The seismic vessel, Geco Beta, left Melbourne on the weekend and arrived in SA waters on Monday to begin preparations for the survey.

Under arrangement with professional fishing associations in the area, the survey will start in deeper water in order minimise conflict between the survey vessel and rock lobster fishing boats.

"Fishing operations will be informed in daily radio broadcasts on the position and schedule of the survey vessel. When the vessel moves into the inshore section of the survey area, fisherman will be able to set pots in the deeper offshore waters," Woodside said.

The Perth-based company said professional fisherman were consulted on the survey plan and have been provided with special maps to assist their cooperation with the survey. Maps were also placed at public boat ramps in the area.

Woodside added that progress reports on the survey will be provided to the media and advertisements placed in the local press.

Woodside and joint venture partner Great Artesian Oil & Gas are searching for gas in the Otway Basin off the coast between Southend and Carpenter Rocks in south-eastern SA. The survey is expected to take 13 days to complete.