Pockmarks and related subsurface features are mapped and interpreted inoffshore Sarawak, South China Sea. Data was collected using sidescan sonar,sub-bottom profiler, 2D high-resolution seismic and core samples. Pockmarkdistributions are interpreted and defined on the basis of these high-resolutiongeophysical data in three zones: near shore with ~20-30 m water depth, offshoreshallow water with 80-90 m water depth, and offshore deep water with ~150-500 mwater depth. We propose that pockmark formation is controlled by overpressuredlayers, faults and fractures, shallow gas accumulation in shallow sand layers,and sediment deposition rates. Of the three zones the offshore deep water zoneis characterized by relatively higher overpressure, distinct seafloor faults,and a low sediment deposition rate; it has the densest pockmark concentrationof the three zones. Although shallow gas and shallow sand layers areinterpreted in the near shore zone, it is characterized by lower overpressure,an absence of well defined seafloor faulting, and relative higher sedimentdeposition rate. No obvious pockmarks are visible in the near shore zone.Understanding pockmark distribution and formation mechanisms will help inassessing potential geohazards and defining strategies for efficientidentification of oil and gas seeps in seep-hunting project.