PGS proposes to undertake the Forge 30 Marine Seismic Survey in the Browse Basin, 40 km from the nearest mainland shoreline and 160 km north of Cape Leveque in water depths ranging from ~5 - 460 m. The proposed survey is expected to occur over a 15 month period between 1st October 2015 and 31st December 2016. While Browse and Cartier Islands are present within the larger operational area, a minimum distance of 6 km form these emergent features will be maintained.
 
The equipment and methods proposed to conduct the survey are standard for seismic surveys that have been carried out by PGS and other operators in the marine region previously. No unique or unusual operations are proposed.
 
During the survey up to two purpose-built vessels, accompanied by support vessels, will tow a number of streamers and traverse predetermined sail lines throughout the survey area, releasing compressed air energy sources at regular intervals to create soundwaves that penetrate the seabed and are reflected back by geological formations. The reflections are picked up by an array of sensors on the streamers, and the data recorded on the vessel for later analysis. The streamer arrays to be used are up to 2 km wide and 8.5 km long, and are positioned at shallow depths below the ocean surface. The survey vessel(s) may be refuelled at sea within or adjacent to the operational area. This will take place during daylight hours and will not occur with 33 km of emergent features within the operational area.