The geophysical company Spectrum Geo Pty Ltd (Spectrum) proposes to acquire a multi-client two-dimensional (MC2D) marine seismic survey (Rocket MC2D MSS) within the Houtman Sub-basin offshore from Western Australia (WA). The Rocket MC2D MSS will comprise an acquisition of a maximum of approximately 6,885 line kilometres of 2D seismic data in Exploration Permits WA-492-P, WA-493-P, WA-512-P, and adjacent open acreage areas.
 
The survey is planned to have a maximum duration of ~53 days, and acquisition will be divided into two separate phases—Phase 1, which has a scheduled duration of ~18 days, and Phase 2, which has a scheduled duration of ~35 days. Phase 2 (4,750 line km of 2D acquisition) will commence after the completion of Phase 1 (2,135 line km of 2D acquisition) of the survey, and all seismic acquisition will be completed by the end of October 2015.
 
The Phase 1 operational area, which is located offshore from Gascoyne region between Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay, incorporates the majority of the WA-492-P permit, and 100% of the WA-493-P permit. The Phase 2 operational area, which incorporates the entirety of the WA-512-P permit and the north-western part of the W13-20 Release Area, is located offshore from Kalbarri, between Shark Bay and the Houtman Abrolhos Islands. The Phase 2 operational area excludes the Abrolhos Islands.
 
The Rocket MC2D MSS will be acquired using the survey vessel BGP Explorer, and a dedicated chase vessel (Browse Express) will be utilised for all operations within the Phase 2 operational area. No support vessel will be used during the Rocket MC2D MSS, as the BGP Explorer will refuel and re-supply in port during the course of the survey. All crew changes will be carried out in port as well.