Seismic surveys in onshore environments require a combination of expertise, adaptability, and innovative technology to succeed. At STRYDE, we go beyond just supplying cutting-edge seismic acquisition equipment—we are fully committed to ensuring the success of our customers through our highly experienced field support team.
Our seismic solutions are designed not only to meet the operational challenges of complex environments but also to provide the support and partnership needed for long-term project success.
We sat down with Brian Coil, one of STRYDE’s field support experts, to learn more about his recent experiences supporting two customers set up their seismic surveys for oil and gas exploration projects in Southern Mexico.
Here, he offers insights into the challenges faced, solutions provided, and memorable moments from the field.
Q: What are your top 3 most memorable moments from both projects?
“The incredible hospitality of both the seismic crews and the local Mexican communities was unforgettable. I was greeted warmly everywhere I went—people in Mexico still say "good morning," "good afternoon," and "good evening" as a regular part of their interactions, even when just passing by on the street. It made the whole experience feel very welcoming.
"A spicy lesson in salsa! I love spicy food, so I generously applied salsa to my breakfast eggs during my stay in Veracruz, not knowing that they use habanero chili in their salsa instead of the milder jalapeño. Let’s just say, I’ll be more careful next time.
"Meeting old acquaintances and making new connections. I was surprised to discover that several crew members had worked on a previous seismic project I was involved with in Mexico over 12 years ago. It was great to reconnect with familiar faces and build new relationships.”
Q: Can you summarize the support you provided in the field?
“I provided comprehensive system training, technical support, and hands-on assistance to our clients, helping them get started with the STRYDE system on-site. This included everything from optimized node deployment strategies to troubleshooting. Even after leaving the field, I continued to provide remote support to ensure the surveys progressed smoothly.”
Q: What unique challenges did the Southern Mexican terrain or environment present during the startup phase?
“One of the biggest challenges was dealing with the low-lying terrain, especially during the rainy season. The fields were flooded, making node deployment more challenging. It required some creative problem-solving and flexibility to adapt to these wet conditions to achieve the operational efficiency that is made possible through the use of STRYDE equipment.
“While STRYDE provided recommendations on the best node deployment techniques in such conditions, the Servicios Sísmicos de Exploración (SSE) team, for example, came up with a novel idea that worked effectively for them through discussions and testing various options. This reiterated the importance of collaboration in overcoming these environmental obstacles.”
Q: Can you describe a specific problem that arose during the startup and how you resolved it?
“It wasn’t necessarily a problem, but more of a technical challenge. We were using a newer model Time Stamp Recorder (a TSR records the GPS time of when the vibrator started) that had never been integrated with the STRYDE system before.
“Working closely with my colleagues, Richard Eperjesi (US Operations Manager) and Cosmin Vasile (Support Geophysicist and Software Developer), we quickly modified the STRYDE SurveyQC software and developed a procedure to ensure a seamless implementation.
“This was a great example of how teamwork, adaptability, and flexibility helped us resolve a challenge in real-time, avoiding delays to the project and ensuring accurate recording of the start time which is critical to generating the receiver and source gathers from the RSAMP data.”
Q: Which features of STRYDE's seismic system were particularly beneficial for these projects?
"The lightweight nature of the nodes was the standout feature that, in my view, had the greatest impact on this survey. Using lighter equipment significantly reduced the manpower required and made deployment much easier, which provided considerable operational and cost advantages, particularly in challenging and remote terrains.
“The system's simplicity and ease of use were also crucial in enabling us to get things up and running quickly. I’m consistently impressed by how swiftly both seasoned seismic crews and those with no prior experience can independently operate the system with confidence."
Q: What advice would you give to other companies considering similar projects in challenging environments?
“My main advice is to contact STRYDE early in the process, before starting any project. Our team has extensive experience in overcoming the unique challenges posed by different environments. By involving us early on, we can help tailor the system and support to ensure project success from day one.”
At STRYDE, we pride ourselves on providing top-tier field support, and Brian’s experiences in Mexico highlight the importance of expertise, adaptability, and collaboration in seismic exploration. If you’re looking to optimize your seismic projects, especially in challenging terrains, STRYDE’s solutions for low-cost, high-density seismic data acquisition and expert support can make all the difference.