Offshore Oil and Gas Projects
Vessels arriving at Australian resources installations
All vessels arriving at Australian resources installations such as platforms and floating production, storage and offtake (FPSO) facilities must meet all standard AQIS commercial vessel requirements for arrival at an Australian place. Vessels arriving at these places are inspected by AQIS, depending on the purpose of the voyage, and quarantine risk assessment.
Vessels arriving at offshore exploration and construction sites
Overseas exploration and construction vessels arriving at offshore project sites are not required to seek permission from AQIS to work in Australian waters outside of the territorial sea. However, if exploration or construction vessels will be supplied by Australian vessels then it may be in the operator's interest to have the overseas vessel(s) cleared by AQIS at the commencement of work in Australian waters, so that quarantine intervention is not required on the Australian supply vessels upon their return to port. The clearance process must be performed at an Australian port or place.
Installations
Resources installations intending to attach to the Australian seabed must request pratique at the time of attachment. It is recommended that the installation undergoes full quarantine clearance, including the removal of all quarantine risk material. This allows supply vessels, crew and goods unrestricted movement between the installation and the Australian mainland. In addition to the removal of any quarantine risk food products from stores, this process also involves the disinfection of the cold storage and freezer areas.
Installations that have been in the coastal waters of foreign countries are likely to have accumulated considerable biofouling. This biofouling could include marine organisms that could be harmful to the Australian marine environment. These pest organisms can survive the voyage to Australia on equipment towed slowly through the ocean.
The Australian Government is moving towards applying risk-based biofouling management requirements to all international vessels arriving in Australia. Operators of petroleum industry vessels and equipment should follow the National Biofouling Management Guidance for the Petroleum Production and Exploration Industry.
Operators of offshore projects should contact the AQIS Seaports Program at an early planning stage to ensure that we will be able to provide you with up to date information.
Contact details
For further information on the AQIS requirements for offshore oil and gas projects, please contact the:
AQIS Seaports Program
Fax: +61 2 6272 3200
Email