Topic
Environmental Protection
Prevention or management of environmental harm from operations.
Newest 100 Documents
All 413 in search- 202631 Mar
Change to the titleholder with operational control of activities guidance note
Guidance for petroleum titleholders on maintaining regulatory compliance when operational control changes. It explains continuing obligations under well operations management plans and environment plans, revised submissions, coordination with NOPSEMA and NOPTA, information access and transitional arrangements. It recommends aligning acceptance of revised plans with the transfer of operational control.
- 202631 Mar
Notification, reporting and recording requirements for incidents
This guidance explains NOPSEMA notification, written reporting and record-keeping requirements for occupational safety, well-control and environmental incidents. It addresses reportability thresholds, safety-critical control impairment, harassment and bullying, monthly operational returns and environmental records. Illustrative examples distinguish performance-standard breaches from permitted exceptions when determining whether notification is required.
- 202631 Mar
Oil pollution risk management guidance note
Guidance for petroleum titleholders on evaluating oil pollution risks and preparing emergency response arrangements under environmental regulations. It addresses worst-case releases, oil fate and trajectory modelling, ALARP demonstrations, response resources and jurisdictional interfaces, alongside environmental monitoring, personnel competence, exercises and continuing assurance of response readiness.
- 202631 Mar
Planning for proactive decommissioning
This information paper explains lifecycle planning for petroleum decommissioning, including progressive removal, permanent well abandonment and increasingly detailed permissioning submissions. It outlines regulatory expectations, alternative end states, long-lead procurement, continued maintenance and changing risk profiles, alongside environmental monitoring and completion reporting to demonstrate that obligations have been met.
- 202631 Mar
Source control planning and procedures information paper
This information paper sets out regulatory expectations for offshore loss-of-well-control preparedness across environment plans, well operations management plans and safety cases. It covers capping-stack selection and deployment, relief-well design and dynamic kill analysis, plume modelling, subsea dispersant supply, water-column monitoring, response-time modelling, coordinated operations and readiness exercises.
- 20262 Mar
Environmental Alert 002/2026
OPRED sets out interim expectations for oil pollution emergency planning for wells disconnected from offshore installations and lacking in-situ response capability. Responsible Persons are expected to demonstrate effective response arrangements without claiming unavailable offshore resources. Existing onshore plans submitted at OPRED’s request require no changes until further notice.
- 2026Mar
PON1 Guidance for Reporting Oil and Offshore Chemical Releases
Guidance sets out PON1 notification requirements for oil and offshore chemical releases during offshore oil and gas activities. It distinguishes releases from intentional discharges, specifies reporting responsibilities, timeframes and portal submission, and explains quantity determination and ongoing updates. Appendices address subsea systems, drainage, produced-water caissons, vessels, flaring and excessive powder venting.
- 2026Mar
Wild Birds (Nesting) Advice Note v1 March 2026
Advice for UKCS oil and gas operators protecting nesting birds during installation decommissioning. It explains licensing routes and tests, bird management plans, survey timing and competence, and limitations of deterrent methods. An appended case describes combined deterrents at a Southern North Sea installation without establishing which measure chiefly prevented nesting.
- 202616 Feb
Environmental Alert 001/2026
OPRED clarifies offshore chemical permitting requirements for open and closed systems, including theoretically closed-loop hydraulics. Classification depends on potential discharge to the marine environment, rather than replenishment alone. The alert distinguishes registration and permit obligations, return-to-shore requirements and conditional permission to discharge registered chemicals drained from closed systems.
- 2026Feb
Pollution PINCs
This regulatory inspection guide presents pollution compliance questions with cited authorities and enforcement codes. It covers offshore discharges, well solids disposal, contaminant collection, sump operation and pollution inspections. Further checks address spill response equipment testing and monthly inspection, record keeping, and spill containment and drainage on artificial islands.
- 202622 Jan
Preparing an environmental performance report
Guidance for titleholders preparing environmental performance reports under Australian offshore petroleum regulations. It explains submission intervals, supporting records and recommended reporting structure, including performance outcomes and standards, emissions and discharges, monitoring, incidents and changes to environment plans. Decommissioning reporting and example compliance tables are also covered.
- 202510 Dec
Application of oil spill modelling in Environment Plans
Information paper on applying stochastic and deterministic oil spill modelling in offshore petroleum Environment Plans. It discusses input quality, non-mandatory exposure values for four oil phases, environmental consequence evaluation, response resources and monitoring preparedness. It distinguishes combined stochastic boundaries from individual spill footprints and addresses uncertainty and presentation of results.
