Please select a discipline to view performance criteria, underpinning knowledge and assessment plan documentation.


Grade I Seismic Geophysicist

Job Summary:

A Grade I Seismic Geophysicist is regarded as someone who is conversant with survey aspects of marine survey operations

Seismic Geophysicists find underground oil and gas deposits

Using physical methods (gravitational, magnetic, electric) they measure the physical properties of subsurface earth to detect or infer the presence of oil or gas

Geophysicists are involved in the acquisition, processing and interpretation of that data

They can successfully participate in the Survey Project Team during operations and will report directly to the Senior Surveyor

The Grade I Geophysicist is expected to coach and assess junior members of the Survey Project Team in line with the Competence Management Programme.

Entry Level Specifications:

  • Satisfactory completion of the competence criteria for Seismic Geophysicist Grade II and be working towards Seismic Geophysicist Grade I
  • Nominally 80 days operational experience as a Seismic Geophysicist Grade II
  • Valid and current offshore medical certificate that is acceptable in the region of the world in which they are employed
  • Valid and current offshore survival certificate that is acceptable in the region of the world in which they are employed

The following competencies will be assessed through performance criteria:

CompetenciesPerformance CriteriaUnderpinning Knowledge Questions
1) The ability to use technical software packages PDF Icon PDF Icon
2) The ability to acquire & interpret data PDF Icon PDF Icon
3) The ability to manage data PDF Icon PDF Icon
4) The ability to write technical reports; including graphic presentation and mapping PDF Icon PDF Icon
5) Demonstrate a broad understanding of surveying principles PDF Icon PDF Icon
Supporting Documentation (click on arrow head to expand):
Assessment Plan
  • An assessment planning meeting should be conducted before an activity is assessed.
  • In practice this may take place at the beginning of the project and include your Assessor and if applicable any witnesses who may be involved in the assessment.
  • The Assessment form allows you to record what will be assessed, when, where and how it will be assessed.
PDF Icon
Assessment Feedback Form
  • An Assessment Feedback meeting should take place between you and your assessor once the assessment is complete.
  • It should provide an opportunity for your Assessor to inform you what went well or perhaps not so well.
  • Most importantly it will allow your Assessor to provide you with constructive feedback on how to address areas of weakness, if applicable, and achieve competence.
  • The Assessment Feedback form provides a written record of your feedback.
PDF Icon
Assessor Sign off Form
  • The Assessor Sign Off Form should be downloaded, printed and completed by your Assessors.
  • It provides the MTCS verification team with a 'snapshot' overview of the competencies you have completed and who has assessed them over a Range of at least 3 activities.
  • You should ensure this form is filled in each time you do an assessment, and eventually submitted as part of your evidence.
  • Please note that MTCS reserve the right contact an assessor, as part of the verification process, to confirm authenticity of evidence submitted.
  • Please use one sign off form per assessor.
PDF Icon
Record of Witnesses Form
  • The Record of Witness Form should be downloaded, printed and completed by anyone who acts as a Witness during your assessments.
  • It provides the MTCS verification team with a 'snapshot' overview of the competencies you have completed and who has acted as a witness.
  • You should ensure this form is filled in each time you do an assessment, and eventually submitted as part of your evidence.
  • Please note that MTCS reserve the right contact a Witness, as part of the verification process, to confirm authenticity of evidence submitted. Please use one record of witness form per witness.
PDF Icon
Witness Statement
  • The Witness Statement should be completed by your line manager, Offshore Manager (or equivalent) or Agent.
  • It confirms that you are working in the role for you which you are certifying, and have the required amount of operational time in the role.
  • It also requires them to confirm you are deemed competent against IMCA guidelines for the role.
PDF Icon
Candidate Statement PDF Icon
Download all the documents for this grade
Zip File Icon