Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Acts: Schedule

PETROLEUM (SUBMERGED LANDS) ACTS
SCHEDULE
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS AS TO OFFSHORE

PETROLEUM
EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION
NOVEMBER 1999 ELECTRONIC CONSOLIDATION

[not published in hard copy]
NOTE: These requirements apply under both Commonwealth and State/Northern

Territory Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Acts, with the exception of the clauses that
are marked *. The clauses marked * have been revoked in respect of activities
undertaken under the Commonwealth Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967. This
is because the provisions in the clauses marked * are now generally covered under
the Commonwealth Petroleum (Submerged Lands) (Management of Safety on
Offshore Facilities) Regulations.
Additionally, some clauses have been revoked only in part. These clauses are not
marked * but the revoked sub-clauses or paragraphs are indicated within the clause.
SCHEDULE
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS AS TO OFFSHORE PETROLEUM EXPLORATION
AND PRODUCTION - 1995
PART I - INTRODUCTORY
Application
of
Direction
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this

Schedule, the direction implementing this Schedule
applies only to or in relation to, acts, omissions, matters,
circumstances or things touching, concerning arising out
of or connected with the exploration of the sea-bed or subsoil of the adjacent area for
petroleum or the
exploitation of the natural resources, being
petroleum, of that sea-bed or subsoil.
Contents
101
102
This Schedule is divided into Parts as follows -
PART I - lNTRODUCTORY
Application of Direction
Contents
Definitions
Tests
Codes, Standards, Specifications
CLAUSE
101
102
103
104
105
PART II - GENERAL SAFETY

Division 1 - General Requirements
Safety case
Safety manual
Work Permit System
Emergency response manual
Updating of manuals
Availability of manuals & Directions
Instruction of personnel
Admittance to platforms
Continued presence on platforms
Notices
200*
201*
201A*
202*
203*
204*
205*
206*
206A*
207*
November 1999
3
Emergency drill exercises
Maximum number of persons on a platform
Person in command of platform
Interference with operations
Communication and stand-by
Vessel and aircraft control
Rescue craft
Restriction of usage of radio and telephone
Helicopter operations
Record of arrivals and departures
Lifejackets and buoyancy vests
Accidents
Oil spills
Protective equipment
Housekeeping
Electric hand tools
Plant and machinery guards
Unguarded edges and openings
Cutting, heating and welding
Explosimeters
Emergency shutdown devices on engines
Exhaust lagging
Pneumatic and hydraulic lines
Scaffolding
Medical
Medicinal and therapeutic drugs
Unauthorized use of drugs and intoxicants
Entry into confined spaces
Dangerous atmospheres
Electrical installations, wiring and fittings
Explosives
Radio-active substances
Command of English
Maintenance
Gas cylinder transfer
Warning notices
Storage of nitrates
Certificate of competence
Personnel qualifications and competence
Vessels near platform during diving
Other operations during diving
Radio operators
Explosive-powered tools
Sand blasting
208*
209*
210*
210A*
211*
212*
213*
214*
215*
216*
218*
219*
220
221*
222
223*
224*
225*
226*
227*
228*
229*
230*
231*
232*
233*
234*
235*
236*
237*
238*
239*
240*
241*
242*
243*
244*
245*
246*
247*
248*
249*
250*
251*
Division 2 - Reporting and Data Submission

Reporting of death and serious injury
Written records of death and injury
Reporting serious damage
Reporting potentially hazardous event
Reporting damage of less than $20,000
280*
281*
282*
283*
284*
November 1999
4
Reporting escape or ignition of petroleum
and other material
Reporting of emergencies
Reporting radiation monitoring
285
286*
287*
PART III - MARINE FACILITIES

Mobile platform
Mobile platform approval
Movement of mobile platform
Raising or lowering of a mobile drilling unit
Anchoring vessels near pipelines
Consent to construct or install a fixed platform
Application for consent to construct or install
a fixed platform
Consent to use a fixed platform
Certificate of verification of design,
construction and installation of a fixed
platform
Surveys of a fixed platform
Tests on a fixed platform
Records of tests on a fixed platform
Additional requirements for a platform
Helideck
Warning lights
Sound signals
Emergency energy source for signals
Marking of platforms
Lifejackets, immersion suits, and lifebuoys
Survival craft
Exceeding the normal complement
Ropes, ladders etc
Fire protection system
Communication equipment
Buoys
Electrical installations
Furniture and furnishings
Flammable and toxic gases
Report on buoys adrift
Progress report of construction and
installation
300
301*
302
303*
304*
305*
306
307*
308*
309*
310*
311*
312*
313*
314*
315*
316*
317*
318*
319*
320*
32l*
322A*
323*
324*
325*
326*
327*
380*
381*
PART IV - GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

Geological and geophysical surveys approval
Seismic energy sources
Person in command
401
402
403
November 1999
Division 2 - Reporting and data submission

Basic data retention and lodgement
Clear labelling of data
Periodic reports
Survey data submission
Final reports on wells and surveys
Cores, cuttings and fluid samples
Reports on cores and cuttings
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
PART V - DRILLING
Approval to drill
Equipment
Well casing
Cementing of casing strings
Blow-out prevention control
Pressure testing blow-out prevention equipment
Accumulators
Blow-out prevention drills
Formation integrity testing
Formation pressure monitoring
Drilling fluid
Approval for production or drill stem tests
Approval to abandon or suspend a well
Abandonment of a well
Suspension of a well
Disposal of drilling fluids
Deviation and directional surveys
Diving from platforms
Discovery of petroleum and estimate of
petroleum in-place
Daily report of drilling operations
Weekly report of drilling operations
Report on modification, abandonment or
suspension of a well
501
502
503
504
505
506
507
508
509
510
511
512
513
514
515
516
517
518
550
551
552
553
PART VI - PETROLEUM PRODUCTION

Consent for production equipment and
recovery of petroleum
Safety
Other operations
Equipment to comply with standards
Pressure vessels
Pressure relief valves
601
601A*
602
603
604
605
November 1999
6
Monitors and control mechanisms
Safety devices
Workover of wells
Rate of recovery of petroleum
Production tests on producing wells
Surface connections
Production from more than one reservoir
from one well
Production from more than one reservoir
from more than one well
Measurement of petroleum and water
Approval to flare or vent
Pollution
Wireline operations in wells
Sampling petroleum streams
Meter roving
Pressure vessel inspection
Wireline and diving operations
Prohibition on the use of pipelines
Incorporation of pipeline emergency
shut-down valve
Location of pipeline emergency
shut-down valves
Operation and use of pipeline emergency
shut-down valves
Inspection and testing of pipeline emergency
shut-down valves
Programme of work
Estimate of recoverable and in-place
petroleum
Monthly production report
Reports on wireline surveys and subsurface
safety valves
Reports on pressure vessels
Records of petroleum in discharged
formation water
606
607
608
609
610
611
612
613
614
615
616
617
618
619
620
621
622*
623*
624*
625*
626*
650
651
652
653
654
655
PART VII - CRANES, WINCHES AND LIFTS*

Crane Code
Crane
Crane construction, installation,
relocation and alteration
Certificate of inspection of manufacture
Crane repairs
Commissioning tests
Special conditions
Personnel transfer
Load and boom angle indicators
700*
701*
702*
703*
704*
705*
706*
707*
708*
November 1999
7
Maintenance and operating manuals
Crane communication
Crane driver competence
Dogman or crane chaser competence
Sheave blocks
Illumination of areas of operation
Winches
Lifting tackle and gear
Ropes and slings
Cargo gear testing and handling
Chain blocks
Safety requirements for all cranes
Safety requirements for hydraulic cranes
Electrical requirements
Riding booms
Crane inspection
Pawls, washers and limits
Multiple lifts
Log book
Lifts
Taglines
Mobile cranes
Riding loads
Bridge crane
Diving and crane operations
709*
710*
711*
712*
713*
714*
715*
716*
717*
718*
719*
720*
721*
722*
723*
724*
725*
726*
727*
728*
729*
730*
731*
732*
733*

Periodic lnspection
Notice of intention to construct a crane
Notice of intention to install or relocate a crane
Proof loads for cargo gear
750*
App. 1*
App. 2*
App. 3*
PART VIII - DIVING

General
Tests
Exemption certificates
Qualifications and Experience
Diver and diver's attendant
Systems maintenance, life support and diver
medical technicians
Diving supervisor
Diving superintendent
Medical practitioner
First aid qualifications
801
802
803
804
805
806
807
808
November 1999
8
Documentation Requirements
Diving manual and maintenance schedule
Diving operations record
Diver's log book
Emergency drill reports
Operating Requirements
Manning levels
Place from which diving is allowed
Equipment inspection and approval
Medical examination of divers
Emergency drills
Decompression schedules
Hours of duty
Diving depths
Application for diving beyond 300 metres
Decompression - general
Therapeutic recompression procedures
Decompression sickness
Flying after diving
Diving in current
Diving with self-contained breathing equipment
Diving with closed or semi-closed circuit
rebreathing equipment
Manned submersible craft
Diving from platforms
Cathodic protection
Breathing medium quality
809
810
811
812
813
814
815
816
817
818
819
820
821
822
823
824
825
826
827
828
829
830
831
832
Plant and Equipment Requirements

Suitability of plant and equipment
Additional requirements for plant and equipment
Emergency plant and equipment
Breathing medium equipment - general
Breathing medium hoses
Breathing medium supply
Pressure measuring equipment
833
834
835
836
837
838
839
Plant and Equipment Maintenance, Examination

and Testing Requirements
Maintenance, certification & documentation
Certificates of examination and testing
Periodic testing
Retaining registers
Alterations to equipment
Unattended equipment
840
841
842
843
844
845

Reporting of death, serious injury and
decompression sickness of divers
Written records of diver death, injury or
decompression sickness
847
848
November 1999
9
Reporting of potentially hazardous event
Requirements as to purity and composition
of breathing medium and unmixed pure
components of breathing medium
Requirements as to the filling, gas testing
and supply of cylinders for the supply
of breathing medium
Requirements for lifting and handling
equipment used in the course of
diving operations
Requirements for surface compression chambers
Requirements for diving bells
Requirements for dive, decompression & lifesupport control stations in diving operations
Minimum first aid equipment required at
place at which diving operations
are carried out
Matters in respect of which provision is to
be made in the diving manual
Matters to be included in the diving
operations record
Matters to be entered in the diver's book
849
App. 1
Part A
Part B
App. 2
App. 3
App. 4
App. 5
App. 6
App. 7
App. 8
App. 9
November 1999
10
Definitions
103
(1)
In this Schedule unless inconsistent with the context or

subject matter "API" means the American Petroleum Institute.
"ANSI" means the American National Standards Institute.
"Approval" or "approved" means the approval of or
approved by the Director.
"ASEG-GDF" means Australian Society of Exploration
Geophysicists - General Data Format.
"ASME" means the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers.
"Bell bounce diving" means a diving operation where dives
are made out of a diving bell, and where a transfer under
pressure to a deck compression chamber is made while
decompression procedures of short duration are being
used.
"Bell diving" means carrying out diving operations using a
diving bell.
"Bottom time" means in relation to a dive, the time from
when a diver is subjected to pressure greater than
atmospheric pressure until the time when that diver's
decompression begins, and is used to determine that
diver's decompression profile for that dive.
"Breathing medium" means gas or gases delivered to a
diver for the purpose of life support.
"Classifying authority" means an approved body qualified
to (a)
(b)
classify ships, barges or mobile platforms; or

verify the design, construction and operating
capability of diving plant and equipment.
"Conductor casing string" means a pipe installed to cover

unconsolidated surface formations, and which may provide
a means for return of drilling fluid from the seabed to a
platform.
"Construction platform" means a ship, barge or other
vessel or floating structure from which construction or
installation operations for or in connection with the
exploration for or recovery of petroleum are or are to be
carried out.
November 1999
11
"Crane" means a specially designed structure with a

means driven by manual or mechanical power for raising,
lowering or transporting a load and includes the supporting
structure and gear used in connection with such a
structure; but does not include (a)
the derrick or draw-works of a drilling rig that has

been constructed to an approved standard;
(b)
approved wireline equipment that is used for well

logging or well maintenance operations; and
(c)
a winch.
"Crane chaser" means a person who slings and directs

movements of loads handled by a crane where such loads
are usually in full view of the crane driver
"Decompression control station" means a decompression
control station for the purposes of clause 834(j).
"Decompression schedule or procedure" means the
schedule or procedure, which is a function of time,
pressure and breathing medium, to be followed when
subjecting a diver to greater than and restoring him to
atmospheric pressure.
"Decompression sickness" means trauma associated with
and as a result of an inert gas coming out of solution and
forming bubbles in the blood and tissues of a diver during
or after his return from hyperbaric pressure to atmospheric
pressure.
"Director" has the meaning set out in the Direction made
by the Minister or Designated Authority (as the case may
be) to which this Schedule is annexed.
"Dive" means the process of a diver or a diving bell
containing divers entering the water and being subjected to
pressure greater than normal atmospheric pressure.
"Dive control station" means a dive control station for the
purposes of clause 834(i).
"Diver" means any person who is engaged in diving
operations for the purpose of diving.
"Diver medical technician" means a person who is
engaged in carrying out the work of a diver medical
technician referred to in clause 804(5).
November 1999
12
"Diver's stage" means equipment, not being a diving bell,
by which a diver is raised from or lowered to an underwater
work-site and which is designed to carry more than one
person.
"Diver's attendant" means a person, whether or not a diver,
who is a member of a dive team and engaged in surface
assistance to the diver.
"Diving bell" means any compression chamber which (a)
is used to transport divers to and from the

underwater work-site;
(b)
is designed for use under the surface of water in

supporting human life; and
(c)
is a chamber in which a diver may be subjected to a

pressure greater then atmospheric pressure.
"Diving operations" means operations in which a dive is

conducted and includes operations by the dive team in
direct support of the diver and his subsequent
decompression.
"Diving superintendent" means a person placed in overall
charge of an extensive diving operation to co-ordinate the
diving activities and to act as a stand-in for the diving
supervisor where necessary.
"Diving supervisor" means a person who is appointed in
writing to supervise diving operations.
"Dogman" means a person who slings and directs the
movements of loads handled by a crane where such loads
are usually not in full view of the crane driver.
"Drilling operations" means the making of wells by means
of rotary or other drilling equipment.
"Dynamic positioning" means the positioning of or repositioning of a vessel in or to a chosen location by
automatic means and without recourse to any physical
mooring arrangements.
"Emergency" means an emergency affecting or likely to
affect the health or safety of any person, the environment
or the integrity of the facilities in the adjacent area.
November 1999
13
"Explosimeter" means an apparatus for the detection of
flammable gases in the atmosphere calibrated to measure
the concentration of such gases in terms of their explosive
potential in mixtures with air.
"Fixed Platform" means a structure (including a floating
structure) that is(a)
fixed or connected to the sea-bed from which

operations for the recovery processing or storage of
petroleum are or are to be carried out, or
(b)
fixed or connected to the sea-bed otherwise than

only by a part of the structure lowered to the seabed for the purpose of supporting the structure, from
which petroleum exploration operations or
operations for the recovery, processing or storage
of petroleum are or are to be carried out and that is
not or is not to be capable of being readily moved
from one position to another as such a structure.
"Geophysical survey" means a survey carried out in the

search for petroleum using one of the following methods (a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
seismic;
gravimetric;
magnetic;
electrical;
geochemical;
well logging; and
any other approved method.
"Good oil-field practice" means all those things that are

generally accepted as good and safe in the carrying on of
exploration for petroleum, or in operations for the recovery
of petroleum, as the case may be.
"Helideck" means a deck on a platform designed to accept
a helicopter for landing or take off.
"Hot work permit" means a permit required for any work
which could under any circumstances cause an ignition of
hydrocarbon.
"Inert gas" means a discrete, gaseous component of the
breathing medium which does not react with body tissue
and is not chemically altered through contact with it.
"Intermediate casing string" means a pipe installed after
the surface casing string to seal off unconsolidated
formations, lost circulation zones, abnormal pressure
zones and/or hydrocarbon zones.
November 1999
14
"Lifeline" means a rope, gas hose, communication cable or