- 2025Dec
Office PINC List
An office compliance checklist pairs regulatory questions with cited authorities and enforcement codes. It covers operational approvals, structural records, financial security, well-control competence, spill preparedness, drilling and decommissioning. Further checks address pipeline maintenance and reporting, reservoir conservation, production measurement, and geological and geophysical permits and data submissions.
- 2025Nov
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 81
Six confidential maritime reports examine a pilot’s fall, unsafe ladder rigging, illegal waste disposal, congested harbour operations involving an uncrewed vessel, a yacht–ferry close-quarters encounter and management intimidation. Commentary discusses transfer procedures, collision avoidance, competence assurance, reporting protections and the influence of leadership on safety and environmental compliance.
- 20251 Sep
Acoustic impact evaluation and management information paper
This information paper advises on assessing and managing marine seismic survey effects on environmental receptors. It addresses acoustic source descriptions, sound propagation modelling, biological thresholds, cumulative effects and uncertainty. Guidance covers receptor-specific acceptability, alternative survey methods, fauna detection, model validation and adaptive management, while distinguishing encouraged advice from regulatory requirements.
- 202522 Aug
Petroleum activities and Australian Marine Parks guidance note
Guidance explains environmental assessment, authorisation and consultation requirements for petroleum activities affecting Australian Marine Parks. It addresses park zoning, Director of National Parks consultation, acceptable impacts and ALARP demonstrations, cumulative effects, environmental performance and incident notification. Appended questions clarify class approvals, separate permissions and prior usage rights.
- 202528 Jul
Environment plan content requirements guidance note
Guidance on preparing environment plans for petroleum and greenhouse gas activities submitted to NOPSEMA. It explains environmental descriptions, impact and risk evaluation, acceptable levels and ALARP demonstrations, performance outcomes and standards, implementation systems, monitoring, oil pollution response testing, consultation and incident reporting.
- 202528 Jul
Notification of end of operation of environment plan guideline
This guideline explains how titleholders notify NOPSEMA that an environment plan can end under regulation 46. It covers declarations confirming completed obligations, regulatory verification and acceptance, and the consequences for reporting, levies and activity authorisation. It also distinguishes obligations that cease from record-keeping and statutory duties that remain.
- 20251 Jul
Environmental Alert 002/2025
OPRED reminds operators to review oil pollution emergency plans at least every five years and submit reviews through the CA Portal at least two months before the review period ends. Missed reviews or late submissions left operations without approved plans and prompted four formal investigations.
- 202512 Jun
Environmental Alert 001/2025
This alert reminds offshore chemical permit holders that assessed usage and injection concentrations are binding limits. Inspections identified exceedances during abnormal operations and inadequate monitoring by well section during drilling. Operators must establish compliance-tracking mechanisms; these should be available offshore to chemical users.
- 202524 Apr
Communication to Industry regarding the HRA process in the National Site Network and Marine Protected Area Network
OPRED explains protected-area assessment and application expectations for offshore operations. It advises at least eight weeks’ advance submission for specified conservation and bird-protection sites, including assessment of cumulative effects. Rig stabilisation and scour protection requirements emphasise recoverable materials, justification of options, minimised rock placement and recovery as far as practicable.
- 20253 Apr
Petroleum activities guidance note
NOPSEMA guidance explains how titleholders determine whether proposed offshore works constitute petroleum activities requiring an accepted environment plan. It distinguishes title rights from statutory obligations, discusses directions and limited exceptions, and addresses submissions before title grant and works outside title boundaries. Illustrative examples clarify the regulatory definition.
- 2025Apr
JNCC Advice Note – Seabird Survey Methods for Offshore Installations (Black-legged kittiwakes) updated April 2025
Advice on surveying black-legged kittiwakes nesting or roosting on offshore installations. It explains seasonal survey timing, apparently occupied nest counts, optical observation, photography and repeat recording. Guidance addresses hidden nests, chick ageing and completion of fledging, alongside wild birds licensing and limitations of UAV surveys.
- 202520 Feb
NOPSEMA – Fauna entanglement
An IMCA safety flash relays a NOPSEMA alert about a shark trapped in a rope loop on an electrical flying lead and freed using an ROV knife without additional harm. It discusses marine fauna interactions with subsea equipment and measures to consider, including installation-aid removal, alternative designs and protective guards.
- 2025
SAC Underwater Noise Regulators Working Group Progress Report 2025
Annual review of regulators’ management of impulsive underwater noise in harbour porpoise protected areas during 2025. It describes the shared noise tracker, pre-season predictions, development coordination and twice-weekly scheduling calls. Southern North Sea summer disturbance remained within thresholds; registry improvements, deterrent-range revisions and international initiatives are also covered.
