Offshore Safety Directive (OSD)

Environmental Permitting

Andrew Taylor

DECC EDU OGED

18th December 2014

Environmental Permitting• Multiple operator model adopted to meet HSE’s and industry’s

preference for implementing Offshore Safety Directive (OSD)

• Need to assess and recognise new ‘operators’ - installation operators (former duty holders) and well operators

• OSD links safety and environmental responsibilities for major accidents

• Industry argued strongly that duty holders were best placed to manage safety and environmental aspects of operations

• Safety and environmental management should be the responsibility of approved persons in charge of day to day operations

2 Offshore Safety Directive – Industry Update 18 th December 2014

Environmental Permitting• Environmental permits etc. will be held by appointed

installation and well operators

• Responsibility and accountability for complying with regulations will fall to the installation and well operators

• OSPAR EMS reporting requirements will also fall to the installation and well operators

• This is not a requirement of OSD, but it is a consequence of the way the multiple operator model is being implemented and avoids splitting environmental responsibilities

• Liability for environmental and economic damage, and financial security requirements, will remain with licensee(s)

3 Offshore Safety Directive – Industry Update 18 th December 2014

Next Steps• Existing licensees will be asked to confirm installation and

well operator arrangements

• Default position will be that DECC licence operator will be allocated both roles

• Installation permits will be transferred to former duty holders following designation as installation operator

• Installation operators will have opportunity to review and amend documentation

• Well operators will be responsible for new applications following appointment

• OSPAR and EMS reporting aligned to permit responsibilities

4 Offshore Safety Directive – Industry Update 18 th December 2014