any combination thereof which is adequate in strength and
suitable for recovering and lifting a diver and his
equipment from the water.
"Life support control station" means a life support control
station for the purposes of clause 835(k).
"Life support technician" means a person who is engaged
in carrying out the work of a life support technician referred
to in clause 804(3).
"Limiting line" means a line shown in air tables which
indicates time limits (bottom times) beyond which
decompression schedules are less safe. Diving for periods
indicated below this line carries a greater risk of
decompression sickness and this risk increases with the
increase in time.
"Liner string" means pipe which is an intermediate or
production casing string but does not extend to the
wellhead.
"Manned submersible craft" means any manned
submersible craft, whether or not self-propelled, which is
designed to maintain some or all of its occupants at or
near atmospheric pressure.
"Medical practitioner" means a legally qualified medical
practitioner.
"Mixed gas" means a mixture of discrete gases delivered to
a diver as a breathing medium.
"Mobile drilling unit" means a ship, barge or other vessel or
floating structure including a structure (but not including a
fixed platform) any part of which may be lowered to the
sea-bed for the purpose of supporting the structure that
carries or includes equipment for drilling, or carrying out
other operations on, a well from the vessel or structure.
"Mobile platform" means a construction platform, floating
service platform or mobile drilling unit, that is capable of
being readily moved from one position to another.
"NATA" means the National Association of Testing
Authorities, Australia.
November 1999
15
"Operator" means the representative of the titleholder
responsible for overall management and control of
operations for the exploration or exploitation of petroleum
resources for which the title is held.
"Platform" means a construction platform, fixed platform,
service platform or mobile drilling unit.
In clauses 622-627, "pipeline" means a pipeline or
secondary line carrying hydrocarbon or other flammable
substances having a nominal internal diameter of 40 mm
or more.
"Production casing string" means a pipe installed to isolate
one or more hydrocarbon zones for testing or producing
purposes.
"Production equipment" means any equipment for the
regulation or measurement of the flow of petroleum or
other material obtained from a well, the sampling of such
petroleum or other material, the storage of such petroleum
or other material, or the separation of such petroleum from
such other material.
"Production test" in relation to a well means an operation
(other than a formation fluid sample test into a container
which has been positioned by wireline methods) carried
out on that well to recover from that well petroleum or
water or a sample of petroleum or water or for or in
connection with estimating the rate of recovery of
petroleum or water from that well.
"Quick-disconnect fittings" means fittings on a riser serving
a platform not fixed to the sea-bed which are designed to
allow the flexible part of the riser to be disconnected
quickly from the platform.
"Riser" means that section of a pipeline which connects a
fixed platform to a section of the pipeline which lies on, or
in close proximity to, the sea-bed and extends outwards
from that platform.
"Repetitive dive" means any dive made by a diver within a
12 hour period of a previous dive by that diver or when
excess residual inert gas is still present in the body tissues
of that diver as a result of a previous dive.
"Saturation diving" means procedures by which a diver
avoids repeated decompressions to atmospheric pressure
by being continuously subjected to a pressure greater than
atmospheric pressure so that his body tissues and blood
November 1999
16
become saturated with the inert element of the breathing
mixture.
"SAA AS" means an Australian Standard issued by the
Standards Association of Australia.
"SCUBA" means self-contained, underwater breathing
apparatus.
"Self-contained breathing equipment" means equipment
supplying a diver with breathing medium from cylinders
carried by that diver.
"Service platform" means a ship, barge or other vessel, or
floating or fixed structure that in connection with petroleum
exploration operations or operations for the recovery of
petroleum provides a base from or on which services such
as diving, firefighting, accommodation, or sea rescue are
controlled, mounted or performed.
"Structural or drive casing string" means a pipe (a)
cemented in a pre-drilled hole; or
(b)
driven or jetted;
to cover soft or unstable formations immediately below the

seabed and to provide structural strength to the guide
structure.
"Surface oriented diving" means diving operations
conducted from the surface not involving a diving bell.
"Surface supply breathing equipment" means equipment
supplying a diver with breathing medium through a hose
from a compressor or cylinders on the surface.
"Surface casing string" means a pipe installed after the
conductor casing string to provide blow-out protection, and
to seal off water sands, weak formations and/or lost
circulation zones.
"Systems maintenance technician" means a person who is
engaged in carrying out the work of a systems
maintenance technician referred to in clause 804(1).
"Toxic atmosphere" means an atmosphere that could be
injurious to the health of any person breathing it.
November 1999
17
"Verifying body" means an approved body qualified to (a)
verify the design, construction and installation of

structures fixed or intended to be fixed to the seabed;
(b)
verify the design, construction and operating

condition of cranes; or
(c)
carry out such verification as the Director may

require.
"Wet bell" means a specially designed, fully submersible

diver's stage which can entrap a bubble of air or mixed
gases and be used under water by a diver as a simple
habitat or as a supply point for lightweight equipment
required at a work-site.
"Winch" means a hoisting, hauling or tensioning apparatus
consisting essentially of a revolving drum worked by a
crank, gear or other operating mechanism.
"Wireline operation" means the use of a device lowered
into a well by a cable or wire for the purpose of surveying
the well or its surrounding rock formation, or moving or
actuating an item of subsurface equipment.
"Wireline survey" means the determination of one or more
physical characteristics of a well or its surrounding rock
formation as a function of depth by means of a sensor
lowered into the well by a cable or wire, and the recording
of those characteristics.
"Workover operation" means a maintenance operation
carried out on a well in order to improve productivity or to
remedy some defect.
(2)
In this Schedule a reference to the requirements of

a code, standard or specification is a reference to
such of those requirements as are not inconsistent
with this Schedule.
(3)
In this Schedule reference to a clause without more

is a reference to a clause which is part of this
Schedule, reference to a sub-clause without more is
a reference to a sub-clause of the clause in which
such reference occurs, and reference to an appendix
without more is a reference to an appendix to the
Part in which such reference occurs.
November 1999
18
Tests
Codes,
Standards,
Specifications
104
105
Except where otherwise specified in this Schedule, any

test required under this Schedule shall be carried out in
such a manner as will enable the results to be recorded
and certified (a)
in an endorsed test document within the meaning of

the By-laws of the National Association of Testing
Authorities, Australia; or
(b)
where the test is not a test in respect of which an

endorsed test document of the kind referred to in
paragraph (a) can be given, to the satisfaction of the
Director; or
(c)
where the test is a test in respect of which an

paragraph (a) can be given but for practical reasons
acceptable to the Director the requirement for such
endorsement has been waived, to the satisfaction of
the Director.
(1)
Reference in this Schedule to a code, standard

or specification, unless inconsistent with the
context or subject matter, is a reference to the latest
edition of that code, standard or specification
issued by the authority or organisation which made
the code, standard or specification.
(2)
In sub-clause (1) "edition" includes an issued code,

standard or specification and amendments thereto
issued by the authority or organisation which made
the code, standard or specification.
November 1999
19
PART II - GENERAL SAFETY
Safety Case*
200*
(1)
The operator of a fixed platform shall submit to the

Director a safety case
(a)
if design commences after 1 July 1992, in

accordance with Clause 307 (2); and
(b) in other cases and unless otherwise approved, by 1

July 1996.
(2)
(3)
(4)
The safety case shall demonstrate that the operator

(a)
has identified the major hazards associated with the

fixed platform and risks to personnel and has
provided controls;
(b)
has safety management systems that ensure the

design, construction and operation of the fixed
platform and its associated facilities and services
are safe; and
(c)
has made provision for temporary refuge,

evacuation, escape and rescue in the event of a
major emergency.
The safety case shall be revised and resubmitted

(a)
before undertaking a modification which has a

significant influence on safety of the fixed platform
or its processes or in the quantities of hazardous
substances present;
(b)
when developments in technical knowledge or in the

assessments of hazards make it appropriate;
(c)
when through a series of modifications there is a

significant cumulative effect on overall risk levels;
(d)
before platform decommissioning or removal;
(e)
unless otherwise approved, at a period not

exceeding five years; or
(f)
at the request of the Director.
In the event of a conflict between the content of a safety

case and the requirements of this Schedule, the
requirements shall prevail unless the Director otherwise
approves.
November 1999
20
Safety
manual*
Work permit
system*
Emergency
response
manual*
201*
(1)
Operations shall not be carried out unless subject

to and in accordance with an approved safety manual.
(2)
In the event of and to the extent of any conflict or

inconsistency between an approved safety manual and
the requirements of this Schedule, these requirements
shall prevail.
201A*
202*
All work activities on a platform which are potentially

hazardous shall be controlled by a work permit system
which incorporates documented physical and electrical
isolation procedures, responsibilities and supervisory
arrangements, and which ensures
(1)
(a)
the personal safety of those carrying out the

work;
(b)
the safety of other persons is not endangered by

the work being carried out; and
(c)
the overall safety and integrity of the platform.
Operations shall not be carried out unless

there is an approved emergency response manual
which sets out the procedures to be followed and actions
to be taken, and identifies the persons to be responsible
for following these procedures and taking these actions,
in the event of an emergency arising during the
operations by reason of (a)
the escape or ignition of petroleum;
(b)
serious injury to a person;
(c) a vessel or aircraft failing to arrive at its

destination when it is expected to arrive unless a
report has been made as to the reason for the
non-arrival;
(d)
a vessel or aircraft sending a distress signal;
(e) conditions requiring the evacuation of a

platform;
(f)
a person overboard; or
(g)
any other emergency associated with the

operations.
November 1999
21
Updating
of manuals*
203*
Availability
of manualls
and Directions*
204*
Instruction
of personnel*
205*
(2)
In the event of an emergency of a kind identified in subclause (1) arising, operations shall where applicable be
carried out in accordance with the procedures set out in
the emergency response manual referred to in subclause (1).
(1)
In this clause "the manuals" means the manuals

referred to in clauses 201 and 202.
(2)
The manuals shall be updated as required by changed

circumstances or as required by the Director.
(3)
Any update of the manuals shall be submitted to the

Director for approval.
The manuals referred to in clauses 201 and
202 and all relevant Directions shall be readily
available at all times to every person on every
platform in the adjacent area.
(1)
The manuals referred to in clauses 201 and 202,

and the Directions shall be drawn to the attention of
every person on or before the date on which that person
commences to be engaged in or concerned with the
conduct of operations or the execution of works in the
adjacent areas, and each such person shall be advised
to comply with the provisions of the manuals and
Directions issued pursuant to Section 101 of the principal
Act.
(2)
Any amendments to the manuals referred to in clauses

201 and 202, and any amendments to the Directions,
shall be drawn to the attention of every person engaged
in or concerned with the conduct of operations or the
execution of works in the adjacent areas and each such
person will be advised to comply with the provisions of
the amended manuals and Directions.
(3)
On entering the work place each person shall be

required to sign the arrival log or Person on Board (POB)
card which will include an acknowledgement that the
Manuals referred to in clauses 201 and 202, and the
Directions (and any amendments there to) have been
drawn to their attention and that they have been advised
to comply with the provisions of the Manuals and
Directions.
(4)
Records of all acknowledgements shall be held by the

Operator for a period of not less than 6 years and made
available for inspection by the Director or the Director's
nominee.
November 1999
22
Admittance
to platforms*
206*
A person who is not engaged in or directly

concerned with the carrying on of operations or the
execution of works in the adjacent area shall not be
admitted to a platform without approval and, where such
approval has been granted, that person shall be given all
necessary instructions required by the manuals referred
to in clauses 201 and 202 and relevant Directions on or
before the arrival of that person at the platform.
Continued
presence
on platforms*
206A*
Any person on a platform in the adjacent

area, shall vacate the platform in a safe and
orderly manner when instructed to do so by the person in
command of the platform.
Notices*
207*
(1)
At the exits from the accommodation, office and

designated smoking areas of a platform on which
flammable gases or liquids may be present, notices shall
be displayed stating that no smoking or naked lights are
permitted.
(2)
At the exits from the accommodation and office areas of

a platform, notices shall be displayed stating that safety
helmets and safety footwear must be worn.
(3)
Emergency assembly locations' notices shall be

prominently displayed on a platform.
Emergency
drill
exercises*
208*
All persons on a platform shall participate in

escape drill exercises and fire drill exercises
which shall be carried out under the control of the
designated person in command at random times not
exceeding seven days, and a record shall be kept of
such drills.
Maximum
number of
persons on
a platform*
209*
Subject to clause 320, the number of persons on

a platform at any time shall not exceed the
normal persons on complement within the meaning
of clause 319.
Person in
command
of platform*
210*
Interference
with
operations*
210A*
(1)
Unless the platform is unmanned, there shall

be one person in command of a platform and of
the operations and activities carried out on or from it.
(2)
The name of the person for the time being in command of

a platform shall be at all times prominently displayed on
that platform.
A person shall not engage in or cause any
person to engage in any unauthorised activity
which may either directly or indirectly:
November 1999
23
(a)
Communication
and
stand-by*
211*
Vessel and
aircraft
control*
212*
Rescue craft*
213*
endanger the safety of persons on or about a

platform;
(b)
endanger the platform or any facilities or equipment

associated therewith;
(c)
interfere with the safe operations of any facilities or

equipment associated therewith;
(d)
cause pollution of the sea or seabed.
(1)
Where there is a manned platform in the

adjacent area there shall at all times be
maintained a shore station from which radio or telephone
communication is made to and received from the
platform.
(2)
Radio or telephone communication shall be made from

the shore station to the platform at least once in each
period of three hours except in a period in respect of
which the person in command of the platform has
ordered that, by reason of operations being carried out
on or from the platform, such communication shall not be
made.
(3)
During a period when communication by radio between

the shore station and the platform is impossible or
uncertain, a stand-by vessel shall be stationed in the
immediate vicinity of the platform and shall remain so
stationed until such period is ended, except if required
for the purpose of dealing with a more serious
emergency.
(4)
When, other than during a period when an order referred

to in sub-clause (2) is in force, communication cannot be
made between the shore station and the platform by
radio or by telephone, then unless a stand-by vessel is
stationed in the immediate vicinity of the platform
arrangements shall be made for communication forthwith
with the platform by sea or by air.
Each vessel or aircraft in the adjacent area in
connection with operations to which this Schedule
relates shall be controlled and monitored from a
shore station or a platform, or both a shore station and a
platform.
(1)
Subject to this clause, a suitable helicopter service shall

be maintained between a platform in the adjacent area
and shore station.
November 1999
24
Restriction
of usage
of radio and
telephone*
Helicopter
operations*
(2)
Where it is not possible to maintain a suitable helicopter

service pursuant to sub-clause (1), there shall where
weather conditions permit be provided a suitable surface
craft able to come to the assistance of that platform
within one hour.
(3)
A surface craft referred to in sub-clause (2) shall be so

designed, equipped and crewed as to be able safely to
retrieve persons from the sea under adverse sea and
weather conditions.
(4)
An emergency response manual for the purposes of

clause 202 shall be prepared having full regard to the
provision of rescue resources appropriate for the type
and location of the platform.
214*
215*
The radio and telephone equipment referred to in

clause 323 shall not be operated during a period
during which the person in command of the
platform has for safety reasons so ordered and the
person in command shall ensure that during such a
period -
(1)
(a)
a stand-by vessel with suitable radio communication

equipment is stationed in a safe position close to
the platform; and
(b)
the shore station has been advised of the period

during which the equipment is not to be used and of
the name of the vessel referred to in paragraph (a).
When a helicopter is arriving at or departing from a

manned plaftform there shall be a person or persons on
the platform whose duties include(a)
the transmission and receipt of radio messages

between the helicopter and the platform;
(b)
ascertaining weather, wind and sea conditions at

the platform and advising the helicopter pilot of such
conditions;
(c)
ascertaining and advising the helicopter pilot

whether all requirements as to safety on the
platform related to helicopter movements have been
complied with;
(d)
supervising the movements of passengers, baggage

and cargo from and to the helicopter;
November 1999
25
(2)
(3)
(e)
ascertaining the weight of each passenger and of

baggage and cargo proposed to be taken from the
platform by the helicopter and advising the
helicopter pilot of the proposed total weight to be
carried; and
(f)
advising the shore station controlling helicopter

movements of the times of arrival and departure of a
helicopter.
(a)
A person shall not be on the helideck of a platform

on which or from which a helicopter is about to land
or take off except for the purpose of handling an
external load on the helicopter.
(b)
Notices shall be prominently displayed at the

access points to the helideck on a platform warning
of the danger from helicopter tail and main rotors.
(c)
Persons entering or leaving a helicopter shall be

advised of the route to take to avoid the tail and
main rotors, and persons due to enter a helicopter
shall not be permitted to approach the helicopter
until all disembarking passengers and any cargo
unloaded from the helicopter are clear of the
helideck.
(d)
When a helicopter is about to land or take off from a

platform, a revolving crane on or near the helideck
shall not be operated and the jib of any such crane
shall be placed in such a position as not to interfere
with the landing or taking off of a helicopter.
(e)
A person operating a crane referred to in sub-clause