- 2024Dec
Environmental Compliance
An environmental compliance checklist links inspection questions to regulatory authorities and enforcement actions. It covers marine debris, air and water quality, archaeological resources, artificial reefs, marine ecology, protected species and seafloor clearance, checking compliance with lease conditions, approved plans, permits and bureau instructions.
- 202417 Oct
Financial assurance for petroleum titles guideline
Guidance explains petroleum titleholders’ ongoing financial assurance duties for costs and liabilities arising from petroleum escapes. It covers robust cost estimation, independent validation and endorsement of methods, accessible assurance arrangements, environment-plan submissions and regular review. Assurance does not cap liability, and registered titleholders retain individual responsibility for compliance.
- 20243 Oct
Fauna entanglement
An environmental alert describes a shark caught in a rope loop on a subsea electrical flying lead and released using an ROV knife without additional harm. It discusses evaluating fauna interaction risks, considering installation-aid removal and safer designs, guarding injury mechanisms, verifying controls and meeting protected-species incident reporting requirements.
- 2024Sep
F-Gas Guidance September 2024
Revised guidance for offshore oil and gas operators and service companies explains fluorinated greenhouse gas obligations. It covers technician qualifications, equipment labelling, carbon dioxide equivalence calculations, use restrictions, leak checks and detection systems, recovery and disposal during decommissioning, record retention, emissions reporting, inspection and civil penalties.
- 202420 May
Consultation in the course of preparing an environment plan guideline
Guidance for titleholders on consultation when preparing environment plans under Australia’s offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas regulations. It explains identifying relevant persons, supplying sufficient information, allowing reasonable response periods and documenting objections and responses. It also addresses communal and First Nations interests, cultural features and NOPSEMA’s assessment of consultation duties.
- 202419 Apr
Renewable Energy Modernization Rule
Unofficial prepublication final rule modernising US offshore renewable energy regulation. It addresses leasing, meteorological buoy approvals, deferred geotechnical investigations and financial assurance, alongside independent project verification, commissioning, inspections and safety management reporting. Agency responses explain adopted changes, rejected proposals and continuing environmental review obligations.
- 2024Apr
OPRED Offshore Enforcement Policy
OPRED’s policy explains how it enforces offshore environmental legislation, including proportionality, evidence gathering and decision scrutiny. It describes enforcement, improvement and prohibition notices, monetary penalties and prosecution, together with appeal arrangements and public registers. Criminal prosecution is retained for the most serious breaches.
- 202428 Feb
When to submit a proposed revision of an environment plan guideline
NOPSEMA guidance explains when petroleum titleholders must submit revised environment plans. It distinguishes new activities, significant modifications, new stages, changed environmental impacts or risks, and titleholder changes. It also addresses regulator-requested and five-year revisions, acceptance requirements, documented change assessments and compliance monitoring.
- 202424 Jan
Offshore project proposal decision making guideline
Explains NOPSEMA’s two-stage assessment of offshore project proposals: suitability for public comment and subsequent acceptance or refusal. It addresses environmental impact evaluation, performance outcomes, responses to public comments, World Heritage restrictions and administrative decision-making principles. Project-level acceptance enables further environmental planning but does not itself authorise activities.
- 202410 Jan
Australian dispersant acceptance processes information paper
This information paper compares chemical dispersant acceptance for maritime and offshore petroleum spill response in Australian Commonwealth waters. It explains AMSA product registration and incident-specific approval, alongside NOPSEMA acceptance through environment plans. It discusses surface and subsea application, environmental trade-offs, and activity-specific efficacy and toxicity evaluation.
- 202410 Jan
Considerations for five-year environment plan revisions
This information paper advises petroleum titleholders preparing five-year environment plan revisions for long-term offshore activities. It addresses legislative changes, activity scope, subsea maintenance and decommissioning, spill prevention and response, emissions reduction, consultation and environmental monitoring. It explains expectations for demonstrating ALARP, acceptable impacts and measurable environmental performance.
- 202410 Jan
Consultation on offshore petroleum environment plans brochure
Community guidance explains consultation on offshore petroleum environment plans, including who qualifies as a relevant person, representative bodies’ roles and opportunities for public comment. It outlines information and response-time requirements, how concerns inform NOPSEMA’s assessment, confidentiality rights, and the distinction between consultation and consent.
- 202410 Jan
Environment plan decision making guideline
This guideline explains how NOPSEMA assesses environment plans against statutory acceptance criteria. It addresses proportionate environmental assessment, supported arguments for reducing impacts and risks, acceptable levels, performance monitoring, implementation strategies and consultation. It also outlines administrative decision-making principles and restrictions concerning protected places and threatened species.
