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