contractor shall provide preliminary field data to the Company as specified in GS.96, for review and
Company approval.
2) Final data and reports, in digital format, shall be delivered to the Company at a time specified by
Company after the Pre-Survey Kickoff Meeting. It shall include all items described in and be to the
quality specified in GS.96.

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11.5. Final Report

The Final Report shall, at a minimum, be structured as follows, using the relevant applicable information
gathered and interpreted during and after the survey campaign. Figures shall be used where possible to
aid in descriptions.
1) Executive Summary
a) Table of Abbreviations
b) Table of Acronyms
2) Introduction
a) Objectives and Scope
Describe primary objectives of survey and study.
i) Survey Design
List the routes, sites, and/or areas surveyed, number of lines, spacing, and what types of
data were collected.
ii) Pipeline Route(s)
Describe in detail the paths and locations of routes/areas surveyed.
b) Database
To the extent possible, describe existing data in the study area from previous studies and surveys,
including the coverage, data quality, precision, and instrumentation used. Reference data
acquisition reports where possible.
i) Coverage
ii) Quality
iii) Precision
iv) Instrumentation
c) Geodetic Mapping Parameters
d) Interpretation Methodology
e) Describe methods used for data interpretation and Quality Assurance (QA)/Quality Control (QC),
including reviews, personnel, specific parameters, and software
f) Principles Involved in Interpretation and Reporting Effort
g) Identify key personnel, contractor, and client, involved in the interpretation and reporting
h) Equipment Listing
3) Conclusions and Recommendations
a) General Geologic Findings
b) Describe in general terms the geology of the overall study area, including surficial sediments,
subsurface structure, and geotechnical.
c) Area Specific Geology
d) Describe high level findings in various sub-areas (e.g., route options), including surface and
subsurface geology, environmental and archeological findings, bathymetry, results of soil
sampling and testing, etc.
e) Geophysical Data Limitations
f) Give an account for the limitations of collected data and contributing factors.

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 GP 86-01-04 Offshore Pipeline Surveying September 2013

g) Recommendations (Recon Only)

h) List recommendations for future data gathering to produce the best data set for project
requirements.
4) Regional Setting
a) Geologic Setting
b) Describe in detail the geology of the study area. If necessary or beneficial, separate into logical
smaller areas with similar geology.
c) Oceanographic Setting
d) Describe the nature and stability of seafloor sediments with regards to the oceanographic
conditions.
e) Existing Infrastructure and Conditions
f) Qualitatively describe all existing infrastructure and seabed conditions affected by human
activity; e.g. pipelines/cables, dredging areas, fishing areas, potential munitions/explosive sites,
etc.
5) Seafloor Features, Hazards, and Constraints
a) "Name of Area"
For each area surveyed as listed in Survey Design, describe the findings of data collected at the
seafloor. This shall include, as applicable:
i) Bathymetry
ii) Seafloor morphology
iii) Surficial sediment characteristics
iv) Man-made infrastructure
v) Fishing activity
vi) Anthropogenic debris/sediments
vii) Munitions and explosives of concern
6) Subsurface Features, Hazards, and Constraints
a) "Name of Area"
For each area surveyed as listed in Survey Design, describe the findings of subsurface data. This
shall include, as applicable:
i) Stratigraphic units
ii) Anticipated lithology or sediment type
iii) Identification of hazards and engineering constraints

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GP 86-01-04 Offshore Pipeline Surveying September 2013

Record of Change
Version 1.0.0 Date: 07/01
Location Action Description
Initial Publish.

Version 1.0.0 Date: 09/03

Global Practice version number and format updated to comply
with new process; however, original publish date remains, and no
content was modified.
Version 2.0.0 Date: 09/13
Entire GP Modifications GP was modified to reflect the use of ExxonMobil Generic
Specifications and Geotechnical Site Investigation Specifications.
Information and instruction redundant to these specifications has been
removed, and document rewritten to describe data and reporting
requirements necessary for pipeline engineering.
All Global Modifications To standardize the format of the Global Practices and to meet other
Practices requirements, the following changes have been implemented:
"For ExxonMobil Use Only" has been replaced with "For Company Use
Only."
A copyright waiver has been added in the first page Footer.
The definition of asterisks in the Scope has been deleted. The asterisk is
now defined in the Purpose Code attachment and is used within brackets
as other Purpose Codes.
Multiple paragraphs within a Section have been numbered.
The standard text for Required References has been modified.
The standard text for Additional Requirements has been modified.
The [S] Purpose Code has been modified.
The following Purpose Codes have been added:
[*] for additional information or decision required of Owner's
Engineer.
[A] for approval requirements before beginning work or finalizing
design.

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GP 86-01-04 Offshore Pipeline Surveying September 2013

Attachment: Purpose Code Definitions

Code Description
* Assigned to paragraphs that require the Owner's Engineer to provide additional information or
make a decision.
A Assigned to paragraphs that require approval from the Owner's Engineer before the work may
proceed or the design is finalized.
C Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is reduced costs. Reduced cost in this context
refers to initial investment cost and does not include life cycle cost considerations. Life cycle
cost considerations are captured under reliability, maintainability, or operability purpose
codes.
E Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is driven by environmental considerations.
Environmental considerations typically include specifications intended to protect against
emissions/leakage to the air, water, and/or soil. Deviations from the specifications contained
in such paragraphs require formal review and approval according to local environmental
policy.
I Assigned to paragraphs that provide only clarifying information, such as Scope statements,
definitions of terms, etc.
M Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is to provide for maintainability of equipment
or systems. Maintainability provisions are those that facilitate the performance of
maintenance on equipment/systems either during downtimes or during onstream operations.
O Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is to assure operability of equipment or
systems. Operability is the ability of the equipment/system to perform satisfactorily even
though conditions are off-design, such as during start-ups, process swings, subcomponent
malfunction, etc.
R Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is to improve or assure the reliability of
equipment or systems. Reliability is a measure of the ability of equipment/systems to operate
without malfunction or failure between planned maintenance interventions.
S Assigned to paragraphs containing specifications/guidance where the primary purpose is the
avoidance of incidents impacting personnel safety, process safety, and the public in general
and/or involving responses to emergency situations. Any deviation from the specifications
contained in such designated paragraphs requires formal review and approval according to
local safety policy.
Personnel Safety: Refers to the prevention of incident-related personnel injuries or illness,
e.g., burns, cuts, abrasions, inhalation of or exposure to dangerous
substances, etc., that could result in medical treatment, restricted work,
lost-time incidents, or fatalities.
Process Safety: Refers to the prevention and control of process releases, fires, and/or
explosions that could result in damage to equipment, process disruption,
or personnel injury or illness.

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