- 202410 Jan
Making public comment on offshore project proposals information paper
Explains public participation in NOPSEMA’s environmental assessment of offshore project proposals. Covers submission channels, deadlines, supported objections and claims, and information outside regulatory decision-making criteria. Describes proponents’ responses, NOPSEMA’s subsequent assessment, publication of accepted proposals and consultation reports, and privacy arrangements for commenters.
- 202410 Jan
Offshore project proposal content requirements guidance note
NOPSEMA guidance explains content requirements for offshore petroleum project proposals, including project descriptions, alternatives analysis, cumulative environmental effects and acceptable impact levels. It addresses decommissioning, environmental performance outcomes, mandatory public comment and acceptance criteria, linking whole-project authorisation to subsequent activity environment plans and their monitoring requirements.
- 202410 Jan
Operational and scientific monitoring programs information paper
Information paper on designing and implementing monitoring after offshore petroleum spills, with emphasis on scientific assessment and environmental baselines. It addresses impact and reference sites, indicator selection, contaminant bioavailability, statistical design, analytical quality assurance, mobilisation readiness and monitoring triggers. Appendices examine ecological receptors, toxicity testing and source fingerprinting.
- 202410 Jan
Responding to public comment on environment plans guidance note
This guidance explains public commenting on seismic and exploratory drilling environment plans. It describes access to comments, titleholders’ general responses, identification of changes to plans, and resubmission for assessment. It also explains how NOPSEMA considers comments and publishes its response when accepting a plan.
- 2024
SAC Noise Management Regulators Working Group Progress Report 2024
Reviews regulators’ work during 2024 to manage impulsive underwater noise in harbour porpoise Special Areas of Conservation. It describes developer coordination, Marine Noise Registry upgrades, quieter unexploded ordnance clearance, piling noise reduction and proposed limits. Summer analysis for the Southern North Sea indicates disturbance remained below daily and seasonal thresholds.
- 202319 Dec
NOPSEMA and OIR Research Strategy 2024-2027
This strategy identifies collaborative research priorities for environmental management of offshore energy projects. It addresses cumulative impacts, underwater noise, fauna detection, emissions, decommissioning and geological carbon storage. Priorities include seabed remediation, standardised bird monitoring and renewable-energy mitigation research, while distinguishing the regulator’s research end-user role from conducting or funding research.
- 202313 Nov
Failure of AHC cylinder causing oil leak to deck
An offshore vessel’s heave-compensated crane suffered a hydraulic cylinder failure during jumper installation. Worn seals allowed oil to accumulate behind the piston, leading to end-cover bolt failure. Approximately 150 litres remained contained aboard. Proposed actions address pressure alarms, seal inspections, return-filter checks and planned cylinder overhaul.
- 202317 Aug
Offshore Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) Guidance
Explains pollution prevention and control requirements for offshore combustion installations, distinguishing installation and plant classifications, aggregation rules and exemptions. Covers permit applications and variations, best available techniques, emission limits, dispersion modelling, monitoring and annual reporting. Appendices provide assessment flowcharts and methods for analysing combustion plant loads and thermal efficiency.
- 202319 May
Environmental Alert 002/2023
OPRED clarifies reporting of oil discharged to sea when produced-water permit limits are exceeded. Worked calculations distinguish excess oil mass from total discharge for average-concentration and load breaches. The alert also explains maximum-concentration reporting, retains total-discharge reporting through EEMS, and announces planned IRS guidance and calculation updates.
- 20235 May
Environmental Alert 001/2023
An environmental alert describes inadvertent discharge of over 400 kg of fluorinated fire suppressant following routine testing. Water ingress affected an ATEX activation microswitch, causing delayed operation. Examination also found corrosion at switch interfaces. Duty holders should consider reviewing inspection and maintenance schedules to minimise seal failure and water ingress.
- 2023May
SAC Noise Management Working Group Communications (May 2023)
A regulator update on managing underwater noise in harbour porpoise Special Areas of Conservation. It describes low-order unexploded ordnance disposal, licensing coordination, offshore wind piling standards and improvements to the Marine Noise Registry. Workshop proposals and voluntary activity forecasts seek to improve disturbance assessments and coordination between developers.
- 202327 Mar
Leak of oil-based mud
A vessel preparing to transfer oil-based mud to shore spilled about 20–25 litres through tank ventilation during hose pressure testing. A deteriorated valve seal prevented full closure. The flash describes deck containment, toolbox communication, valve replacement, monthly manifold-valve cleaning and clearing residual chemicals or mud from transfer lines.
