NOPSA is a Statutory Authority regulating Commonwealth, State and Territory coastal waters with accountability to the relevant Ministers. The Authority has its headquarters in Perth and commenced operations on 1 January 2005.

The role of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority (NOPSA) is to administer offshore petroleum safety legislation. The organisation's primary objectives include:

Improving health and safety outcomes across the offshore petroleum industry
Ensuring health and safety regulation of the offshore petroleum industry is provided to standards that are equal to the best in the world
Reducing the regulatory burden on the offshore petroleum industry, which operates across multiple jurisdictions, by delivering a consistent and comprehensive health and safety regime.

News and Events

Successful prosecution after worker crushed on MODU

The Melbourne Magistrates Court has awarded fines totalling $150,000 after the employer (and operator of the MODU), pleaded guilty to occupational health and safety charges following serious injuries to a rig worker in November 2004. Details are available in Media Releases.

Noise and Competency Workshops

NOPSA is organising workshops focusing on offshore competency and noise management to be held in Perth (27 May) and Melbourne (29 May). Please download the announcements for further details.

Validation Policy for Comment

Questions have been received from industry representatives on the independent validation required for proposed facilities or proposed modifications to existing offshore facilities.

In response to these enquiries and to provide guidance on the validation process, NOPSA has developed a draft policy and guideline. Your comments are invited before June 6, 2008.

Operational Review of NOPSA

A review of the operations of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority (NOPSA) as required by Section 150Z of the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967 (PSLA) is underway.