Introduction  The construction of offshore wind power projects is in the ascendant, but there is no good regulation as the basis for the selection of exploration methods. The selection of exploration methods at various stages of offshore wind power engineering exploration is under debate.

  Method  Based on the induction of offshore wind power engineering survey practice in recent years in China, two factors, such as. the aim and task during the exploration stage and the geological conditions of the site,have the most common influence on the exploration method, which was more suitable for the induction. We selected appropriate exploration methods by classifying the survey stage and classifying the coverage area.

  Results  The current classification of offshore wind power engi-neering surveys , the classification of field cover layers and choice of exploration platform were discussed. Based on the influence of various influencing factors on the selection of exploration methods, practical suggestions for the exploration methods applicable in each survey stage were made.

  Conclusion  The proposed proposal is suitable for the current actual situation of offshore wind power engineering survey in China. It can provide guidance for the selection of exploration methods at various stages of offshore wind power engineering survey.