- 2023
Ren Split Rule 2023
Unofficial pre-publication text of a joint final rule transferring offshore renewable-energy safety, environmental oversight and enforcement regulations from BOEM to BSEE without changing substantive requirements. It sets out revised regulatory parts, agency responsibilities, facility verification, inspections, environmental reviews, reporting and decommissioning provisions, including alternate uses of existing facilities.
- 202223 Nov
Oil leakage from vessel crane onto quayside
A vessel crane’s hydraulic hose ruptured during retrieval of anchor handling chains, spilling oil onto the quayside. Poor lighting hindered detection during inspection, and crew initially failed to report the incident. The flash calls for awareness of environmental reporting requirements and planned hose inspection and condition-based renewal.
- 202210 Nov
BSEE: Hazards associated with cranes on idle facilities
This flash summarises BSEE observations of deteriorated cranes on idle Gulf of Mexico facilities. Corroded cables, degraded slings and leaking reservoirs present dropped-object and pollution hazards. Recommendations address removing or temporarily securing blocks and balls, inspecting cranes before return to service, storing or discarding slings, and clearing reservoirs and hoses.
- 20221 Nov
Hydraulic Oil Leak to Sea from Downline Fitting
During decommissioning with a diamond wire saw, 100 litres of hydraulic oil escaped to sea through a slack BSP downline fitting. Tightness checks had been omitted because the checklist prompted only visual inspection. Actions included physical tightness checks, checklist revision, additional fitting supports and removal of the hydraulic hose bight following feasibility review.
- 2022Sep
Operations Notice 84 - SCR2015 and SCR2005: The Dual Regime, Differences in Terminology and Interpretation, and Impact on Guidance Material
Explains the parallel offshore safety-case regimes for UK external and internal waters. It distinguishes major-accident definitions, safety and environmental critical elements, management systems and emergency plans under SCR2015 and SCR2005, and explains how duty holders should interpret existing guidance while terminology is reviewed.
- 202210 Aug
Hazards Associated with Cranes on Idle Facilities Pose Safety and Environmental Risks
BSEE reports deteriorated crane cables, missing components and pollution hazards on idle Gulf of Mexico facilities. Corroded cables and weather-exposed slings create dropped-object risks. Operators are advised to consider removing or securing blocks and balls, inspecting cranes before returning them to service, and clearing diesel and hydraulic reservoirs and hoses.
- 2022Aug
PPC Offshore Emissions Monitoring Guidance Rev4
Guidance for managing offshore combustion emissions monitoring under PPC regulations. It explains plant-specific monitoring requirements, baseline surveys, periodic and continuous measurement, reference-condition corrections, certification and reporting. Predictive emissions monitoring requires specific permit approval for compliance use. Direct flare monitoring and combustion carbon dioxide reporting are outside its scope.
- 20224 Jul
BSEE/USCG: Dealing with extreme weather events
This flash summarises joint BSEE/USCG findings on a drillship’s unsuccessful escape from Hurricane Ida in the Gulf of Mexico. Delayed temporary abandonment and riser retrieval problems preceded loss of riser equipment and fluid pollution. Recommendations address timely weather decisions, contingency planning, mass evacuation arrangements and training gaps.
- 2022Jun
OPEP Guidance - Rev 7 - June 2022
Guidance for preparing and obtaining approval for oil pollution emergency plans covering offshore oil and gas operations and oil handling facilities. It specifies plan interfaces, worst-case spill modelling, response resources, training and exercises, pollution notification, sea-surface sampling, dispersant decisions, shoreline protection and arrangements for government involvement.
- 202129 Nov
Environmental Alert 001/2021
OPRED alerts operators to a ban commencing on 1 January 2022 affecting new hermetically sealed commercial refrigeration equipment using F-gases with global warming potential of at least 150. It explains applicability to offshore catering and recreational facilities, continued use of existing equipment, and the absence of exemptions for recycled or reclaimed HFCs.
- 202131 Aug
Near Miss – Damaged Rig Hose
A near miss during receipt of contaminated oil-based mud from a rig revealed detached hose lining trapped between connections. The flash identifies potential back-pressure hose failure and environmental consequences if flow were blocked, and calls for hose condition and certification checks, visual inspection before use and stop-work intervention.
- 202110 Jun
Have your say on environmental aspects of offshore energy activities brochure
This brochure explains public participation in environmental approvals for proposed offshore petroleum projects and exploration activities. It describes submission routes, effective comments, deadlines, privacy arrangements and how duty holders and NOPSEMA consider responses. It also distinguishes public comment from consultation with relevant persons during environment plan preparation.
