Inquiry into oil and gas production in the Great Australian Bight.

11 April, 2016

NOPSEMA has made a submission to the Inquiry into oil and gas production in the Great Australian Bight.

New guidance for offshore Health & Safety Representatives

7 April, 2016

NOPSEMA has written a guideline to provide additional clarification for health and safety representatives (HSRs) on how to complete a Provisional OHS Improvement Notice (PIN).

When is a vessel subject to the Australian offshore petroleum safety legislation?

4 April, 2016

NOPSEMA has published new guidance intended to assist the Australian offshore petroleum industry establish when a vessel is subject to Schedule 3 of the OPGGS Act, and associated regulations.

Environment alert: Proper application of change management processes

23 March, 2016

NOPSEMA has published an environment alert in relation to the proper application of the management of change (MoC) control measure. NOPSEMA is concerned inadequate or poorly applied MoC procedures may fail to continually identify and reduce environmental impacts and risks to levels that are as low as reasonably practical (ALARP).

NOPSEMA resumes environmental assessment for exploration drilling in the Great Australian Bight

16 March, 2016

On 15 March, BP resubmitted their environment plan for proposed exploration drilling in the Great Australia Bight. NOPSEMA will now resume its assessment against the requirements of the Environment Regulations.

NOPSEMA to participate in oil spill prevention and preparedness conference

15 March, 2016

From 2-6 May, NOPSEMA will be participating in Australia’s premier event for those working in and around oil spill prevention, preparedness and response. Spillcon 2016 will be held in Perth WA and boasts an exceptional line-up of international and Australian speakers. NOPSEMA will deliver two presentations and specialists will be available for discussion on all related matters at NOPSEMA’s exhibition booth.

New safety guidance on the inspection, maintenance and testing of TEMPSC (Totally Enclosed Motor Propelled Survival Craft)

3 March, 2016

NOPSEMA has published a new guideline for operators outlining NOPSEMA's expectations relating to the inspection, maintenance and testing of TEMPSC on all facility types. The guideline describes the types of evidence NOPSEMA inspectors look for when verifying operators are maintaining TEMPSC in a fit for purpose condition at all times.

NOPSEMA engages with International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) on draft guidance

25 February, 2016

On the 23 February 2015 NOPSEMA hosted a workshop with members and guests of the IMCA seeking early feedback on the outline of draft guidance note relating to vessel facilities subject to external hydrocarbon hazards. NOPSEMA is currently drafting the guidance note which will be made available for wider industry comment in the coming months.

National regulator releases seismic survey environment plan assessment for the Great Australian Bight

12 January, 2016

Improving environmental management consultation and decision-making processes

5 January, 2016

NOPSEMA recently completed consultation regarding a range of changes to policy and guidance with the intention of improving environmental management consultation and decision-making processes for the offshore petroleum industry. This work has been undertaken as part of NOPSEMA’s Stakeholder Engagement and Transparency Work Program.

New information paper on MODU mooring systems in cyclonic conditions

18 December, 2015

On 20 August 2015, NOPSEMA hosted a workshop with 50 industry participants to develop and disseminate the key issues and findings from the Atwood Osprey mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) mooring failure incident. Workshop participants highlighted the need to re-evaluate MODU mooring arrangements ahead of the impending cyclone season. Further, participants contemplated and contributed to a NOPSEMA information paper addressing the key issues.

New well integrity guidance released ahead of legislative change

18 December, 2015

Amendments to Part 5 of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Resource Management and Administration) Regulations 2011 will commence from 1 January 2016. NOPSEMA is publishing a series of guidance notes to assist titleholder's to comply with their well integrity responsibilities under the amended regulations.

Hammelmann Australia Pty Ltd - convicted and fined

14 December, 2015

On 14 December 2015, Hammelmann Australia Pty Ltd was convicted and fined $20,000 in the Magistrates’ Court of Western Australia, for breaching their duty to comply with the duties of care owed by manufacturers of equipment under clause 12 of Schedule 3 of the OPGGS Act.

Summary of facts into the Stena Clyde fatalities

10 December, 2015

The summary of facts used in the criminal proceedings against Stena Drilling Australia is now available on NOPSEMA's website.

Administering campaign emails sent to NOPSEMA

6 November, 2015

Ensuring that a titleholder has considered and addressed the concerns of relevant persons is an important part of NOPSEMA’s environment plan assessment process. Recent campaign correspondence received by NOPSEMA relating to BP’s proposed drilling activities in the Great Australian Bight will be forwarded to BP for consideration.