Published directions and notices
As part of its regulatory functions under the OPGGS Act and to increase transparency, NOPSEMA publishes directions, prohibition notices and improvement notices. These regulatory enforcement actions are published within 7 days and no later than 21 days of issuance and the provisions for publication do not apply to any other types of notices, letters or enforcement actions issued by NOPSEMA or NOPSEMA inspectors.
Published directions, improvement and prohibition notices will not be removed when they cease to have effect, however, in the event a direction/notice is the subject of external review it will be removed. Where a direction is revoked, the direction is cancelled from the date specified in the revocation notice. NOPSEMA will ensure that as far as is reasonably practicable all personal information as defined in the Privacy Act 1988 is redacted from these documents prior to publication. When a direction or notice is marked closed, it means that the duty holder has notified NOPSEMA that the direction or notice has been complied with.
Under Part 6.2 of the OPGGS Act, NOPSEMA and the responsible Commonwealth Minister have powers to issue directions to petroleum or greenhouse gas titleholders. NOPSEMA can issue three types of directions: general directions, significant incident directions and remedial directions. The directions powers are used by NOPSEMA for enforcing compliance with the OPGGS Act and associated regulations. Failure to comply with directions is an offence.
A prohibition notice may be issued if a NOPSEMA inspector is satisfied on reasonable grounds that there is an immediate threat to the health or safety of any person or an immediate and significant threat to the environment. A prohibition notice stops the duty holder from continuing their activity and will only cease to have effect when a NOPSEMA inspector is satisfied adequate action has been taken to remove the threat specified in the notice. Failure to comply with a prohibition notice is an offence.
An improvement notice may be issued if a NOPSEMA inspector believes the duty holder or titleholder is contravening or has contravened a provision of offshore petroleum Commonwealth OHS or environmental law and as a result there is, or could be, a risk to the health and safety of any person or a significant threat to the environment. The notice will cease to have effect when the responsible duty holder or titleholder takes the action specified in the notice. Failure to comply with an improvement notice is an offence.
Sort published directions and notices
| Type Of Notice | Date issued | Organisation | Facility / activity | Notice | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Prohibition Notice Structural integrity failure with potential for loss of containment from cargo oil tank(s) on the Montara Venture FPSO.
|
20/06/2022 | Jadestone Energy (Eagle) Pty Ltd | Montara Venture | Environmental Prohibition Notice 1875.pdf | Open |
| OHS Prohibition Notice Corrosion to the south side quarters walkway and upper section of stairwell.
|
29/04/2022 | Esso Australia | Kingfish B | A841077_0.pdf | Complied with |
| OHS Improvement Notice Partially functional gas detection system and hydrocarbon release emergency response plan.
|
18/02/2022 | Technip Oceania Pty Ltd | Skandi Africa facility | OHS Improvement Notice 1864.pdf | Complied with |
| OHS Improvement Notice | 23/12/2021 | Esso | Marlin Complex Facility | OHS Improvement Notice 1859.pdf | Complied with |
| General Direction Undertake an investigation and create a plan, schedule and commitment to take all necessary corrective actions and demonstrate that the facility can operate safely in the event of power loss before production can commence.
|
23/12/2021 | Shell Australia Pty Ltd | Prelude FLNG facility | A820988.pdf | Complied with |
| OHS Improvement Notice Failure to stop the job and reassess the risks
|
17/11/2021 | Maersk Drilling Australia Pty Ltd | Maersk Deliverer | A814475.pdf | Complied with |
| OHS Improvement Notice Appropriately implement a lifting plan for crane lifting operations, have the operations adequately supervised and provide adequate training in the Control of Work (CoW) System as it applies to lifting operations. Conduct an independent audit of CoW System and provide a copy of the report and resulting action plan to NOPSEMA.
|
22/10/2021 | Maersk Drilling Australia Pty Ltd | Maersk Deliverer | A809864.pdf | Complied with |
| General Direction To undertake independent reviews into the effectiveness of arrangements with UGL Operations and Maintenance Pty Ltd to ensure a safe workplace, and factors affecting the willingness of the workforce to raise safety concerns such that they can be addressed in a timely manner.
|
06/10/2021 | Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd, BHP Billiton Petroleum (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd | Barracouta, Whiting, Marlin A, Marlin B, West Tuna, Halibut, Cobia, Mackerel, Fortescue, Kingfish B, Kingfish A, West Kingfish, Tuna, Snapper, Flounder, Bream A, Bream B, Dolphin, Perch | A806119.pdf | Complied with |
| OHS Improvement Notice Ensure temporary lifting equipment is only operated within its operating parameters and ensure integrity management of temporary equipment is appropriately managed.
|
15/09/2021 | Jadestone Energy (Eagle) Pty Ltd | Montara Venture Facility | A802821_0.pdf | Complied with |
| General Direction To plug or close off wells; remove property; provide for the conservation and protection of natural resources; make good any damage to the seabed or subsoil in title area, to the satisfaction of NOPSEMA and report annually to NOPSEMA on progress.
|
01/09/2021 | Cooper Energy Limited | Basker Manta Gummy (VIC/RL13) | General Direction 824.pdf | Open |