(2)(d) shall be advised in advance of the landing or
taking off of a helicopter.
(f)
When a helicopter is about to land on or take off

from a platform, any handrails on the helideck shall
be folded onto the deck.
(a)
Unless otherwise approved, a person travelling to a

platform by helicopter more than three times a year
must have successfully completed an approved
helicopter underwater escape training course in the
previous two years;
(b)
During helicopter flights to or from a platform,

approved helicopter underwater escape trained
personnel on board must be located at exits. All
persons must receive detailed pre-flight briefings by
a suitably qualified person.
November 1999
26
Record of
arrivals and
departures*
216*
(1)
A record in accordance with this clause is

one (a)
in writing;
(b)
relating to one platform;
(c)
containing (i)
the date and time at which each person

arrives at the platform;
(ii)

leaves the platform;
(iii)

leaving the platform reached shore, and at
which each person travelling to a platform left
shore; and
(iv)
the name of each person travelling to or from

the platform and, where that person is
travelling to or from the platform in the course
of that person's employment, the name of his
employer.
(2)
Subject to sub-clause (3) there shall be kept at each

platform and at each place on shore from which persons
depart when travelling to the platform, a record in
accordance with this clause.
(3)
Where there is in operation a central control system

which coordinates every movement of persons between
the shore and the platform within the adjacent area, or a
part of the adjacent area, a record in accordance with
this clause maintained at the headquarters or main
operations' point of that system may be kept in lieu of a
record at each place on shore from which persons
travelling to the platform depart.
November 1999
27
Lifejackets
and buoyancy
vests*
218*
(1)
Unless otherwise approved, a person shall
wear a lifejacket referred to in sub-clause
318(1) when engaged in an emergency drill or when
evacuating a platform.
(2)
A person who is in an unguarded area over water shall

wear an approved buoyancy vest.
(3)
A person on an open deck of a fixed platform, which

open deck is at a level close to the maximum wave
height, shall be accompanied by at least one other
person and shall wear an approved buoyancy vest.
(4)
Accidents*
Oil
spills
Protective
equipment*
219*
220
221*
A person being transferred between a platform and a

vessel shall wear an approved buoyancy vest.
(1)
If in the adjacent area a person dies or suffers a serious

injury as a result of which that person requires immediate
attention by a medical practitioner, a person shall not
interfere with the place at which the death or injury
occurred, except in so far as may be necessary for the
comfort, removal or treatment of an injured person or for
safety, without the approval of an inspector.
(2)
Where property suffers serious damage within the

meaning of clause 282, a person shall not, except in so
far as may be necessary for safety, interfere with or
further use the property without the approval of an
inspector.
(1)
Where an escape or ignition of petroleum

occurs, such action as is necessary to minimise the loss
of petroleum and the pollution of the area and to protect
persons and property shall be taken.
(2)
No chemical dispersants shall be used on oil spills

without approval.
(1)
Except in the accommodation area or when

approaching or leaving a helicopter, a person on a
platform shall wear a safety helmet (other than a metal
safety helmet) conforming to SAA AS 1800 and AS
1801, Industrial Safety Helmets.
(2)
Where the eyes of a person may be damaged by flying

particles and fragments, dusts, splashing materials and
molten metals, harmful gases or vapours or optical
radiation, that person shall be provided with, and wear
eye protectors in accordance with SAA AS 1336, 1337
and 1338, Industrial Eye Protection, and that person
shall follow the practices set forth in those standards.
November 1999
28
Housekeeping
222
(3)
A person handling equipment or materials which might

cause injury to the hands shall be provided with and wear
safety gloves that are approved as suitable for the
purpose.
(4)
A person on a platform shall wear safety footwear

conforming to SAA AS 2210, Safety Footwear, in an area
where the lifting or moving of heavy objects is carried
out, in the galley and store-room areas of quarters, and
when working in any other area except the office,
accommodation and dining or recreation areas of the
quarters. This sub-clause shall not apply to a person
arriving at or departing from a platform by helicopter
whilst that person is on, going to or coming from the
helideck. However such person shall wear substantial
footwear.
(5)
Hearing protection devices shall be provided for and

worn by a person who is in a high noise area. These
devices shall conform to SAA AS 1270, Hearing
Protection Devices.
(6)
At least two units of approved self-contained breathing

apparatus shall be provided on a platform.
(7)
A person engaged in operations in the adjacent area

shall wear adequate clothing for protection from
substances or environmental conditions which are
injurious or would be potentially injurious in the absence
of such clothing.
(1)*
The decks and floors of a platform shall be kept clean

and free from oil and grease.*
(2)*
Adequate storage space for tools and equipment shall be

provided on a platform.*
(3)
No waste materials other than food scraps, sanitary

effluents, drilling fluid or formation water conforming to
the requirements of sub-clause 616(6) shall be released
into the sea.
(4)
Foodscraps, and from 1 January 1992, sanitary effluents

may only be released into the sea where a platform is
located more than 12 nautical miles from land and after
the material has passed through a comminuter or grinder
such that the material to be released is capable of
passing through a screen with openings no greater than
25 millimetres.
November 1999
29
(5)
Waste materials other than the waste materials which by

sub-clause (3) may be released into the sea shall be
stored on the platform in suitable metal containers or in
some other approved way and returned to shore for
disposal.
(6)*
Adequate space shall be provided around equipment on

a platform to ensure safe working conditions.*
(7)*
Drum stocks of fuel or lubricating oil on a platform shall

be stored as far as reasonably possible from areas
where drilling operations are being carried out.*
(8)
Gas cylinders on a platform shall be properly secured.
(9)*
Liquefied gas cylinders on a platform shall be in the

upright position to ensure communication of the safety
relief device with the vapour phase at all times.*
(10)* No flammable liquids with a flashpoint below 38oC, as

determined by the method IP 170 set out in "Standard
Methods for Testing Petroleum and its Products"
published by the Institute of Petroleum, London, England,
shall be kept on a platform without approval.*
(11)* The stairways and walkways of a platform shall be kept
free from obstruction.*
Electric
hand tools*
Plant and
machinery
guards*
223*
224*
(1)
All electrically operated hand tools shall

comply with SAA AS 3160, Hand-held Portable Electric
Tools.
(2)
Electrically operated hand tools shall be checked at

regular intervals by a person trained in such checking
and any defects shall be corrected. Marking of these
tools for checking purposes is required.
(3)
Electrically operated hand tools which have been found

to be defective shall not be used until such time as the
defects have been corrected.
(1)
Wherever possible plant and machinery on a

platform shall be provided with remote
controls to permit shutting down from a safe distance.
(2)
Fences or guards shall be provided for all dangerous

parts of machinery and dangerous appliances and such
fences or guards shall be kept in position when the
machinery or dangerous appliance is operating.
November 1999
30
(3)
Unguarded
edges and
openings*
225*
Cutting,
heating and
welding*
226*
Moving parts of machinery or dangerous appliances shall

not be cleaned or adjusted while the machinery or
appliance is operating.
Where it is impracticable to provide fixed guard
railings, effective removable barriers shall be
provided at unguarded openings in guard railing
and unguarded openings in floor or deck areas,
and shall be maintained in position at all times
when such openings are not in use. When such
openings are in use, the absence of guard rails
shall be clearly indicated by means of warning
signs. Such removable barriers shall not consist
of fibre rope, unless otherwise approved.
(1)
(2)
No cutting, heating or welding shall be

carried out on a platform unless (a)
the operation is carried out in accordance

with SAA AS 1674, Fire Precautions in Cutting,
Heating and Welding Operations;
(b)
the person in command of the platform has

determined that it is safe to carry out the cutting,
heating or welding operation, and has issued a 'hot
work permit' complying with the standard referred to
in this sub-clause; and
(c)
any shielding or screening used in the hot work

operation is of a material which is combustion
resistant.
The safety manual referred to in clause 201 shall contain

provisions relating to the special precautions to be taken
during cutting, heating or welding near (a)
drilling operations;
(b)
well-head and production areas;
(c)
tanks containing flammable or combustible liquids;

and
(d)
diving operations.
(3)
Electric welding neutral returns shall be connected

directly to the equipment being welded.
(4)
The issue of a 'hot work permit' shall take into account

any adverse conditions arising from the operations such
as the transfer of diesel or other flammable or
combustible liquids between supply boat and platform.
November 1999
31
Explosimeters*
227*
The explosimeters referred to in sub-clause 327(10) shall

be regularly inspected, checked and maintained by a
person competent in such inspection, checking and
maintenance so that they are ready for use at all times.
Emergency
shutdown
devices on
engines*
228*
The emergency shutdown devices on internal

combustion engines referred to in sub-clause
327(8) shall be checked regularly to ensure that
they are operational.
Exhaust
lagging*
229*
The lagging of exhaust piping of internal

combustion engines referred to in sub-clause
327(9) shall be checked regularly for signs of
deterioration and replaced if necessary.
Pneumatic
and
hydraulic
lines*
230*
Every "quick connect type" connection in flexible

pneumatic and hydraulic lines shall be fitted
with safety clips or restraints.
Scaffolding*
231*
(1)
All scaffolding on platforms shall be in

accordance with the following standards SAA AS 1576, SAA Metal Scaffolding Code;
SAA AS 1575, Tubes, couplers and
accessories used in metal
scaffolding; and
SAA AS 1577, Solid timber scaffold
planks.
Medical*
232*
(2)
Any person directly responsible for the erection and

dismantling of scaffolding shall be the holder of a current
approved certificate of competence.
(1)
On each platform there shall be provided

first-aid equipment and medical supplies
which have been approved for the purpose by
a medical practitioner and shall be kept
secure from unauthorized access or use.
(2)
On each platform there shall be at least two portable

stretchers, one of which shall be a rescue stretcher
suitable for the transfer of injured persons on to a
helicopter or vessel and thence by the helicopter or
vessel to shore.
(3)
On each platform shall be a registered general nurse, a

person who is a member of or is qualified for membership
of the Institute of Ambulance Officers (Aust) or a person
having an equivalent qualification and experience
acceptable to the Director.
November 1999
32
Medicinal and
therapeutic
drugs*
Unauthorized
use of drugs
and intoxicants*
233*
234*
(4)
When drilling or any construction is in progress a person

referred to in sub-clause (3) shall be available at all
times.
(1)
A person who brings onto a platform any

medicinal or therapeutic drug, whether
prescribed or not, shall on arrival report to the person
referred to in sub-clause 232(3) the nature and quantity
of each such drug in that person's possession or control
and, where it is prescribed, by whom it was prescribed.
(2)
The person referred to in sub-clause 232(3) shall

maintain a record of the information given to that person
pursuant to sub-clause (1).
(3)
On each platform the person referred to in clause 232(3)

shall maintain a register in which are recorded in respect
of each use on that platform of a medical or therapeutic
drug (a)
the date and dosage of every such use known to

that person;
(b)
the name of the person to whom the drug was

administered; and
(c)
the name of the person who authorized the use of

the drug.
(4)
If any person on a platform is taking medication, whether

prescribed or not, which impairs that person's ability
safely to perform that person's duties, that person shall
not remain on duty.
(1)
A person on a platform shall not (otherwise

than in the course of that person's duties)
have in that person's possession or control any drug
(which that person is prohibited by law from having in
that person's possession or control) or any intoxicant.
(2)
A person on a platform who (otherwise than in the course

of that person's duties or as a result of any medical
treatment or therapy administered to that person) has in
that person's possession or control or is adversely
affected by any intoxicant or by any drug which that
person is by law prohibited from having in that person's
possession or control shall immediately be relieved of
that person's duties and removed to shore as soon as
practicable. A report of the incident shall be sent to the
Director.
November 1999
33
Entry into
confined
spaces*
235*
Dangerous
atmospheres*
236*
Electrical
installations,
wiring and
fittings*
237*
Explosives*
238*
Wherever a person is required to enter into a

confined space, where the presence of gas,
vapours, fumes, mist or dust, or the absence of
oxygen, is such as may cause injury to a person
who enters such a space, approved procedures
shall be followed.
(1)
In the event that the gas detection equipment referred

to in sub-clauses 327(3) and (10) indicates the existence
of a flammable or toxic atmosphere, immediate steps
shall be taken to render the atmosphere safe.
(2)
No person shall enter or remain in an area where there is

flammable or toxic atmosphere unless that person wears
a self-contained breathing apparatus referred to in subclause 221 (6) or an airline mask drawing air from a safe
location
The classification of hazardous areas, electrical
installations, wiring and fittings on platforms
shall comply with SAA AS 3000, SAA Wiring Rules or
other approved code.
(1)
Explosives shall be transported, stored and handled in

accordance with approved procedures.
(2)
Detonators or ignitor needles shall not be stored with

other explosives.
(3)
All explosives shall be kept in a locked storage magazine

which is clearly marked with the words "EXPLOSIVES DANGER". The storage magazine shall be in an
approved location, near the perimeter of the platform to
facilitate jettison in an emergency. Explosives shall not
be stored in the vicinity of flammable, combustible,
corrosive, oxidizing or radio-active materials.
(4)
Explosives shall be handled only by qualified personnel

and in accordance with approved procedures.
(5)
Explosives no longer required on a platform or showing

signs of deterioration shall as soon as possible be
removed from the platform.
(6)
Packaging having contained explosives shall as soon as

possible be removed from the platform.
(7)
A record of amounts and types of explosives held in the

magazines shall be maintained at all times and such
record shall be accessible to an inspector on request.
November 1999
34
Radio-active
substances*
239*
A person engaged in the handling of, or the use

of, radiation apparatus or radio-active substances shall
comply with the requirements of all applicable radiation
control legislation.
Command
of
English*
240*
A person shall not be engaged, whether as

employee, agent or contractor, in the carrying out
of operations in the adjacent area, unless that person
has a command of English sufficient to enable that
person readily to understand written and spoken
directions in English on matters affecting or likely to
affect the safety of that person or others.
Maintenance*
241*
All operating and safety equipment shall be maintained in

good working condition.
Gas cylinder
transfer*
242*
No gas cylinders shall be transferred between a

platform and a vessel, unless those cylinders are
contained in an approved cargo tray or container.
Warning
notices*
243*
Warning notices shall be displayed, where

appropriate, warning all persons of any specific condition
which in the interests of the protection of persons and
property should be made known. Such notices shall be
in accordance with SAA AS 1319, Rules for the Design
and Use of Safety Signs for the Occupational
Environment.
Storage of
nitrates*
244*
Potassium and sodium nitrates shall be stored in

leak-proof containers, away from combustible materials.
Certificate
of
competence*
245*
(1)
Subject to sub-clause (2), where a person carries

out an activity for which that person is required
to have a certificate of competence, an authorization or a
qualification by a law of the Commonwealth of Australia
or a State or Territory such person shall have such
certificate, authorization or qualification.
(2)
In circumstances where the Director determines that a

particular activity or operation needs to be undertaken
and there is insufficient time for a person to obtain a
certificate, authorisation or qualification referred to in
sub-clause (1) or the operating requirements of the
industry specific equipment do not fall within the normal
certificate/authorisation procedures, the Director may
exempt a person from the requirements of sub-clause (1)
for the purpose of undertaking that activity or operation
provided the Director is satisfied that person is
competent to be engaged in the particular activity or
operation to be carried out.
November 1999
35
Personnel
competence*
246*
(1)
(2)
Employees, agents and contractors engaged in

operations shall have a practical understanding of
work place hazards and appropriate safety
precautions, and be competent in assigned duties
and emergency response roles.
The Director may at any time require that such
information be furnished as the Director considers
necessary to enable the Director to determine whether a
person is competent to be engaged in any activity or
operation carried out on or from a platform.
Vessels near
platform
during
diving*
247*
Where diving operations are being carried out from

a platform, the person in command of a vessel shall
not cause it to approach or depart from that
platform, or cause its propellors or thrusters to be
engaged, without notifying the person in charge of the
diving operations.
Other
operations
during diving*
248*
Where diving operations are being carried out

from a platform, a person shall not (a)
where the dive being carried involves

decompression of the diver, unless otherwise
approved, weld within 5 metres of any processing
equipment that contains hydrocarbons, except that
such welding operations are permitted where they
are carried out in a pressurised enclosure or where
the welding site and nearest processing equipment
containing hydrocarbons are clearly separated by a
solid plate deck or a continuous firewall;
(b)
carry out any activity requiring the use of a Hot

