Meet the Team: Sam Harrison - Geophysicist

Posted 17 July 2025

We’re excited to welcome Sam Harrison to SEP Hydrographic as a Geophysicist.

Sam brings global offshore experience and a focused, practical mindset to the team, keen to take on new challenges in the nearshore sector. “I was looking for the chance to test myself in something new within the offshore industry,” says Sam. “SEP are in a unique position to take on interesting and technically demanding nearshore projects that not every company is equipped to handle.”

On a personal note, the role also offered the right balance. “I could start working closer to home (Manchester) whilst still having the opportunity to work onsite or away from the office. Having that day-to-day variety is important to me.”

Sam’s career in geophysics started with a twist of fate. “After not getting my initial university choice to go to Leeds, I took my second choice to go to Bangor, which was a decision purely due to my mum going there. It was at Bangor my eyes were opened to Oceanography and Offshore Geophysics. Since then I've always just trusted my instincts and just given each decision a fully positive mental commitment.”

Before joining SEP, Sam worked as a wireline logging engineer. “It’s something that’s taken me all over the world,” he says, and he’s looking forward to what’s next with SEP.

What keeps him energised? “The anticipation of that next project or enquiry that comes in. The Offshore Industry is broad and constantly evolving—the projects are only getting bigger and more complex as offshore renewable energy becomes more in demand.”

Outside of work, Sam enjoys anything outdoors. “Whether that's climbing, wild swimming or in the camper van, I'm happiest when I'm outside. So it's an even better bonus that part of my job involves being out on a boat in nice weather (most of the time!) all over the UK & Ireland.”

A highlight of his career so far? “When I first got into the offshore industry it involved me going offshore after 3 weeks for a 9-week project over Christmas and New Year in Poland. It was a real ‘in at the deep end’ moment when you sail away from port. But I managed to keep the project going, completing a few borehole surveys and came through the other side relatively unscathed, and I love working in the offshore industry even more for having had that experience.”

And the biggest misconception about his role? That it’s all adventure, all the time. “There’s a lot of waiting around on weather when it’s not going your way,” he says. We think that patience and perseverance are all part of what makes Sam a great fit for the team.

Welcome to the team, Sam!