- 202124 Feb
Failure to Follow Procedures Results in Pollution Incidents
BSEE describes two Gulf of Mexico pollution incidents involving open valves during well workover and synthetic-based mud transfer. The second investigation remained ongoing, with preliminary findings indicating procedural non-compliance. Recommendations address flow-path understanding, valve labelling, physical verification before start-up, defined responsibilities and lockout/tagout barriers for overboard mud-system components.
- 202123 Feb
Issues relating to coronavirus management
This safety flash describes a vessel COVID-19 case followed by three further positive cases despite quarantine arrangements. All affected personnel recovered. It also addresses single-use mask disposal and risks to marine wildlife, recommending removal of straps before disposal and consideration of reusable masks where possible.
- 2021Feb
SNS RWG Communications (February 2021)
The Southern North Sea Regulatory Working Group outlines challenges in reconciling energy development with harbour porpoise conservation. It discusses potential cross-sector application windows, scientific uncertainties about underwater sound, a funded Strategic Advisory Group and an activity tracker supporting cumulative impact assessment and coordination between developers.
- 2021Jan
UK ETS Civil Penalties Guidance Document
Guidance explaining OPRED’s civil penalty regime for offshore oil and gas installations under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme. It covers investigation, establishing liability, representations, discretion and appeals, alongside fixed, formula-based and additional daily penalties. Other enforcement powers include notices, permit revocation and determining reportable emissions.
- 2021
NTL 2021-G01 - Incident, Oil Spill, and Permit Request Notification Instructions (Regular Hours and After Hours Guidance)
BSEE guidance sets out Gulf of Mexico notification arrangements for incidents, spills and urgent operational approval requests. It distinguishes regular-hours submissions from after-hours reporting and permit requests, explains contact escalation and electronic notification conditions, and provides contact lists and district responsibility boundaries.
- 202031 Dec
The Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration, Production, Unloading and Storage (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2020 – A Guide
Explains environmental assessment and consent procedures under the 2020 offshore EIA regulations. Covers screening, environmental statements, baseline surveys, alternatives, cumulative effects, mitigation and public consultation. Provides application requirements for drilling, pipelines and production changes, including PETS submissions, approval variations, reporting and enforcement.
- 202023 Oct
MSF: Grub screws and perished valves – trouble with methanol transfer
This flash describes unrecognised methanol discharge to sea during vessel cargo transfers. An incorrectly retained spool piece and passing valves allowed flow through the flushing line; a grub screw restricted one valve’s closure. Recommendations address recorded cargo receipt confirmation, transfer-system configuration checks and updating planned maintenance.
- 2020Oct
CBA Tool User Aid
Offshore-specific guidance supplements the Environment Agency’s cost-benefit analysis user guide for Industrial Emissions Directive derogation applications. It explains scenario inputs, investment and energy costs, nitrogen oxide damage costs, greenhouse gas valuation and qualitative evidence. Operators must provide supporting data, with offshore adjustments to energy pricing and emissions assessment.
- 202020 Aug
ALARP & Acceptable - August 2020
This factsheet explains how NOPSEMA evaluates whether environmental impacts and risks from offshore activities are ALARP and acceptable. It describes reasonable practicability, receptor sensitivity, consultation and continual review of measures. Illustrative well-blowout and seismic-survey scenarios show how dutyholders can justify measures and define acceptable outcomes.
- 202014 Aug
Hull damage caused oil leakage from settling tank
A vessel’s fuel settling tank was punctured during berthing where protective fendering was missing, causing oil leakage. Port maintenance had not been communicated, while quayside access restrictions limited observation. Lessons address berthing risk assessment, decision-making information, possible shoreside support, alternative inboard tank arrangements and pollution emergency planning.
- 202012 Jun
MSF: Water-based mud spill on deck
A mud-transfer hose separated from a vessel manifold at an offshore installation, spilling approximately 2,500 litres onto deck. Incompatible threads allowed corrosion to weaken the connection. The crew contained and recovered the mud without environmental loss. Actions address thread compatibility, planned maintenance and visual pre-use inspections.
- 2020Jun
Final Consultation Report June 2020
Consultation report examining the evidence behind underwater-noise management guidance for harbour porpoise Special Areas of Conservation. It addresses seasonal disturbance thresholds, effective deterrent ranges, seismic surveys, piling, noise abatement and monitoring. Appended stakeholder submissions dispute assumptions and implementation arrangements, while the authors explain revised advice and remaining scientific uncertainties.