Work Permit at a place from which sparks or slag
could fall upon any item of diving equipment being
used for diving operations;
(c)
operate a crane or other equipment not associated

with diving operations or carry out any activity if
diving personnel or diving equipment engaged in or
being used for the diving operations could be struck
by any material moving or falling as a result of the
use of the crane or other equipment or the carrying
out of the activity;
(d)
transfer methanol, diesel fuel or other flammable or

combustible substances between supply vessels
and the platform;
(e)
where the dive being carried out involves

decompression of the diver, carry out any wireline
operations on the platform; or
November 1999
36
(f)
carry out operations associated with depressurising

vessels or pipelines as a result of which
hydrocarbons could be released on or near the
platform.
Radio
Operators*
249*
Radio operators on platforms shall hold at least

a restricted radiotelephone operators certificate of
proficiency or equivalent and shall have experience in
radio operations associated with offshore operations.
Radio operators without that experience shall be
supervised and instructed in offshore safety
communications (including helicopter control
communications) by an experienced radio operator for at
least one month or such other period as is approved.
Explosivepowered
tools*
250*
Explosive-powered tools shall be designed,

operated and maintained in accordance with the
requirements of SAA AS 1873, Explosive-powered handheld fastening tools, fasteners and explosive charges.
Sand
blasting*
251*
Sand blasting operations shall be carried out by

competent persons in an approved manner to ensure
safe operations.
Reporting
of death
and serious
injury*
Written
records of
death and
injury*
280*
281*
(l)
In this clause and clauses 281 and 282 a

reference to a serious injury is a reference
to an injury to a person as a result of which
the person requires immediate attention by a medical
practitioner.
(2)
Where a person dies or suffers a serious injury -
(1)
(a)
a report of the death or injury shall forthwith be

made to an inspector; and
(b)
a report in writing giving full particulars of the death

or injury and all related circumstances shall be
transmitted to the Director as soon as practicable
after the occurrence of the death or injury.
A record in an approved form and as far as

practicable in accordance with SAA AS 1885,
Code of Practice for Recording and Measuring
Work Injury Experience, shall be kept of each
death and injury, whether or not a serious
injury, suffered by a person including -
November 1999
37
(2)
Reporting
serious
damage*
282*
(1)
(2)
(a)
particulars of the death or injury;
(b)
the circumstances leading to the occurrence of the

death or injury; and
(c)
the treatment (if any) given to the injured person

and the name of each medical practitioner (if any)
consulted in relation to the injury.
A copy of the records, referred to in sub-clause (1), of

injuries shall be transmitted to the Director not later than
the 15th day of each month covering injuries that
occurred during the last preceding calendar month
together with such statistical analyses and injury indices
as the Director determines.
In this clause and clauses 283 and 284 a
reference to serious damage to property is a
reference to (a)
the loss or destruction of property with a value

exceeding $20,000;
(b)
damage to property, the repair of which damage

would cost an amount exceeding $2O,OOO; and
(c)
the loss or destruction of any property, or any

damage to property, by reason of which any person
dies or suffers serious injury.
Where serious damage to property occurs (a)
a report of such occurrence shall forthwith be made

to an inspector; and
(b)
a report in writing of such occurrence shall be

submitted to the Director as soon as practicable
specifying (i)
the date, time and place of such occurrence;
(ii)
particulars of the damage;
(iii)
the events so far as they are known or

suspected that caused or contributed to the
occurrence;
(iv) particulars of repairs carried out or proposed to

be carried out to damaged property; and
(v)
measures taken, or to be taken, to prevent a

possible recurrence.
November 1999
38
Reporting
potentially
hazardous
event*
Reporting
damage
less than
$20,000*
Reporting
escape or
ignition of
petroleum
and other
material
283*
Where an event occurs which is not in the normal

or ordinary course of a particular operation and which
is professionally considered to be likely to cause
injury to a person or serious damage to property, but
such event does not cause injury or serious damage -
284*
285
(a)
a report of the event shall forthwith be made

inspector; and
(b)
a report in writing of the event shall be submitted to

the Director as soon as practicable specifying
measures taken or to be taken to prevent a possible
recurrence.
Where damage to property occurs which is not

serious damage to property but which result in a
significant loss of structural integrity or load
bearing capacity in the property damaged or result in
some other significant unsafe condition -
(1)
(2)*
(a)
a report of the damage shall forthwith be made to an

inspector; and
(b)
a report in writing of the damage shall be submitted

to the Director as soon as practicable specifying
measures taken or to be taken to prevent a possible
recurrence.
A report shall forthwith be made to an

inspector upon the occurrence of (a)
an escape or discharge into the sea of a

mixture of petroleum and water in which the
petroleum concentration was greater than 5Omg/L;
(b)
an escape or discharge into the sea of more than 80

L of petroleum, not being an escape or discharge
into the sea of petroleum in a mixture of petroleum
and water in which the petroleum concentration was
not greater than 50 mg/L; and
(c)
any uncontrolled escape or ignition of petroleum or

any other flammable or combustible material
causing a potentially hazardous situation.*
A report in writing of any occurrence referred to in subclause (1) shall be submitted to the Director as soon as
practicable after the occurrence specifying -*
November 1999
39
(a)
the date, time and place of the occurrence;*
(b)
the quantity or approximate quantity of liquid that

escaped or burned;*
(c)
particulars of damage caused by the escape or

ignition;*
(d)
the events so far as they are known or suspected

that caused or contributed to the escape or ignition;*
(e)
particulars of methods used to control the escape or

ignition;*
(f)
particulars of methods used or proposed to be used

to repair property damaged by the escape or
ignition; and*
(g)
measures taken, or to be taken, to prevent a

possible recurrence of the escape or ignition.*
Reporting
of
emergencies*
286*
Any emergency shall be reported forthwith to an

inspector. In addition marine emergencies
involving platforms, vessels or aircraft shall be reported
forthwith to the Federal Sea Safety and Surveillance
Centre in Canberra.
Reporting
radiation
monitoring*
287*
Where by any relevant legislation relating to radiation

control a report is prepared in respect of the monitoring
of radiation in connection with the operations, a copy of
that report shall be sent to the Director in a manner
satisfactory to the Director.
November 1999
40
PART III - MARINE FACILITIES
Mobile
platform
Mobile
platform
approval*
300
301*
A ship, barge, vessel or other floating structure

forming part of a fixed platform shall be deemed for the
purposes of clauses 30l and 302 to be a mobile platform
when disconnected from the remainder of such platform.
(1)
A mobile platform shall not be used unless(a)
either it complies with such provisions of the

Navigation Act 1912 as applying to it by virtue of
that Act or it meets the requirements of that Act
(including regulations and orders made thereunder)
relating to the safety and operation of vessel or
structure performing the functions of the mobile
platform;
(b)
it has been classified by a classifying authority in

accordance with the rules of that authority for
classifying mobile platforms of that class and the
classification has not been cancelled;
(c)
it is used and maintained in accordance with those

rules in force at the time at which it was classified;
(d)
all equipment and facilities, including all drilling

equipment, cranes and winches, diving facilities and
safety systems, have been inspected by an
inspector and have been approved;
(e)
in the case of a mobile drilling unit from 1 July 1996,

a safety case has been submitted which achieves
the objectives defined in sub-clauses 200(2)(a), (b)
and (c), and
(f)
the Minister or Designated Authority (as the case

may be) has given consent to the use of the mobile
platform in the adjacent area.
(2)
The documents issued from time to time by the

classifying authority under its rules which relate to the
use and maintenance of a mobile platform shall be
produced when required by the Director or an inspector.
(3)
Except in an emergency, a mobile platform and its

associated facilties (including its safety systems,
personnel emergency facilities and accommodation) shall
not be materially altered or reconstructed without
approval and, where applicable, verification by the
classifying authority.
November 1999
41
Movement
of mobile
platform
302
(4)
An emergency alteration or reconstruction shall, as soon

as practicable, be reported to the Director
(1)
Subject to sub-clause (4), a mobile platform

shall not without approvals of the appropriate
Authority under the Navigation Act 1912 and the Director
be moved (a)
into the adjacent area;
(b)
from a particular place in the adjacent area to

another place in the adjacent area; or
(c)
to a place outside the adjacent area.
(2)
An application for approval under the Navigation Act

1912 to move a mobile platform shall be lodged directly
with the appropriate Authority under that Act.
(3)
An application for approval by the Director to move a

mobile platform shall, unless the Director permits in
exceptional circumstances, be made in writing at least
seven days before the proposed move and shall include
particulars of (a)
the dates and times at which the move is proposed

to be carried out, and the locations concerned; and
(b)
any buoy or underwater obstruction proposed to be

left at a location from which the mobile platform is to
be moved.
(4)
Notwithstanding sub-clause (1), a person may, in the case

of an emergency, make any change in the location of a
mobile platform necessary to protect personnel and
property.
(5)
The movement of a mobile platform made in accordance

with sub-clause (4) shall, as soon as practicable after
that movement has taken place, be reported to the
Director and to the Federal Sea Safety and Surveillance
Centre in Canberra.
(6)
Before a mobile platform is moved to another location,

details of the move, including the present and new
locations, the time of departure from the present location,
and the estimated time of arrival and expected duration
of stay at new location, shall be reported to the Director
and to the Federal Sea Safety and Surveillance Centre in
Canberra.
November 1999
42
(7)
Raising
or lowering
of a mobile
drilling unit*
Anchoring
vessels
near
pipelines*
Consent to
construct or
install a fixed
platform*
303*
Except in an emergency, where a part of the structure of

a mobile drilling unit supports the structure on the
sea-bed, that part shall not be raised or lowered unless-
304*
305*
When a mobile platform has arrived at a new location the

actual time of arrival shall be reported to the Director and
to the Federal Sea Safety and Surveillance Centre in
Canberra.
(a)
the operation is carried out, so far as practicable,

during the hours of daylight;
(b)
the operation is commenced during weather and

sea conditions that are not hazardous and, at that
time, are expected not to become hazardous during
the estimated duration of the operation;
(c)
the operation is supervised by a person suitably

experienced to do so;
(d)
there is on that unit no more than the number of

persons reasonably necessary for the carrying out
of the operation;
(e)
persons on that unit are only on the deck unless it is

reasonably necessary for any of them to be
elsewhere;
(f)
a suitable rescue vessel is near the unit; and
(g)
radio or telephone contact between the mobile

drilling unit and all other vessels involved in the
operation is maintained;
(h)
the sea-bed at the location is verified as adequate

for the foundations of that part in the conditions it is
classified to operate.
A vessel associated with operations in the adjacent

area shall not without approval drop anchor within 10 n
mile of -
(1)
(a)
a pipeline in the adjacent area in respect of which a

pipeline licence has been granted; or
(b)
a secondary line to the construction and operation

of which the Minister or Designated Authority (as
the case may be) has consented.
A fixed platform for installation in the adjacent area shall

not be constructed or installed unless consent in writing
of the Minister or Designated Authority (as the case may
be) has been obtained.
November 1999
43
Application
for consent
include
to construct
or install
a fixed platform
306
(2)
Notices acceptable to the Director shall be given of the

commencement of construction or installation of the
platform.
(3)
Arrangements acceptable to the Director shall be made

to enable an inspector to examine the platform at any
time during its construction or installation.
(4)
Where the Director so requires in respect of sections of

the platform made or assembled outside the adjacent
area for installation in the adjacent area as prefabricated
parts or sections, those parts or sections shall, before
being so installed, be approved by the Director and
verified in such manner (if any) as the Director
determines.
An application for consent to the construction or
installation of a fixed platform shall be submitted three
months before the planned date of commencement
of construction or installation, or in accordance with
an approved schedule, to allow the operator to take
into account matters raised by the Director and shall
include particulars of (a)
the location at which it is intended to construct or

install the fixed platform;
(b)
the reason, including the geological evidence, for

the selection of that location;
(c)
copies of reports and recommendations made by

persons responsible for ascertaining the criteria
determining the design including elements of the
safety case that relate to design and construction;
(d)
design criteria including (i)
the depth of the sea and the nature of the

sea-bed and subsoil at the intended location;
(ii)
the maximum and minimum air and sea

temperatures likely to occur at that location;
(iii) the characteristics of the waves (including

heights, periods and direction, and their
probable distribution) at that location;
(iv) the relevant water current information
(v)
the maximum wind speeds and the direction of

the winds and the estimated maximum three
second gust speed at that location;
November 1999
44
(vi) details of estimated marine growth on the fixed
platform;
(vii) the worst combination of dead and live loads
likely to be applied to the fixed platform and;
(viii) taking into account of the magnitude and
distribution of production loads.
(e)
specifications for the construction and installation of

the fixed platform;
(f)
drawings of the structure and of the equipment

installed or to be installed on the structure;
(g)
the parts or sections constructed or proposed to be

constructed before installation in the adjacent area;
(h)
standards and codes followed or to be followed in

the construction and installation
(i)* the fire protection and fire extinguishing equipment

installed or to be installed on the platform;*
(j)* the communication equipment;*
(k)* a certificate of the verification of design given by a
verifying body in accordance with sub-clause 308(1)
and a copy of the contract for that verification; and*
(l)
Consent to
use a fixed
platform*
307*
such other information as the Director requires.
(1)
A fixed platform shall not be used unless

the Minister or Designated Authority (as the case may
be) has given consent in writing to the use of the fixed
platform.
(2)
An operator of a fixed platform for which design

commenced after 1 July 1992 shall submit the safety
case required by clause 200 at least three months before
the planned date of commencement of use or in
accordance with an approved schedule.
(3)
An application for consent to the use of a fixed platform

shall be made in writing and shall be accompanied by a
certificate of verification of construction and installation
of the platform given by a verifying body in accordance
with sub-clause 308(2) and a copy of the contract for that
verification.
November 1999
45
(4)
Certificate of
308*
verification
of design,
construction
and installation
of a fixed platform*
(1)
(2)
The structure of and installations on a fixed platform

other than the drilling and production equipment,
personnel emergency facilities and accommodation shall
not be altered or reconstructed without approval and,
where applicable, verification by the verifying body.
A certificate of verification of design of a fixed platform
referred to in paragraph 306(k) is a certificate given by a
verifying body certifying that the body is satisfied in
relation to the design of the fixed platform that (a)
the basic structural concept and configuration are

appropriate for the conditions in which the fixed
platform is proposed to be used;
(b)
a structural analysis has been made for critical

loadings including the magnitude and distribution of
production loads, with particular attention to the
interaction between the structure and the piling;
(c)
a fatigue analysis has been made of critical joints;
(d)
an assessment of steel grades has been made in

relation to stress levels, minimum service
temperature and other significant parameters;
(e)
from an examination of the plans of the structure

and the installations, the primary and secondary
structures are suitable for the overall and local
loadings to be imposed and the design is in
accordance with good practice;
(f)
the welding procedures used or proposed to be

used are satisfactory and the design of the principal
welds is satisfactory; and
(g)
such other matters, as the Director has required,

have been taken into account.
A certificate of verification of construction and installation

of a fixed platform referred to in sub-clause 307(2) is a
certificate given by the verifying body that verified the
design, certifying that the body is satisfied in relation to
the construction of the fixed platform and its installation
in the adjacent area, that adequate and satisfactory
inspection was carried out during the construction and
installation and that -
November 1999
46
Surveys of
a fixed
platform*
309*
Tests on
a fixed
platform*
310*
Records of
tests on
a fixed
platform*
311*
Additional
requirements
for a platform*
312*
(a)
in relation to parts or sections of the platform

constructed before installation in the adjacent area,
the parts or sections were not damaged before
installation and were installed in accordance with
the specifications for the construction and
installation of the platform; and
(b)
the construction and installation has been in

accordance with the specifications for the
construction and installation.
(1)
Where the Minister or Designated Authority (as

the case may be) has consented to the use of a
fixed platform, surveys shall be carried out from time to
time to ascertain whether the structure of and
installations on the platform are being maintained in a
safe working condition.
(2)
Surveys under sub-clause (1) shall be carried out in the

manner and at the intervals which the Director approves,
and shall be certified on completion in a way approved
by the Director.
Where the Director requires that a test in relation to the
structural integrity of a fixed platform be carried out, that
test shall be carried out and recorded in accordance with
clause 104.
(1)
Records of or relating to inspections, surveys,

examinations or quality surveillance in relation
to a fixed platform shall not be destroyed or
otherwise disposed of without approval.
(2)
A record of a test carried out in accordance with clause

