Offshore Approvals

Summary of requirements pursuant to Commonwealth and State legislation for planning offshore petroleum operations as a precedent to informed approvals (or otherwise) for regulated activities.

Statutory documents required for licensed petroleum activities in Commonwealth and State waters. Refer to the text for further information.

Activity type
 Safety Case
 EP
 WOMP
 DMP
 RMP
Surveys
 n
 y
 n
 y
 n
Drilling
 y
 y
 y
 y
 y
Production - platform
 y
 y
 y
 y
 y
Production - non platform
 y
 y
 y
 y
 y
Decommisioning
 y
 y
 y
 y
 y
 
y = required, n = not required


Safety Case
A Safety Case is required for all drilling and production activities. Occupational health and safety in Commonwealth and State waters for the petroleum industry is regulated by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority. Refer to their website www.nopsa.gov.au for further information.

Environmental Plan
An EP is required for every petroleum activity, including geotechnical in Commonwealth and State waters. The following document "Guidelines for the Preparation and Submission of an Environment Plan" provides guidance for companies on the EP regime and content.

Well Operations Management Plan (WOMP)
A WOMP is required for all activities associated with the drilling, completion, production and abandonment of wells in Commonwealth and State waters. Refer to the relevant regulations for guidance on the content of a WOMP.

Data Management Plan (DMP)
A DMP is required for all exploration and production activities in Commonwealth and State waters. Click on the following link for a guide to prepare DMP’s.

Reservoir Management Plan (RMP)
A RMP is required for all well activities in Commonwealth and State waters. Contact PIRSA Departmental officers, and in particular – contact PIRSA’s Chief Petroleum Engineer for Petroleum and Geothermal Operations  about the requirements of a RMP.

For additional information please contact:

Michael Malavazos
Chief Engineer
Operations Branch
Petroleum and Geothermal Group, Minerals and Energy Resources
Ph: (08)846 33245; Mob: 0401 121 666; Fax: (08)846 33229
Email: michael.malavazos@sa.gov.au