This series of messages is aimed at keeping you informed of the operations of NOPSA. Please let us know if you would like to be added to the distribution list

 

INDUSTRY MATTERS:

· HSR Training Course:  14 organisations have expressed an interest in providing HSR training covering all locations for the offshore industry with the exception of Karratha.  NOPSA will endeavour to undertake the accreditation by end July.

· Monthly Incident Summaries:  Following our encouragement in the last CEO newsletter, NOPSA is pleased to note the majority of operators are now responding by the 15th of the month as requested by Regulation 46(4) of MoSoF.  NOPSA has provided clarification to operators of MODUs regarding reporting of incidents relating to vessels alongside their facilities.

· Safety Case Guidelines:  NOPSA have reviewed the current SC guidelines and regulations regarding guidance on the requirements for and content of construction safety cases.  We will be discussing the issue with stakeholders shortly with a view to providing new guidance on the NOPSA website.  NOPSA has been invited to present on these issues at the forthcoming IMCA Asia Pacific regional meeting in Joondalup on 9 June 2005. We have just received our first two construction vessel safety cases.

· NOPSA Training Package on Offshore Legislation and the Role of NOPSA:  The CD has been requested by a number of training organizations and remains available from our training liaison officer.

· Well testing:  Well testing is an infrequent but potentially high-consequence activity undertaken at short notice.  NOPSA will be focusing on this activity over the next few months.

· Radioactive Material:  Jurisdiction issues associated with radioactive material e.g. handling of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) are being discussed with the Radiological Council of WA.

· WA Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005:  NOPSA participated in a DoIR workshop consulting with industry regarding the provisions in the Bill.  The Bill is currently with the Uniform Legislation Committee of the WA Upper House.  This Bill amends the State PSLA 82 to mirror the Commonwealth PSLA giving regulatory OHS functions to NOPSA in WA designated coastal waters.

· Memoranda of Understanding:  Ten MOUs have been signed, the most recent being with Seacare.  A further nine are in draft form.  In the context of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) MOU, initial discussions have been held regarding potential joint activities.  Published memoranda of understanding are available on NOPSA’s website.

· Security:  Exploratory discussions have been held with the Joint Offshore Protection Command (JOPC) which is the new joint customs/Australian defence force body tasked with offshore security response issues.

 

INCIDENTS REPORTED DURING THE MONTH:

· Section of grating weighing 10kgs dislodged, falling 20 metres to the production deck below.

· Dangerous occurrence caused by smouldering in cable to mud pump.

· Leak from pre-load tank flooded section in the hull while pre-loading.

· Three separate Gas Lift Compressor discharge manifold leaks.

 

 

JOHN CLEGG

Chief Executive Officer

NOPSA