310 shall be produced to an inspector upon demand and
shall not be destroyed or otherwise disposed of without
approval.
(1)
A platform to be used or constructed or

installed in the adjacent area shall have (a)
around the unprotected perimeter of the floor or

deck areas of and openings on the platform (other
than helidecks), -
(i) a wire mesh fence not less than 1 metre high; or
November 1999
47
(ii)
guards and rails not less than 1 metre high

consisting of a guard and two intermediate
rails so placed that they are approximately
evenly spaced between the guard and the
floor or deck area, or, where a toeboard is
installed, a guard and one intermediate rail
placed approximately halfway between the
top of the toeboard and the guard;
(b)
the perimeter of the helideck protected with a device

of sufficient strength and size to provide an effective
safeguard against a person falling from the
helideck;
(c)
suitable access ways to helidecks which will ensure

the safety of embarking and disembarking
passengers, including those carrying luggage, and
which will not impede the embarkation or injured
persons on stretchers or otherwise and, where there
are to be handrails which extend above the level of
the helideck, handrails so constructed that they can
be folded onto the deck;
(d)
landings or other suitable transfer facilities sufficient

to ensure safe movement of persons onto and off
boats;
(e)
on any deck where there are survival craft, at least

two walkways each at least one metre wide running
either the full length or the full width of the deck
leading to those craft;
(f)
from any deck on which there are no survival craft,

at least two separate stairways each of which leads
either to a deck on which are survival craft or to a
further stairway to a deck on which are survival
craft;
(g)
on any deck on which there are no survival craft, at

least two walkways each at least one metre wide
running either the full length or the full width of the
deck and leading to the stairways referred to in
paragraph (f);
(h)
at least two escape routes from any work area

which are designed, constructed and maintained so
that they remain identifiable and passable in
emergencies
(i)
stairways which comply with SAA AS 1657, SAA

Code for Fixed Platforms, Walkways, Stairways,
and Ladders, unless otherwise approved; and
November 1999
48
(j)
(2)
Helideck*
313*
Warning
lights*
314*
an appropriately equipped sick bay for the care of

sick or injured persons unless otherwise approved.
In this clause "survival craft" means survival craft

complying with clause 319.
A helideck on a platform shall be designed, constructed
and lighted in accordance with the requirements of the
Commonwealth Air Navigation Act 1920 and Regulations
issued thereunder.
(1)
A platform other than (a)
a construction platform; or
(b)
a mobile drilling unit that is being moved from one

place to another -
shall, during the period between sunset and sunrise and

during any other period when it is necessary by reason
of reduced visibility, show white warning lights in
accordance with sub-clause (2) and red warning lights in
accordance with sub clause (3).
(2)
White warning lights referred to in subclause (1) shall (a)
be not less than 6 metres and not more than 30

metres above mean high water;
(b)
be of such a number and (subject to this subclause) so placed that from any position in the
vicinity of the platform at least one light is visible;
(c)
have an apparent intensity in the horizontal

direction of not less than 1400 candelas and shall
be such that they are visible for a distance of not
less than 10 n mile from all points more than 5
metres above sea level when the meteorological
visibility is not less than 10 n mile; and
(d)
be operated in unison to show the letter "U" in

Morse Code at intervals of not more than 3O
seconds.
(3)
A red warning light referred to in subclause (1)

shall(a)
be carried in such a position on the highest point of

the equipment on the platform as to be visible for
not less than 2 n mile from all points more than 5
metres above sea level when the meteorological
visibility is not less than 10 n mile;
November 1999
49
(b)
unless the extremity of the platform carries a white

light in accordance with sub-clause (2), be carried
on each extremity in such a position as to be visible
as required by paragraph (a); and
(c)
have an apparent intensity in all directions, at and

above the horizontal, of not less than 10 candelas.
(4)
Each obstruction (other than a buoy) associated

with operations carried on in the adjacent area shall
be marked by a buoy unless otherwise approved.
(5)
There shall be (a)
a flashing yellow light showing the letter "U" in

Morse Code at intervals of not more than 30
seconds and visible for a distance of not less than 4
n mile from all points more than 5 metres above sea
level when the meteorological visibility is not less
than 10 n mile; and
(b)
a radar reflector on each buoy (other than a mooring buoy or buoy

marking a mooring associated with a platform).
Sound
signals*
Emergency
energy source
for signals*
315*
316*
(l)
A platform shall be equipped with a device

capable of emitting sound signals which satisfies the
requirements of the International Association of
Lighthouses Authorities (IALA) for 2 n mile usual range
fog signals.
(2)
The device referred to in sub-clause (1) shall be

operated at all times when the meteorological visibility is
less than 0.5 n mile to sound the letter "U" in Morse Code
at intervals of not more than 3O seconds.
(l)
The warning lights and sound signals

referred to in clauses 314 and 315 on a
platform shall have a reserve source of
energy -
(2)
(a)
that enables them to be operated for a period of 4

days in the event of the failure of the main energy
supply on the platform; and
(b)
that automatically comes into operation on the

failure of the main energy supply.
A platform shall be equipped with a device -
November 1999
50
Marking of
platforms*
Lifejackets,
immersion suits,
and lifebuoys*
317*
318*
(a)
that indicates whether the lights and signals

referred to in sub-clause (1) are operating on the
main energy supply or the reserve source of energy;
and
(b)
that is readily observable by the person in command

of the platform or, in the case of an unmanned
platform by a person at a shore station.
(1)
A platform shall be marked with a name not

less than 600 mm high such that it can be readily
identified during day and night when approached from
any direction.
(2)
A helideck on a platform shall be so marked that the

platform can be identified by a person in a helicopter
which is landing on the deck.
(1)
A platform shall carry lifejackets -
(2)
(3)
(a)
in number 135% of the number of persons on the

platform;
(b)
complying with the provisions of Marine Orders Part

25 (Equipment Life-saving) issued pursuant to the
Navigation (Orders) Regulations made under the
Navigation Act 1912;
(c)
kept in approved places that are readily accessible

and prominently indicated; and
(d)
available for inspection at least once in each year

by an approved body or person at a time and place
determined by the Director.
A mobile drilling unit operating in waters south of 35o

south latitude shall carry approved immersion suits for
protection against hypothermia (a)
in number 135% of the number of persons on the

platform;
(b)
kept in approved places that are readily accessible

and prominently indicated; and
(c)

A platform shall carry at least 8 lifebuoys of a type

complying with the provisions of Marine Orders Part 25
(Equipment-Life-saving) issued pursuant to the
November 1999
51
Navigation Act 19l2.
Survival
craft*
319*
(1)
In this and the next succeeding clause "normal

complement" in relation to a platform means the number
of people who are normally present on the platform.
(2)
Unless otherwise determined by the Director, a platform

other than a construction platform or a service platform
shall carry survival craft with an aggregate capacity
sufficient to accommodate twice the normal complement.
(3)
The survival craft referred to in sub-clause (2) shall

include -
(4)
(a)
rigid totally enclosed, motor propelled and fire

protected survival craft that will accommodate the
normal complement; and
(b)
other survival craft, capable of floating free and

breaking free in the event of the platform becoming
submerged, that will accommodate the normal
complement.
Unless otherwise determined by the Director, a
construction platform or service platform shall carry
survival craft, capable of floating free and breaking
free in the event of the platform becoming
submerged, that will accommodate twice the normal
complement.
(5)
Survival craft shall be constructed and equipped so

as to comply with the provisions of Marine Orders
Part 25 (Equipment - Life-saving) relating to
lifeboats and liferafts and issued pursuant to the
Navigation Act 1912.
(6)
Survival craft shall be prominently marked with an

identifying name or number.
(7)
Survival craft referred in sub-clauses (3)(b) and (4)

shall be provided on at least two opposite sides of
the platform.
(8)
Survival craft referred to in sub-clauses (3)(b) and

(4) on fixed platforms do not require the capability
of floating free and breaking free.
(9)
Each person on a platform shall be informed, and

prominent notices shall show, which survival craft
that person is to occupy in the event of an
emergency.
November 1999
52
(10)
Exceeding the
normal
complement*
Ropes,
ladders etc.*
Fire
protection
system*
Communication
equipment*
320*
The normal complement -
321*
322A*
323*
Survival craft carried on a platform shall be

(a)
may, in approved circumstances, be exceeded by

25%; and
(b)
may be exceeded by more than 25% for a period

not exceeding three hours during which there is a
rostered shift change, if there is a helicopter or
vessel so situated that it would arrive at the
platforms within one hour if summoned.
A platform shall not be used unless knotted ropes

ladders or scramble nets are provided on at least two
opposite sides of the platform to enable persons to be
evacuated from the platform to the surface of the water
by means other than the fixed stairways or ladders or
walkways.
(1)
Unless otherwise approved, a fire protection system

shall be provided on each platform to protect against
the occurrance of fire to mitigate the effects of any fire
that may occur
(2)
A fire protection system shall be designed, installed and

operated in accordance with a fire risk analysis
incorporated in the safety case.
(3)
The system shall be designed to, as far as practicable,

survive severe accident conditions.
(4)
The fire protection system shall be maintained and tested

at frequencies specified in the safety case and tests
results shall be recorded and retained for twelve months.
(1)
A platform shall be equipped with radio and,

where feasible, telephone equipment which enables
contact to be made at all times with the shore station
referred to in clause 211 and with vessels and
helicopters in transit between the platform and the shore.
(2)
The equipment referred to in sub-clause {1) shall include

equipment which enables operation on an international
distress frequency.
November 1999
53
(3)
Buoys*
Electrical
installations*
324*
325*
On a platform there shall be a public address system to

enable communications to a person or persons
anywhere on the platform.
(4)
On a platform there shall be a telephone system with a

sufficient number of telephones appropriately located
throughout the platform to enable two-way
communications.
(5)
All communication equipment referred to in this clause

shall have a source of energy that enables it to be
operated in the event of the failure of the main electricity
supply on the platform.
(1)
A buoy including a buoy referred to in clause 314 shall

be painted yellow and shall be marked with the name of
its owner.
(2)
Where a buoy comes adrift from its moorings, steps shall

be taken to recover it as soon as possible.
(1)
The classification of hazardous areas,

electrical installations, wiring and fittings on a platform
shall comply with SAA AS 3000, SAA Wiring Rules or
(2)
A platform shall not be used for neutral returns from

electrical installations.
(3)
There shall be installed an earthing system connected to

the structure at one or more points, all of which are
effectively equipotential by nature of the structure or by
bonding, and there shall be connected to the system (a)
earth conductors from electrical equipment;
(b)
the frames of motors and generators;
(c)
metallic housings of all other electrical apparatus;

and
(d) armouring of cables.

(4)
The earth resistance or impedance of the earthing

system shall be such as will permit the passage of a
current from any point in a circuit at which a fault may
occur equal to three times the current required to operate
the circuit protective device or in the case of insulated
neutral system, to operate an alarm device.
November 1999
54
Furniture and
furnishings*
Flammable
and toxic
gases*
(5)
Provisions shall be made for the dissipation of static

charges in accordance with SAA AS 1020, SAA Static
Electricity Code or other approved code.
(6)
Provisions shall be made for lightning protection in

accordance with SAA AS 1768, Lightning Protection or
326*
327*
In platform offices and accommodation for personnel (a)
all case furniture, including desks, wardrobes,

dressing tables, bureaux and dressers shall be
constructed of approved non-combustible material,
except that the working surface of such articles may
have a combustible veneer not exceeding 2 mm in
thickness;
(b)
all free standing furniture, including chairs, sofas,

and tables, shall be constructed with frames of noncombustible material;
(c)
all draperies, curtains and other suspended textile

materials, and upholstery covers, shall have
qualities of resistance to the propagation of flame
not inferior to those of wool weighing 0.8 kg/m2;
and
(d)
all floor coverings shall have qualities of resistance

to the propagation of flame not inferior to those of
an equivalent woollen material used for the same
purpose.
(1)
Any area in which operations could lead to the emission

or accumulation of flammable or toxic gases shall be
provided with suitable gases means of ventilation.
(2)
A drilling or workover installation shall have approved

degassing equipment installed in the mud system.
(3)
A drilling, workover or production installation on a

platform shall have flammable gas detection devices
installed in any enclosed area containing petroleum
handling equipment, mud tanks, mud pumps, shale
shakers or other open parts of the mud system. An
operation where an emission of flammable gases can
result in hydrogen sulphide gas concentrations of greater
than 20 ppm without the flammable gases emission being
detected shall not be carried out unless hydrogen
sulphide gas detection devices have been installed and
are functioning.
November 1999
55
(4)
A gas detection system required by sub-clause (3) shall

be capable of continuously monitoring for the presence
of gas in the area in which the detection devices are
located.
(5)
The monitoring devices referred to in sub-clause (3), and

the control mechanisms referred to in sub-clause (7),
shall be so arranged that functional tests of the separate
components and of the whole system can be carried out
efficiently.
(6)
The functional tests referred to in subclause (5) shall be

carried out by a person trained in such testing (a)
at approved intervals; and
(b)
immediately after any event indicating that the

system or any part of the system is not operating
correctly -
and the results of any such test shall be recorded in an

approved manner.
(7)
(8)
The central control for the gas detection system required

by sub-clause (3) shall (a)
be capable of giving an alarm at a point not higher

than 60% of the lower explosive limit;
(b)
automatically activate shut-in sequences at a point

not higher than 70% of the lower explosive limit; and
(c)
in the case of hydrogen sulphide detection be

capable of giving an alarm before the concentration
exceeds 20 ppm.
Internal combustion engines on a platform, other than

engines operating fire pumps and pumps required for
well control or which are situated in the open and are
constantly attended when operating, shall be provided
with emergency shutdown devices which are
automatically activated when flammable gas is detected
in the air intake or, where these engines are installed in
pressurised housings, in the air intake of these housings
and which are, where necessary equipped with remote
control equipment that is (a)
accessible to the driller on a drilling and workover

rig; and
(b)
at some readily accessible point on a production

platform.
November 1999
56
(9)
The exhaust piping of an internal combustion engine

located on a platform shall be adequately lagged with
approved material to prevent the ignition of any fuel
accidentally coming into contact with the exhaust and
shall be fitted with a water spray type spark arresting
device or other approved type of spark arresting device.
(10) At least two approved portable explosimeters shall be

provided on a platform.
Report
on bouys
adrift*
Progress
report of
construction
and
installation*
380*
381*
Where a buoy comes adrift from its mooring and is not

recovered immediately, a report shall forthwith be made
to an inspector and to the Federal Sea Safety and
Surveillance Centre in Canberra, containing the following
particulars (a)
a description of the buoy;
(b)
a statement of the location from which it came adrift;

and
(c)
a statement of the date and time at which it came

adrift.
(1)
Unless otherwise approved, there shall be submitted to

the Director not later than the l5th day of each month a
report on progress made during the last preceding
calendar month in the construction and installation
of facilities for and in the adjacent area.
(2)
A report referred to in sub-clause (1) shall contain all

relevant information including progress reports of a
verifying body, deviations from approved specifications
for design, construction or installation, and proposed
alternative courses of action.
November 1999
57
PART IV - GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

Geological
and
geophysical
surveys
approval
401
(1)
A geological or geophysical survey shall not be carried

out or any modification, which constitutes a significant
change to the area or duration of a survey previously
approved, be made without prior approval
(2)
An application for approval to carry out a geological or

geophysical survey shall be made not less than one
month or such other period as is approved before the
proposed commencement of the survey and shall include
(a)
the proposed date of commencement, the estimated

duration and cost of the survey;
(b)
a plan to an appropriate scale showing the area to

be the subject of the survey;
(c)
in the case of a seismic, gravity or magnetic survey,

details of the equipment to be used, and a plan
showing the proposed survey stations and/or
traverses, a brief description of operations,
procedures, the navigation and acquisition systems,
and indicating in the case of airborne surveys, the
proposed flying altitude; and
(d)
such other relevant information as the Director

requires-
and in addition shall be accompanied by -
(3)
(e)
a safety manual as required under clause 201;
(f)
where applicable, a copy of current vessel

classification; and
(g)
evidence that the vessel and crew comply with the

requirements of the Navigation Act 1912 and
Regulations and Marine Orders issued thereunder.
A survey shall not commence unless at least 48 hours

notice of the date and time of commencement, the survey
duration, the survey area coordinates and, in the case of
a seismic survey, the length of streamers to be towed by
the survey vessel has been given to the Director or an
inspector nominated by the Director.
November 1999
58
(4)
During the survey the operator shall, as appropriate,

inform;
(a)
the relevant department for administering legislation

relating to fisheries in the adjacent area; and
(b)
the Federal Sea Safety and Surveillance Centre in

Canberra;
of movements of the survey vessel.

