International Regulators Forum AGM

In October 2021, NOPSEMA representatives attended the virtual International Regulator’s Forum (IRF) AGM. This year’s theme was safety in the offshore petroleum industry through the pandemic and into the future.

Challenges and lessons learned from the pandemic were a key discussion topic, but changes to regulatory practices for inspections, renewable offshore energy and decommissioning also proved to be of interest to IRF members. The importance of vaccination was noted as being the best protection against the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Lessons were also shared from jurisdictions where COVID-19 cases have occurred offshore.

“Membership of the IRF has delivered many benefits to NOPSEMA and the industry we regulate in Australia. Our approach to decommissioning and COVID-19 response are two topical examples where we’ve been able to draw on the experience of our internal colleagues to guide our own actions this year,” NOPSEMA CEO Stuart Smith said.
 
Representatives of the International Association of Drilling Contractors and International Oil and Gas Producers attended part of the AGM to provide updates on their respective organisational responses to the pandemic and the industry response to the IRF problem statements. NOPSEMA continue to lead the well integrity problem statement. 

The IRF is expected to resume in-person meetings in 2022 with next year’s Conference and AGM to be held in Perth during October. Further information on the IRF and its strategic agenda is available on the IRF website social media channels.