- 202022 May
Sewage spilled onto the quayside
A vessel-to-truck sewage transfer spilled 30–40 litres onto a contained concrete quayside, without discharge to sea. Preliminary causes included an incorrect hose connection, an unchallenged unsafe condition, missing radio communication and an incomplete checklist. Actions addressed compatible connections, whip checks, equipment condition, radios and transfer checklists.
- 202018 May
Recording and reporting MMO data
This bulletin clarifies Australian requirements for recording and submitting marine mammal observer data from seismic surveys. It promotes consistent sightings, observation effort and weather records using the Cetacean Sightings Application or its schema, explains submission arrangements, and encourages reporting of other fauna to support conservation and environmental management.
- 202014 Jan
Environmental Alert 001/2020
This environmental alert announces changes to the Met Office’s out-of-hours incident reporting service for OPRED. It specifies a replacement telephone number, a transition ending on 31 March 2020, required updates to Oil Pollution Emergency Plans, personnel notification and a revised service start time of 16:00 each working day.
- 2020
Fact Sheet BSEE BOEM Proposed Arctic Rule 2020
Fact sheet outlining proposed changes to Arctic exploratory drilling regulations, informed by research and Alaska Native consultations. It explains seasonal lease suspensions, mud and cuttings provisions, source-control equipment deployment, conditional capping-stack and relief-rig staging, subsea isolation alternatives, mudline cellars and removal of the Integrated Operation Plan requirement.
- 2020
NTL 2020-P01 Contact with the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Pacific Outer Continental Shelf Region Offices During and Outside Regular Work Hours
This BSEE guidance explains how Pacific Outer Continental Shelf operators should contact regional offices during and outside normal working hours. It distinguishes operational approval requests, incident and pipeline notifications, and oil-spill reporting, including responsibilities of the three offices and arrangements for urgent after-hours calls.
- 201913 May
Environmental Alert 001/2019
OPRED alerts operators to restrictions commencing in January 2020 on high-global-warming-potential F gases used to service larger refrigeration systems. It describes reclaimed and recycled gas exceptions until January 2030, excluded system types, and a separate ban on certain HFC-containing extruded polystyrene foam equipment, subject to national safety requirements.
- 201925 Apr
Oil spill during bunkering
A vessel bunkering alongside spilled around three litres of fuel after a hose coupling was loosened to investigate back pressure. The flash identifies failures to check drainage and residual pressure, describes containment and clean-up on deck and pier, and records a full review of bunkering procedures.
- 2019
Incident and Spill Reports NTL 2019-N05
BSEE guidance clarifies reporting obligations for incidents, spills and pipeline damage during Outer Continental Shelf operations. It defines reportable events, explains oral notification and written submission requirements, and distinguishes electronic reporting routes and deadlines. Additional provisions address Arctic operations, injury reporting thresholds and the distinction between first aid and medical treatment.
- 20186 Dec
Safety Alert 344 - Chemical Containment Release
BSEE describes an emulsion-breaker release from a cracked polyethylene tote on an unmanned platform. Xylene incompatibility was considered a contributing cause, while weather exposure may also have contributed. Rainwater compromised secondary containment. Recommendations address compatible containers, correct labelling, chemical training and inspection for continued service.
- 201812 Nov
Marine seismic surveys - November 2018
This factsheet explains marine seismic surveying using compressed-air acoustic sources and hydrophone streamers, distinguishing 2D, 3D and repeated 4D methods. It outlines potential effects on marine species, environmental assessment and possible acoustic mitigation measures, alongside NOPSEMA’s assessment of environment plans before proposed surveys can proceed.
- 201812 Oct
2016.1 Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (PREP) Guidelines
Voluntary multi-agency guidelines describe exercises for oil pollution response plans covering vessels, facilities and pipelines. They distinguish notification drills, incident management tabletop exercises and equipment deployment, with agency-specific schedules and evaluation arrangements. Guidance addresses operator training, equipment maintenance, dispersant simulations, documentation and credit for actual responses.
- 201817 Aug
Oil spill dispersants at a glance - July 2018
This information sheet explains how chemical dispersants support oil spill response through surface or subsea application. It outlines environmental trade-offs, the need to demonstrate a net environmental benefit, and NOPSEMA’s assessment of oil pollution emergency plans. Timely deployment within the limited effectiveness window is a central planning requirement.
- 201817 Aug
Oil spill modelling at a glance - August 2018
This factsheet contrasts stochastic modelling, which combines hypothetical spills to indicate potentially affected areas, with deterministic modelling of individual spill scenarios. It explains their complementary roles in offshore petroleum spill risk assessment, preparedness and response planning, and cautions against treating stochastic maps as representations of a single spill.