Seismic
energy
sources
402
(1)
Explosives shall not be used for a seismic survey

without approval.
(2)
An energy source used in a seismic survey shall be

operated in accordance with good safety practices, the
manufacturer's recommendations, and the requirements
of sub-clauses (4) to (7) as the case may be.
(3)
While diving operations from a platform are in progress,

a charge shall not be detonated underwater within (a)
2 km of the platform; and
(b)
8 km of the platform unless adequate notification to

the person in charge of the diving operations has
been given of (i)
(4)
the type of energy source to be used, its

frequency and intensity;
(ii)
the times at which the energy source is to be

used;
(iii)
in the case of explosive charges any misfires;

and
(iv)
any other pertinent information.
When airguns are used in a seismic survey (a)
(i)
airgun system components shall be

maintained free of dirt, oil or grease;
(ii)
air lines and electrical lines shall be regularly

inspected for signs of abrasion and wear; and
(iii)
only those fittings, valves, hoses, pipes and

other components that comply with the
manufacturers' specifications shall be used;
November 1999
59
(5)
(6)
(b)
air pressure shall be reduced to 3500 kPa for each

airgun before an array is brought on board, and
shall be bled off completely once on board;
(c)
maintenance of airguns shall be carried out only

after the relevant air lines and electrical lines have
been disconnected;
(d)
procedures shall be followed which ensure that air

lines, as numbered at the manifold, are connected
to the correct sequence of guns in the array;
(e)
any test-firing of an airgun or airgun array on deck

or in the air shall be carried out only with approval;
and
(f)
all pipes or hoses subject to high pressure air shall

be secured or equipped with safety chains to
prevent whipping when air pressure is applied.
When gas exploders are used in a seismic survey(a)
welding, brazing, or smoking shall not be allowed

near gas cylinders or tanks nor in reel and cable
work areas;
(b)
gas storage areas shall be properly ventilated;
(c)
gas cylinders and tanks shall be located in specially

assigned locations and warning signs of the
potential hazards shall be posted conspicuously;
(d)
propane and butane cylinders shall be stored as far

away as possible from oxygen cylinders or tanks;
and
(e)
gas storage cylinders shall be protected from

overheating.
When steam sources are used in a seismic survey (a)
high pressure and high temperature lines and

vessels shall be adequately protected against
damage or puncture from falling objects;
(b)
steam safety valves shall be clearly marked with

warning signs to describe possible intermittent
operation; and
(c)
testing of the source shall be done with the gun fully

immersed in water.
November 1999
60
(7)
Person
in
command
403
When sparker and boomer electrical systems are used in

a seismic survey (a)
charging and discharging circuits in the sparker or

boomer electrical system shall be equipped with
circuit breakers;
(b)
sparker and boomer electrical cables shall be

protected from damage, adequately insulated and
grounded to prevent current leakage and electrical
shock; and
(c)
the operation of the sparker or boomer shall be

tested with the gun fully immersed in water.
Each person on a vessel carrying out a survey
shall be informed of who is in command and the
name of the person in command shall be
prominently displayed on the vessel.

Basic
data
retention
Clear
labelling
of data
Periodic
reports
450
Where a geological or geophysical survey has been

carried out all basic data relevant to the survey,
including seismic field tapes and observer's logs, shall
be stored and maintained in an approved manner so as
to prevent undue deterioration, and shall be retained in
Australia except as otherwise approved.
451
452
All data that are to be lodged with the Director shall be

clearly labelled with all necessary information to identify
them.
(1)
Weekly Reports
When a geological or geophysical field survey is in
progress, a weekly report on survey operations shall be
submitted to the Director as soon as practicable.
(2)
Quarterly Reports
There shall be made available and distributed as
directed by the Director not later than one month after the
expiration of the period to which they relate two copies of
a quarterly progress report for the three month period
starting from the date of granting the title or special
prospecting authority, or from the day following the last
day covered by the previous quarterly report.
If no operations have been carried out during the
quarterly period, a statement to that effect shall be made.
November 1999
61
(3)
(4)
A quarterly progress report referred to in sub-clause (2)

shall include (a)
a review of operations for exploration for petroleum

carried out in the adjacent area during the period;
(b)
a brief outline of geological and geophysical

interpretations made as a result of the exploration
operations, including any reprocessing or
reinterpretation of basic data;
(c)
estimated expenditure for the quarter;
(d)
survey statistics; and
(e)
such other relevant information as the Director

requires.
Annual Reports
There shall be made available and distributed as
directed by the Director not later than one month after the
expiration of the period to which they relate two copies of
an annual report.
This annual report may take the place of the fourth
quarterly progress report required under sub-clause (2).
(5)
Survey data
submission
453
(1)
An annual report referred to in sub-clause (4) shall (a)
be of a more comprehensive nature than that of the

quarterly report;
(b)
include a general discussion of operations carried

out;
(c)
give conclusions derived from the operations;
(d)
mention reports submitted during the year;
(e)
give an outline of work plans for the next year;
(f)
include, where appropriate, updated interpretation

maps of seismic and potential field data at an
appropriate scale; and
(g)
include a summary of annual expenditure.
When a geological or geophysical field survey has

been carried out, the following information shall, unless
otherwise approved, be made available as soon as
practicable, but in any event within one month of
completion of processing of data, and distributed as
directed by the DirectorNovember 1999
62
(a)
where a gravity or magnetic survey has been

carried out, and where applicable, (i)
one copy of processed magnetic tapes of

both located and gridded data in the ASEGGDF format;
(ii)
two stable base transparent copies of

Bouguer gravity, free air gravity, total
magnetic intensity and, if prepared vertical
gradient, first derivative, second derivative
and residual contour maps;
(iii)

computer generated profile data; and
(iv)
one copy of analog monitor records, diurnal

records and altimeter records
and any maps or profiles made available pursuant

to this clause shall annotate line position, line
number, registration marks and processing
parameters;
(b)
where a seismic survey has been carried out, and

where applicable,(i)

shotpoint location and bathymetric maps
together with two copies of magnetic tapes of
shotpoints co-ordinates (geographic and
Australian Map Grid) and the corresponding
water depth in United Kingdom Offshore
Operator Association format and related to
the Australian National Spheroid or the
global spheroid model (WGS 84) or
equivalent datum;
(ii)
two stable base transparent copies and one

paper print of final processed sections having
vertical scale of not less than 10 cm/sec, and,
if prepared, migrated sections;
(iii)
for 3D, or simulated 3D surveys one stable

base transparent copy of inline and crossline
vertical time sections extracted from the 3D
volume in a square grid of 2000m, or smaller
if directed by the Director; and
November 1999
63
(iv)
(c)
(d)
(2)
one copy of velocity analysis data on

microform or in a format acceptable to the
Director;
where a wireline survey has been carried out and

where appropriate,(i)
two stable base transparent copies and two

paper prints of each log at each scale run in
the survey; and
(ii)
two stable base transparent copies and two

paper prints of computer processed
interpretation logs; and
where a survey, other than a gravity, magnetic,

seismic or wireline survey, has been carried out,
such information or material as requested by the
Director.
Where a geological or geophysical field survey has been

carried out, the following basic survey data and
supporting material shall be lodged in accordance with
the instructions of the Director not less than one month
prior to the data becoming publicly releasable under
section 118 of the principal Act, or not less than 3 months
prior to the last day of the current term of the title,
whichever is the earlier, or at such other time as directed
or agreed by the Director(a)
where a seismic survey has been carried out;

(i)
one copy of field tapes accompanied by

observer's logs in an acceptable format; and
(ii)
one copy of post common depth-point stack

tapes, in a specified, SEG standard format,
and upon request of the Director, one copy of
other processed tapes.
(iii)
for 3D surveys one copy of the digital field

data, one copy of the digital unfiltered
migrated 3D data volume, one copy of the
unscaled digital filtered migrated 3D data
volume and one copy of the digital 3D
velocity field data;
(b) where a wireline survey has been carried out, one

copy of all available digital form log data on
magnetic tapes in an appropriate edited format (LIS
or its equivalent) and on floppy disk if available.
(3)
All magnetic tapes submitted shall be of at least

manufacturers certified "error free" quality.
November 1999
64
(4)
Final
reports on
wells and
surveys
454
At the request of the titleholder, the Director may extend

the time of lodgement specified in sub-clause (2) by
periods not exceeding three years each provided (a)
the titleholder provides and continues to provide

access to the data to the Director and his nominees
on request; and
(b)
the data is stored in conditions approved by the

Director.
(5)
All data referred to in sub-clauses (1), (2) and (3) which

has not already been lodged with the Director, must be
lodged with the Director prior to the surrender, expiry or
cancellation of the whole or relevant part of the title or
special prospecting authority.
(1)
Unless otherwise determined by the Director, where a

geological or geophysical study or survey or the
drilling of a well has been completed, two
copies of a report and maps in an appropriate format
shall be made available as soon as practicable within 6
months or such other period as is approved after such
completion and distributed as directed by the Director.
(2)
A report referred to in sub-clause (1) relating to the

drilling of a well shall where appropriate include the
following particulars (a)
the name and location of the well;
(b)
the depth of sea water in which the well was drilled;
(c)
the true vertical depth and measured depth of the

well;
(d)
the dates of the start and finish of the drilling of the

well;
(e)
the name of the drilling unit used;
(f)
a statement whether the well has been (i)
completed as a producing well;
(ii)
suspended as a potential producing well; or
(iii)
abandoned;
(g)
the results of formation fluid sampling tests,

production tests and analyses carried out;
(h)
the equipment installed in or on the well;

November 1999
65
(i)
the cementing operations carried out in or on the

well;
(j)
the depths and descriptions of geological samples

such as cuttings, sidewall and conventional cores;
(k)
all surveys and measurements made in the well,

including any detailed interpretations if made;
(l)
the geological interpretation of the observations

made;
(m) where available interpretations of all wireline log

data;
(3)
(n)
where available all fluid sample analyses;
(o)
reports on cores and cuttings required by clause

456; and
(p)
a summary of costs of drilling of well, subsequent

tests and sampling.
A report referred to in sub-clause (1) relating to a

geological or geophysical study or survey shall include
the following particulars (a)
name and location of the survey;
(b)
dates of start and finish of the survey;
(c)
names of the contractors used to carry out the

survey;
(d)
data acquisition report detailing the operations

carried out;
(e)
system and equipment used for positioning and/or

navigation;
(f)
geological/geophysical techniques and equipment

used;
(g)
data processing report;
(h)
summary of the costs of the study or survey;
(i)
list of magnetic tapes with index of contents and

format; and
(j)
interpretations, including maps, made as a result of

the survey.
November 1999
66
Cores,
cuttings and
fluid samples
455
(1)
Where cuttings are recovered in connection with the

drilling of a well two sets of samples of cuttings, each
a minimum of l00g dryweight, shall be washed, dried in
an approved manner and placed in suitable plastic bags
that are properly labelled for identification and distributed
in accordance with sub-clause (7).
(2)
Where cores, other than side-wall cores, are recovered

in connection with the drilling of a well the cores shall
where practicable be slabbed vertically and two samples,
each of which is at least one-quarter of the core, shall be
placed in suitable containers that are properly labelled
for identification and distributed in accordance with subclause (7).
(3)
Full diameter core samples may, where approved, be

retained for special studies.
(4)
Where core samples are retained in accordance with

sub-clause (3) (a)
the samples shall be retained in Australia unless

otherwise approved;
(b)
in the course of such studies care shall be taken

that the core is subjected to no more damage than
is necessary for the purpose of the studies; and
(c)
all residues remaining shall be lodged with the

Director on completion of the studies.
(5)
Side-wall cores which are recovered shall be retained in

Australia unless otherwise approved, and all residues
remaining after any studies have been made on the
cores shall be preserved and lodged with the Director on
completion of such studies.
(6)
Where approval has been given for the export of

cuttings, core plugs or whole cores, any skeletal material
from whole cores shall be returned to Australia within 12
months of the approval being given, and residues from
exported core plugs or cuttings shall be returned at the
conclusion of the analyses and all such residue retained
in Australia. In relation to any core plugs or cuttings
retained overseas for further analysis, an annual report
on the progress of these studies shall be sent to the
Director.
(7)
Two sets of samples of cuttings and cores prepared in

accordance with this clause shall be made available and
distributed as directed by the Director.
November 1999
67
(8)
Reports
on cores
and cuttings
456
Fluid samples recovered in the course of wireline or

other testing shall upon request be made available and
(1)
Where an investigation, analysis or study is conducted

on cuttings or cores, two copies of the report of the
investigation, analysis or study shall be
made available as soon as practicable after the
completion of the investigation, analysis or study, and
(2)
Where approval has been given to the export of cuttings

or cores, two copies of the report on the investigation,
analysis or study of the cuttings or cores shall be made
available upon completion and distributed as directed by
the Director.
(3)
Palynological and palaeontological and petrological

slides prepared from cuttings or cores shall be stored
and maintained in an appropriate manner and shall be
lodged with the Director when requested or in any event
prior to the surrender, expiry or cancellation of the title.
November 1999
68
PART V - DRILLING
Approval
to drill
501
(1)
An application for approval to drill a new exploration or

development well, or to re-enter an existing exploration
or development well shall be made in duplicate not less
than one month or such other period as is approved prior
to the commencement of the operation, and such an
operation shall not be commenced without prior approval.
(2)
An application under this clause shall include (a)
proposed well name and number;
(b)
location and water depth;
(c)
programmed depth;
(d)
estimated spud-in date;
(e)
estimated drilling time;
(f)
number and type of attendant craft, including

aircraft, to be used in servicing the mobile
drilling unit;
(g)
name and address of drilling contractor;
(h)
type of rig and blow-out prevention

equipment, including description of
equipment, and method of operation;
(i)
names and addresses of other contractors

involved in the operations and the nature of
the services they will perform;
(j)
detail of the drilling program, including

particulars of coring, casing (including
design parameters, assumptions and
rationale consistent with clause 503), drilling
fluid and logging;
(k)
name of person responsible for

communications with the Designated
Authority;
(l)
deviation and directional survey programs

and proposed well path;
November 1999
69
(3)
Equipment
502
(m)
drilling procedures manual;
(n)
geological prognosis of the area and the

objectives of the well;
(o)
pollution control measures; and
(p)
such other information as the Director

requests.
An approved programme shall not be varied without

approval.
Unless otherwise approved, materials and equipment
used in drilling operations shall conform to such
standards as are listed below so as to safely withstand
the conditions likely to be encountered during such
operations for (a)
derricks and masts API Std 4A, Specification for

