Geoelectrochemical methods: partial extraction of elements method (PEM), diffusive metal extraction method (MEM), method of searching by metal-organic forms of elements (MEF), thermomagnetic geochemical method (TMGM) - have found wide application in search of oil and gas fields onshore. These methods allow to reveal oil and gas traps, including nonstructural ones, in any geological conditions. Low cost and high efficiency of the considered methods allow to recommend them for solving other prospecting tasks. At present, joint efforts of three institutes: St. Petersburg Mining Institute, VIRG - Rudgeofizika and VNIIOkeangeologiya are investigating a new sphere of application of geoelectrochemical methods - offshore oil and gas field prospecting. Developed, theoretically and practically substantiated a new methodology of economic geoelectrochemical prospecting of oil and gas fields on the shelf. This technique is to study the distribution of heavy metals - a microcomponent of oil in the water column. It is proposed to conduct continuous sampling while the ship is moving, which allows to combine geoelectrochemical studies with other geophysical works, such as seismic surveys.