- 201817 Aug
Oil spill response strategies at a glance - July 2018
This information sheet outlines oil spill response options for petroleum companies, including source control, surveillance, chemical dispersants, containment and recovery, and in-situ burning. It also covers shoreline and inland-water response, waste planning, wildlife rehabilitation, environmental monitoring and remediation, emphasising that techniques are not suitable for every spill scenario.
- 2018Aug
Update on Marine Planning in the UK - Guidance Note to Operators - Offshore Oil and Gas Sector Aug 2018
Guidance for offshore oil and gas operators summarises marine planning developments across the UK as at August 2018. It explains how adopted plans should be considered in environmental applications, including proportionate assessment of relevant policies, PETS declarations and supporting information, while distinguishing expectations for draft and non-statutory plans.
- 2018Aug
What if your agitator fails? — Process Safety Beacon, August 2018
This bulletin examines a German batch-reactor incident in which restarting agitation mixed accumulated reactants, rapidly raising temperature and releasing contents through a relief valve. It explains mixing and heat-transfer hazards, including in non-reacting vessels, and recommends obtaining technical assistance and reviewing operating history before restarting an agitator after loss of agitation.
- 20189 Jul
Oil spill response arrangements - July 2018
This information sheet explains oil spill response responsibilities for petroleum activities in Australian Commonwealth waters. It describes NOPSEMA’s assessment of response plans, inspection of capability and regulatory intervention, alongside companies’ obligations to implement agreed arrangements, secure supporting resources and fund the full response.
- 2018Jun
Methodology for the Sampling and Analysis of Produced Water and other Hydrocarbon Discharges
Technical guidance for sampling and analysing produced water and other offshore hydrocarbon discharges. It describes BEIS infrared and Triple Peak methods, the OSPAR GC-FID reference method, sample preservation, calibration and correlation requirements. Separate procedures cover oil on solids, bi-annual component analysis, online monitor validation and environmental reporting.
- 20187 May
Objective based regulations - May 2018
This information sheet explains NOPSEMA’s objective-based regulatory approach to offshore oil and gas safety and environmental protection. It assigns risk management responsibility to those creating risks, contrasts outcome requirements with prescriptive rules, and describes flexibility for technological advances and continuous improvement.
- 2018
Notice to Lessees 2018-G02
BSEE guidance explains notification routes for incidents, pollution and urgent operational approval requests in the Gulf of Mexico OCS region. It distinguishes regular-hours and after-hours procedures, including escalation sequences, reporting thresholds and permit-request restrictions. Attachments provide contact lists and district responsibility boundaries.
- 20177 Dec
Environmental Alert 003/2017
An environmental alert describes a chemical release to sea during storage-tank commissioning. A design–construction discrepancy left the overflow lower than expected; filling above it and subsequent syphoning caused the release. Duty holders should verify overflow positions and may prudently consider water first fills with robust monitoring where possible.
- 20173 Jul
Environmental Alert 001/2017
This alert examines capping-stack deployment where a 15,000 psi BOP contains a lower-stack annular preventer rated to 10,000 psi. For the described HPHT blowout configuration, it identifies the wellhead connector, after lower BOP removal, as the only attachment position tested to 15,000 psi, and requires consideration in oil-pollution emergency response strategies.
- 20179 May
Oil spill sampling and source identification
An environmental alert examines unsuccessful sampling of an oil sheen near a titleholder’s facilities, which hindered source identification. It highlights representative sampling, sample integrity and recorded custody, personnel competence, timely equipment deployment and reference characterisation of produced hydrocarbons, alongside petroleum environmental requirements for pollution monitoring and response.
- 201620 Dec
Fuel spill during in-port bunkering
A platform supply vessel spilled fuel during bunkering in port. Fuel leaking from a sample/drain cock entered a drip tray and drained overboard with fresh water from a leaking manifold valve. The investigation identified incomplete pre-bunkering checks and inadequate watchkeeping. Pumping was stopped and containment booms deployed.
- 201619 Dec
Environmental Alert 003/2016
This environmental alert announces revised guidance and assessment templates for Oil Pollution Emergency Plans. Revision 3 will be available from 22 December 2016, alongside a version showing changes. Submissions from 9 January 2017 must account for the revised guidance; plans following Revision 2 remain acceptable until that date.
- 20164 Dec
Failure to report hydraulic leak subsea
During diver monitoring of a subsea manifold valve, a hydraulic release went unrecorded and unreported. The client discovered it some four months later through video review. The flash identifies unfamiliarity with reporting procedures and unclear processes for additional works, emphasising pollution notification requirements and their inclusion in dive plans.