Steel Derricks (including Standard Rigs), API Std
4D, Specification of Portable Masts, or API Std 4E,
Specification for Drilling and Well Servicing
Structures;
(b)
rotary drilling equipment API Spec 7, Specification

for Rotary Drilling Equipment;
(c)
well casing, tubing and drill pipe, API Spec 5A,

Specification for Casing, Tubing and Drill Pipe, API
Spec 5AX, Specification for High Strength Casing,
Tubing and Drill Pipe, or API Spec 5AC,
Specification for Restricted Yield Strength Casing
and Tubing;
(d)
wellhead equipment API Spec 6A, Specification for

Wellhead Equipment;
(e)
hoisting equipment API Spec 8A, Specification for

Drilling and Production Hoisting Equipment;
(f)
wire rope API Spec 9A, Specification for Wire Rope;

and
(g)
cement API Spec 10, Specification for Materials and

Testing of Well Cements.
November 1999
70
Well
casing
503
(1)
The design and placement of casing strings shall be

such as to prevent the release of well fluids into the
surrounding environment, and shall take into account
pressures that could be exerted on the casing whilst
drilling to total depth or the next casing depth, or whilst
performing any operation such as testing or production in
that casing. The maximum performance properties used
in the design of casing strings shall be those indicated as
minimum performance properties in API Bulletin 5C2 on
Performance Properties of Casing, Tubing, and Drill
Pipe.
(2)
Casing strings shall be run and cemented at the

approximate setting depths specified in the drilling
program and any significant variations to the prescribed
setting depths must be notified to the Director prior to
running casing. The setting depth of the surface and
intermediate strings shall take into account known or
predicted formation strength, known or predicted pore
fluid type and pressure, and estimated influx volume in
the case that the well kicks, so as to -
(3)
(a)
avoid the pressure in the well bore whilst killing the

well, or performing any other operations, exceeding
the leak off pressure of the formation to be exposed
below the casing shoe; and
(b)
avoid the pressure of the mud required to control

the well, including circulation pressure losses,
exceeding the minimum fracture propagation
pressure of the formation to be exposed below the
casing shoe.
All casing strings and liner strings shall be capable of

withstanding all anticipated collapse and burst pressures,
tensile loadings, temperatures, and environments likely
to be encountered. In particular (a)
design burst pressure of surface and intermediate

casing shall be calculated assuming a column of
gas to surface in equilibrium with the anticipated
leak off pressure of the formation to be exposed
beneath the casing shoe, or in equilibrium with the
maximum anticipated pore pressure to be
encountered beneath the casing shoe, whichever
gives the lesser surface pressure; and
November 1999
71
(b)
design burst pressure of production casing shall be

calculated assuming a pressure to be exerted at
surface on the column of casing fluid or packer fluid
to be that of the closed in tubing pressure of the well
during the production life, or the maximum
anticipated pressure to be exerted on the casing
during the life of the well, whichever is the greatest.
(4)
All casing strings, other than liner strings shall extend to

the wellhead.
(5)
Casing recovered from a well shall not be re-used in

another well unless it has first been inspected in
accordance with API RP5Cl, Recommended Practice for
Care and Use of Casing and Tubing and the physical
characteristics established by such inspection enable
compliance with subclause (3).
(6)
The normal sequence of installation of casing strings

shall be as follows:
(7)
(a)
structural or drive casing string;
(b)
conductor casing string;
(c)
surface casing string;
(d)
one or more intermediate casing strings, which may

include liner strings;
(e)
production casing string, which may include liner

strings.
Where the nature of the surface formation is unknown (a)
a structural or drive casing string shall be installed;

and
(b)
where requested by the Director, evidence that the

proposed structural or drive casing string is
adequate for the proposed well site shall be
submitted.
(8)
Where the surface formation is known to be stable, the

structural casing string may, upon approval, be combined
with the conductor casing string.
(9)
For drilling operations carried out from a mobile drilling

unit (other than a jack-up platform) the conductor casing
string -
November 1999
72
(a)
shall include the means to install a marine riser to

return drilling fluids from the seabed to the mobile
drilling unit;
(b)
shall be designed to take account of lateral loading

on the casing string due to riser reaction as a result
of the motion of the mobile drilling unit and wave
and water current forces; and
(c)
may have a wellhead installed of adequate strength

to support the full blow-out preventer stack.
(10) For drilling operations carried out from a mobile drilling

unit (other than a jack-up platform) the surface casing
string shall provide for the installation of a wellhead of
adequate strength to support the full blow-out preventer
stack, unless such wellhead element has previously been
installed on the conductor casing string as provided for in
paragraph 9(c).
(11) The design of the conductor or surface casing string shall
take into account the support of other casing strings.
(12) Where drilling operations are carried out from a fixed
platform or a jack-up platform, the design of the casing
strings shall take into account support for blow-out
prevention equipment and other casing strings.
(13) When a liner string is installed in a well there shall be an
overlap of at least 3O metres between the top of the liner
string and the shoe of the next larger casing string
previously run, unless otherwise approved.
(14) Pressure testing requirements include (a)
after cementing and before drilling out of the casing

shoe, all surface and intermediate casing strings
shall be pressure tested to the design burst
pressure as in sub-clause (3)(a) but not exceeding
70% of the minimum internal yield pressure, and not
less than 5550 kPa;
(b)
after cementing the production casing and before

any completion or production testing operations are
performed, the production casing shall be pressure
tested to design burst pressure (see sub-clause
(3)(b)) not exceeding 70% of the minimum internal
yield pressure; and
November 1999
73
(c)
pressure tests shall be held for as long as

necessary (but not less than 10 minutes) to
ascertain that there is no continuous pressure drop,
and the result recorded in the drillers log.
(15) Drilling operations or operations to complete or test the

well shall not commence until a satisfactory result in a
pressure test pursuant to sub-clause (14) has been
obtained.
Cementing
of casing
strings
504
(1)
Structural casing strings and conductor casing strings

(other than those placed by jetting or driving) shall be
cemented with sufficient cement to fill the annular space
between the casing string and the wall of the hole or next
outer casing string from the casing shoe of the structural
or conductor casing string to the seabed if possible.
(2)
Surface casing strings shall be cemented with a volume

of cement sufficient to fill the annular space between the
casing string and the hole to a height of at least 450
metres above the shoe of the casing string or to the
seabed if such casing string is less than 450 metres in
length. Unless otherwise directed -
(3)
(a)
any excess return cement slurry as a result of

cementing the conductor pipe or surface casing
may be discharged to the sea
(b)
the column of cement slurry used for

commissioning and acceptance testing of
cementing equipment may be discharged to the
sea.
Intermediate and production casing strings and liner

strings shall be cemented with sufficient cement to fill the
annular space between the casing string and the wall of
the hole or next outer casing string as follows (a)
from each cementing point (including the casing

shoe) to a height of at least 150 m above the
cementing point;
(b)
to a height of at least 100 metres above any zone

not previously cased containing fluid hydrocarbons;
(c)
additionally, in case of a liner string which is used

as an intermediate or production casing string, the
overlap between the liner string and the next larger
casing string previously set shall be cemented with
sufficient cement to fill at least 30 metres measured
length of the annular space between the liner string
and the next larger casing string, unless provision is
November 1999
74
made for the overlap to be sealed in some other
effective manner or unless otherwise approved.
Blow-out
prevention
control
505
(4)
All casing string cementations shall be carried out in

accordance with good oilfield practice and the details of
the cementing operations shall be recorded in the driller's
log. If there is any reason to suspect a faulty cementing
operation, the Director shall be notified.
(5)
After the cementing of casing strings, drilling shall not be

commenced until a time lapse of (a)
24 hours; or
(b)
8 hours under pressure for the surface casing string

and 10 hours under pressure for all other casing
strings.
(6)
For the purpose of sub-clause (5)(b) the cement is

considered to be under pressure if during the time
lapse referred to in that sub-clause the cement after
placing is restrained from movement by the use of
float valves or other approved equipment.
(7)
If the cementing requirements of this clause have

not been achieved by primary cementing
operations, endeavours shall be made to meet
those requirements by recementing or by remedial
cementing, unless otherwise approved.
(1)
Blow-out preventers and related well control equipment

shall be installed, operated, maintained and tested in
accordance with the manufacturers recommendations or
with API RP 53, Recommended Practice for Blow-out
Prevention Equipment Systems For Drilling Wells, and
shall be rated with a working pressure greater than the
design burst pressure of the casing, calculated as in
clause 503(3).
(2)
Unless otherwise approved, prior to drilling below the

conductor casing string in exploration wells, or in
development wells in those areas having known shallow
gas accumulations, a pipe of adequate diameter with
control valves or diverter system shall be installed so as
to safely divert hydrocarbons and other fluids in the event
of pressures occurring below the shoe of conductor string
which may fracture the formation.
(3)
Prior to drilling below the surface casing string the blowout prevention equipment shall include a minimum of -
November 1999
75
(4)
(5)
(a)
three remotely controlled, hydraulically operated

blow-out preventers with a working pressure that
exceeds the maximum anticipated surface pressure,
including one equipped with pipe rams, one with
blind rams and one of the annular type;
(b)
a drilling spool with side outlets for the attachment

of choke and kill lines, if side outlets are not
provided in the blow-out preventer body. These
side outlets, at least two in number, shall be
connected to pipelines of sufficient strength to
withstand a pressure equal to the pressure rating of
the blow-out preventer assembly to which they are
connected. One of the said pipelines shall be
available for the purpose of killing the well and shall
have a minimum internal diameter of 50 mm. The
remaining pipelines shall be available for the
purpose of bleeding well fluid to the choke manifold
and shall have a minimum internal diameter of 75
mm;
(c)
a choke manifold containing not less than two

adjustable chokes connected to one of the pipelines
referred to in paragraph (b);
(d)
a kill pump facility connected to the kill line referred

to in paragraph (b); and
(e)
a fill-up line.
Prior to drilling below an intermediate casing string, the

blow-out prevention equipment shall include a minimum
of (a)
four remotely controlled, hydraulically operated

blow-out preventers with a rated working pressure
which exceeds the maximum anticipated surface
pressure, including at least one equipped with pipe
rams, one with blind rams and one of the annular
type; and
(b)
equipment as referred to in paragraphs (b), (c), (d)

and (e) of sub-clause (3).
When drilling operations are being carried out from a

mobile drilling unit (other than a jack-up platform), after
drilling out of the conductor string, provision shall be
made so that (a)
equipment being run in the well may be secured in

such a manner that it may remain stationary and
November 1999
76
independent of the motion of the mobile drilling unit;
and
(b)
(6)
(7)
every blow-out preventer assembly in use shall

have included in it at least one set of pipe and
shear-blind rams and conform to the requirements
of sub-clauses (3) or (4), as appropriate.
It shall be ensured that (a)
an inside blow-out preventer assembly (back

pressure valve) and a full opening drill string safety
valve in the open position are kept on the rig floor at
all times whilst operations are in progress, with
suitable crossover substitutes to enable installation
on all drill pipe, drill collars and tubing in use; and
(b)
a kelly cock is installed immediately below the

swivel and another at the bottom of the kelly, of
such design that it can be run through the blow-out
preventers.
It shall be ensured that (a)
the blow-out prevention equipment is not removed

until the well has been adequately sealed; and
(b)
the Director is notified when blow-out prevention

equipment has been removed for repairs, of the
nature of the repairs and of the measures taken to
seal the well.
(8)
During operations there shall be a control panel, located

on the drill floor for operating blow-out preventers, and
another located at such a distance from the drill floor as
to ensure safe and ready access in times of emergency.
(9)
Each choke manifold shall have the following equipment

clearly visible to the choke operator when standing in his
normal operating position for either the remotely or hand
adjustable chokes (a)
a pressure gauge which indicates the drill pipe

pressure at the drill floor; and
(b)
a pressure gauge which indicates the casing

string/drill string annulus pressure at a known point
upstream of the choke.
(10) Blow-out preventers which are installed on the ocean

floor shall be provided with duplicate sets of control lines
from the master control panel on the drill floor to the
November 1999
77
various components of the blow-out preventer stack and
each control line shall contain a connector-control pod
located at the top of the blow-out preventer stack to
enable disconnection from the blow-out preventer stack
for essential maintenance or in times of emergency.
(11) Unless otherwise approved, the following mud system
monitoring equipment, with drill floor indicators shall be
installed, and used during all drilling operations after
setting and cementing the conductor casing string -
Pressure
testing
blow-out
prevention
equipment
506
(a)
a recording mud pit level indicator to determine mud

pit volume gains and losses. This indicator shall
include a visual and audio warning device;
(b)
a mud volume measuring device for accurately

determining the mud volumes required to fill the
hole on trips;
(c)
a mud return or full hole indicator to determine when

returns have been obtained or when they occur
unintentionally, as well as to determine that returns
essentially equal the pump discharge rate; and
(d)
a mud gas monitoring device to determine the

concentrations of gas in the drilling mud.
(l2)
Drilling operations shall not be commenced or continued

unless the drilling rig is equipped with a penetration rate
recorder that will give a clear indication of a change in
formation that can be used as a guide to warn against
approaching areas of abnormal pressure, and which shall
be maintained in good working order and be in
continuous operation while drilling.
(1)
The blow-out preventer equipment shall be tested in the

manner and at the times outlined hereunder or as
approved. In the event that a test indicates that the
equipment is not operating correctly, operations shall
not be continued until the deficiencies have been
corrected
and the equipment subjected to another test (a)
after installing the blow-out preventer stack, the

pipe rams, blind/shear rams, annular preventer,
wellhead connection, choke and kill lines shall be
tested first at a minimum pressure of 1400 kPa then
to the casing design burst pressure (clause 503(3))
with the proviso that the annular preventer test
pressure should not exceed 70% of its working
pressure, and may be as low as 50% of its working
pressure for pressure tests after the initial
November 1999
78
successful test on any well. The above tests shall
be performed at the following times;
(2)
Accumulators
507
(1)
(2)
(i)
when installed;
(ii)
before drilling out of each casing string;
(iii)
before undertaking a perforating and/or

production testing program, unless a valid
pressure test has occurred in the past 48
hours; and
(iv)
following repairs that require disconnecting a

pressure seal in the assembly;
(b)
the shear or blind rams shall be function-tested at

the times stipulated in paragraph (a) provided that
after installing each casing string the shear or blind
rams shall be pressure tested to a pressure not less
than 70% of the burst pressure of the casing string
just installed, or to their working pressure, or as
provided in paragraph (a), whichever is the least;
(c)
the blow-out preventers shall be function-tested on

each round trip but not more frequently than once
per day with the exception of the annular type blowout preventers where a weekly function test is
required.
Each blow-out preventer test shall be recorded in the

driller's log.
Accumulators, without accumulator pump assistance,
shall have sufficient capacity at all times during the
drilling operation to (a)
open or close all the hydraulically operated choke

line valves;
(b)
close or open all annular type blow-out preventers;
(c)
close or open all blow-out preventer pipe rams; and
(d)
open the riser connector in the case of a well drilled

from a mobile drilling unit (other than a jack up
platform).
Accumulator pumps shall have two independent sources

of power and shall be capable of rebuilding fluid pressure
in the accumulators within a period of three minutes to a
sufficiently high level to -
November 1999
79
Blow-out
prevention
drills
Formation
integrity
testing
508
509
(1)
(a)
open the hydraulically operated choke line valve;

and
(b)
close the annular type blow-out preventer.
Blow-out prevention drills shall be

conducted weekly for each drilling crew to
ensure that all equipment is operating and that crews are
properly trained to carry out emergency duties.
(2)
All blow-out prevention drills and response times shall be

recorded in the driller's log.
(3)
There shall be displayed on the rig floor a notice

providing details of the well control procedures proposed
to be followed in the event that indications of a well kick
are observed and all drilling crews shall be trained in
those procedures.
(4)
All on-site personnel holding the position of derrickman

or more senior, shall attend, at least once every 24
months, an accredited well-control school or refresher
course in well-control and obtain a certificate of
proficiency from such school or course.
(1)
Unless otherwise approved, a formation

integrity test shall be conducted after
drilling out the casing shoe of surface and intermediate
casing strings to establish that the casing shoe
cementation and the formation strength at the casing
shoe are adequate to sustain the maximum anticipated
pressures which may be imposed at the casing shoe
during the subsequent drilling operations. The results of
the test shall be recorded in the driller's log.
(2)
Where the result of a test referred to in sub-clause (1)

requires that the approved drilling and casing
programmes need to be amended, any such
amendments shall be submitted to the Director for
approval.
(3)
Where formations are encountered below a casing shoe

which require the use of drilling fluid densities not
anticipated in the approved drilling programme and which
could result in pressures being imposed at that casing
shoe in excess of those determined by the test referred
to in sub-clause (1) an additional formation integrity test
shall be performed, and if the result of that additional test
differs from that performed at the casing shoe, the
Director shall be notified forthwith and the casing
programme shall be amended if necessary.
November 1999
80
Formation
pressure
monitoring
5l0
Drilling
fluid
511
Approval for
production or
drill stem
tests
512
Adequate procedures shall be implemented for

ensuring that indications of a change in
formation pressure can be detected when drilling below
the conductor casing shoe.
(1)
The characteristics and use of the drilling fluid shall

provide adequate control of any sub-surface pressures
likely to be encountered in the well.
(2)
The well shall be maintained full of such drilling fluid.
(3)
Sufficient reserves of drilling fluid and supplies of drilling

fluid materials shall be available at the well site for
immediate use to comply with sub-clauses (l) and (2).
(4)
Tests consistent with API RP l3B, Recommended

