Survey design for converted-wave (PS) reflection is more complicated than for standard P-wave surveys, due to ray-path asymmetry and increased possibility of phase distortion. Coal-scale PS surveys (depth < 300m) require particular consideration, partly due to the particular physical properties of the target (low density and low velocity). Finite-difference modeling provides a pragmatic evaluation of the likely distortion due to inclusion of post-critical reflections. If the offset range is carefully chosen then it may be possible to incorporate high-amplitude post-critical reflections without seriously degrading the resolution in the stack. Offsets of up to three times target depth may in some cases be usable, with appropriate quality control at the data-processing stage. This means that the PS survey design may need to handle ray paths which are highly asymmetrical, and which are very sensitive to assumed velocities. A 3D-PS design case study is included for a particular coal survey with target in the depth range 85-140m. The objectives were acceptable fold balance between bins, and relatively smooth distribution of offset and azimuth within bins. These parameters are relatively robust for the P-wave design, but much more sensitive for the case of PS. Reduction of the source density is more acceptable than reduction of receiver density, particularly in terms of offset-azimuth distribution. This is a fortuitous observation in that it improves the economics of a dynamite source, which is desirable for highresolution coalmine planning. The final survey design necessarily allowed for logistical and economic considerations, which implied some technical compromise. Nevertheless good fold, offset and azimuth distributions were achieved across the survey area, yielding a dataset suitable for meaningful analysis of P and S azimuthal anisotropy.