1
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 23A
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS
 
     We hereby consent to the use of our name in "Item 2. Properties," "Item 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operation," and "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Seven Seas Petroleum Inc. (the "Company") for the
year ended December 31, 1998 (the "Form 10-K").
 
                                            /s/ RYDER SCOTT COMPANY
                                              PETROLEUM ENGINEERS
 
                                            RYDER SCOTT COMPANY
                                            PETROLEUM ENGINEERS
 
March 26, 1999
 
                                       65