Practice for Standard Procedure for Testing Drilling
Fluids, shall be performed on a regular basis while
drilling and the results of such tests recorded in the
driller's log.
(1)
A production or drill stem test on a well, other than a

monthly production test referred to in clause 610,
shall not be conducted without prior approval.
(2)
An application for approval pursuant to sub-clause (1)

shall include the particulars of (a)
the equipment to be used;
(b)
the testing programme;
(c)
the intervals in the well to be tested;
(d)
the expected duration of the test; and
(e)
the method of disposal of the produced fluids.
(3)
The production test for which approval has been given

for the purpose of this clause shall not be conducted
unless the Director has been given not less than 24
hours notice of the date and time of that test.
(4)
A production or drill stem test on a well shall not

commence during the hours of darkness except with prior
approval, or unless the zone being tested or another
zone in the same reservoir has previously been tested
and the reservoir pressure and formation fluids in the
zone of the reservoir have been determined by such
earlier testing.
November 1999
81
Approval to
to abandon
or suspend
a well
513
(5)
All formation fluids which are produced into the test string
shall be reverse circulated from the test string before
pulling the test string, except that for tests in a cased
hole any produced formation fluids in the test string may
be displaced back into the formation.
(6)
A reverse-circulating device shall be included in the test

string above the tester valve, except that such device
shall be optional in the case of tests in cased holes.
(1)
A well shall not be abandoned or suspended without

prior approval, except as provided for in sub-clause(4).
(2)
Subject to sub-clause(4), while drilling operations are

being undertaken on a platform, a well shall not be left in
a condition which in the opinion of the person in
command of the platform or the Director, is unsafe. Prior
to the cessation of drilling operations, even temporarily,
the well shall be made safe in accordance with good
oilfield practice.
(3)
Subject to sub-clause (4), where casing is being

installed, if a well encounters or has encountered:
(a)
hydrocarbons;
(b)
abnormally pressured water;
(c)
unstable coals or shales; or
(d)
lost returns;
the drilling operations shall be continued to the next

scheduled casing point at which point the hole will be
logged, cased and secured at the surface.
(4)
In the event of an emergency or adverse weather

conditions requiring, in the opinion of the person in
command of the platform or the Director, cessation of
drilling operations, the well shall be made safe in
accordance with good oilfield practice.
(5)
An application for approval to abandon or suspend a well

shall give particulars of:
(a)
the name of the well;
(b)
the reason for abandonment or suspension;
November 1999
82
Abandonment
of a well
514
(c)
the proposed abandonment or suspension program

including the method by which the well shall be
made safe; and
(d)
such further information as the Director may require.
(6)
The abandonment or suspension program referred

to in sub-clause (5)(c) shall conform with the
relevant requirements of clauses 514 and 515,
unless otherwise approved.
For abandonment of a well the following applies (1)
In the uncased portions of a well, cement plugs shall be

placed such as to provide a minimum of 30 metres of
cement above and a minimum of 30 metres of cement
below any significant oil, gas or fresh water zones.
(2)
Where there is open hole immediately below the casing

string, there shall be placed in that casing string (a) a cement plug placed by displacement method so as
to extend at least 30 metres above and at least 30
metres below the casing shoe; or
(b) a cement retainer with effective back pressure
control set at least 10 m, but not more than 30 m,
above the casing shoe with a cement plug
calculated to extend at least 30 metres below the
casing show and at least 15 metres above the
retainer; or
(c) where lost circulation conditions exist or are
anticipated, a permanent type bridge plug set within
45 metres above the casing show with at least 15
metres of cement on top of the bridge plug.
(3)
If the casing string is cut and recovered, a cement plug

shall be placed to extend at least 30 metres above and at
least 30 metres below the cut end of the casing string,
and a retainer may be used in setting the required plug.
(4) Where the casing string has been perforated (a)
a cement plug shall be placed opposite the

perforations and shall extend from at least 30
metres below to 30 metres above the perforated
interval; or
(b)
the perforated interval may be plugged by means of

a cement retainer set in the casing string no more
than 45 metres above the top of the perforated
November 1999
83
interval with a cement plug extending at least 15
metres above the retainer, provided the perforated
interval is isolated from open hole below; or
(c)
subject to sub-clause (b) where a succession of

retainers is used to isolate a series of perforated
test intervals, only the topmost retainer need have a
minimum of 15 metres of cement plug placed above
it.
(5)
In a cased hole containing a liner string or strings, a

cement plug shall be placed immediately above each
liner string hanger to extend at least 30 metres above the
liner string hanger.
(6)
A surface cement plug extending at least 45 metres in

height shall be placed in the innermost casing string
which extends to the seabed with the top of the plug at a
depth no greater than 45 metres below the seabed.
(7)
No annular space which extends to the seabed shall be

left open to drilled hole below the annular space.
(8)
The location and integrity of cement plugs shall be

verified in an approved manner.
(9)
Any intervals of cased hole in a well between cement

plugs shall be filled with mud fluid of appropriate density
suitably inhibited to prevent the corrosion of casing
string.
(10) All casing string and piling shall be severed and removed
at least 5 metres below the seabed and the well location
shall be cleared of any debris and obstructions.
(11) An approved method shall be used to ensure that,
wherever practicable, an area as determined by the
Director surrounding the well location is free of debris
and obstructions likely to become a hazard to other
operations within the adjacent area.
Suspension
of a well
515
(1)
Subject to sub-clauses (2) and (3), for suspension of a

well the relevant requirements of clause 514 shall apply
unless otherwise approved.
(2)
Approved equipment and protection devices shall be

installed on the well head to facilitate future re-entry of
the well.
(3)
Approved means shall be provided to minimize hazards

to other marine operations.
November 1999
84
Disposal of
drilling
fluids
516
Deviation and
directional
surveys
517
Diving
from
platforms
The concentration of petroleum in any drilling fluid, at

the point where it is discharged from the platform into
the sea, shall be controlled within approved limits and by
approved methods.
(1)
Unless otherwise approved a deviation survey giving

information on depth and inclination of the well shall
be made at intervals of not more than
300 metres, or at the nearest bit change.
(2)
The application under Clause 501(1) shall include a

deviation and/or directional survey program designed to
ensure that the location of the well trajectory is recorded
during drilling with sufficient accuracy to allow for relief
well drilling.
518
Where diving operations are being carried out from a

platform, a person shall not (a)
where the dive being carried out involves

decompression of the diver, dive from a platform on
which drilling operations are in progress or from
another platform within 500 metres of that platform
if (i)
the depth of the well is within 30 metres of

the predicted hydrocarbon bearing zone; or
(ii)
after penetration of that zone the well has

been found unstable following one complete
circulation from bottom to surface; or
(iii)
the well is being perforated.
Division 2 - Reporting and Data Submissions

Discovery
of petroleum
and estimate
of petroleum
in-place
550
(1)
In addition to fulfilling the requirements of the Act with

respect to reporting of a discovery of petroleum, the
results of the appraisal of the discovery including
preliminary estimates of petroleum in-place shall be
conveyed in writing to the Director within 3 months of the
date of discovery or such further period as
the Director allows.
(2)
In the month of September or such other month as the

Director nominates in each year two copies of a current
estimate of the amount of in-place petroleum in a
petroleum pool in a title area shall be made available and
November 1999
85
(3)
An estimate referred to in sub-clause (2) shall be in an

approved form and shall specify (a)
the location of the petroleum pool;
(b)
the amount of in-place petroleum in the pool; and
(c)
the data upon which the estimate is based; and
shall be accompanied by any specific reports produced

during the period.
Daily report of
drilling
operations
551
(4)
When a field study resulting in a revised estimate of the

amount of in-place petroleum in the pool has been
carried out, two copies of a report of the study and the
revised estimate shall be made available and distributed
as directed by the Director.
(1)
Each day before midday two copies of the daily report of

the drilling operations for the previous 24 hours shall
be made available and distributed as directed by
the Director
(2)
The daily report shall contain (a)
the name of the well;
(b)
the drilled depth;
(c)
the work carried out;
(d)
the lithology of formations penetrated;
(e)
any indication of petroleum;
(f)
results of surveys made in the well bore;
(g)
estimated daily and cumulative well costs; and
(h)
rig inspection reports (the rig inspection report is

only required to be submitted as part of the daily
report one day each week).
Weekly report of 552

drilling
operations
Each week a report on the drilling operations

carried out during the previous week, including
one copy of the daily driller's logs and weekly
rig inspection report, shall be made available
to the Director
Report on
modification
abandonment
or suspension
of well
A report providing details of any repair modification,

recompletion, production test, abandonment or
suspension of a well shall as soon as practicable be
sent to the Director.
553
November 1999
86
PART VI - PETROLEUM PRODUCTION

Consent for
production
equipment
and recovery
of petroleum
601
(1)
The recovery of petroleum, other than recovery of

petroleum during a production test of a well, shall not be
carried out unless approved production equipment,
safety systems, personnel emergency facilities and
accommodation have been constructed, and (a)* the production equipment, personnel emergency
facilities and accommodation have been verified in
such manner (if any) as the Director determines and
have been approved by the Director as suitable for
use in operations for the recovery of petroleum;*
(b)* such safety systems as the Director defines as
production safety systems have been certified by a
verifying body as suitable for use in operations for
the recovery of petroleum;*
(c)
the Minister or Designated authority (as the case

may be) has given consent for the operation of a
pipeline or a secondary line, or there are in the
licence area approved storage tanks, or approved
facilities for the conveyance of petroleum from the
licence area otherwise than by means of a pipeline;
and
(d)
the Minister or Designated authority (as the case

may be) has given consent in writing to the recovery
of petroleum from the field in the licence area using
a specific offshore facility.
(2)*
The construction, alteration or reconstruction of

production equipment, safety systems, personnel
emergency facilities and accommodation shall not be
undertaken without approval and, where applicable,
verification by the verifying body. Equipment, systems,
facilities and accommodation so constructed, altered or
reconstructed shall not be used unless the construction,
alteration or reconstruction has been completed to the
satisfaction of the Director.*
(3)
An application for approval to construct, alter or

reconstruct production equipment, safety systems,
personnel emergency facilities and accommodation shall
be accompanied by descriptions, plans and drawings
containing such details as the Director requires.
November 1999
87
Safety *
601A*
(1)
The safety system referred to in Clause 601 shall include

an emergency shutdown system and, unless otherwise
approved, a fire and gas detection system.
(2)
The Emergency Shutdown System shall, as far as is

reasonably practicable, be designed to -
(3)
Other
operations
602
(a)
prevent an uncontrolled or hazardous situation

occurring;
(b)
reduce the consequences of a hazardous event

when activated during an emergency situation' and
(c)
survive severe accident conditions.
Safety systems shall be maintained and tested at

frequencies specified in the safety case and test results
shall be recorded and retained for 12 months.
Operations for (a)
the enhanced recovery or recycling of petroleum;
(b)
the processing, storage or disposal of petroleum;
(c)
the disposal of produced formation water; or
(d)
the injection of petroleum or water into an

underground formation -
shall not be carried out unless the method and the

equipment for carrying out those operations have been
approved.
Equipment
to comply
with
standards
603
Unless otherwise approved (1)
wellhead equipment shall comply with API

Spec 6A, Specification for Well-head Equipment;
(2)
pressure piping on a platform shall be designed,

constructed, operated and maintained in accordance with
American National Standard Code for Pressure Piping,
Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping,
ANSI/ASME B31.3;
(3)
valves used in production equipment shall comply with (a)
API Spec 6D, Specification for Pipeline Valves, End

Closures, Connecters and Swivels; or
November 1999
88
(b)
(4)
Pressure
vessels
Pressure
relief
valves
604
605
API Std 600, Steel Gate Valves, Flanged or

Buttwelding Ends; and
pipe flanges and flanged fittings used in production

equipment shall comply with (a)
American National Standard, Steel Pipe Flanges

and Flanged Fittings, ANSI/ASME B16.5; or
(b)
API Std 605, Large Diameter Carbon Steel Flanges.
(1)
Unless otherwise approved, all unfired pressure

vessels shall be designed, constructed, tested, installed,
operated and maintained in accordance with SAA AS
1210, Unfired Pressure Vessels.
(2)
Before a pressure vessel, in respect of which a person is

empowered by a law of the Commonwealth of Australia
or of a State or Territory to issue a certificate of
inspection, is used, a copy of the certificate of inspection
shall be supplied to the Director.
(1)
Unless otherwise approved, all pressure relief

valves shall be designed, constructed, tested
and installed in accordance with SAA AS 1271, valves,
water gauges and other fittings for boilers and unfired
pressure vessels.
(2)
A pressure relief valve used to protect pressure vessels

or piping shall be inspected and tested (a)
at approved intervals; and
(b)
immediately after any indication that the valve may

not operate correctly -
by a person trained in such inspection and testing.

Monitors and
control
mechanisms
606
Approved monitors and control mechanisms shall be

used to (a)
control the rate of recovery of petroleum or water

from a well;
(b)
control the pressure in pressure vessels and

associated piping so that the safe working pressure
of the vessels and piping is not exceeded;
(c)
prevent the escape of petroleum;
(d)
shut down the artificial lift device (if any) and close
in a well in the event of November 1999
89
(e)
Safety
devices
Workover
of wells
607
608
(i)
a break in a pressure vessel or associated

piping receiving or conveying petroleum or
water flowing from the well;
(ii)
any failure of any control mechanism

associated with the well which might result in
an unsafe condition being caused by the
escape of petroleum or water; or
(iii)
any fire or explosion in the vicinity of the well;

and
active fire control mechanisms in the event of the

outbreak of fire or an explosion.
A well that is capable of producing petroleum by natural

flow shall be equipped with an approved subsurface
safety device, which shall be (a)
designed so that it closes off automatically the flow

of petroleum or water from the well if the wellhead
or production equipment is damaged in such a way
that would allow the escape of petroleum or water
from the well;
(b)
located in an approved position;
(c)
operated and tested at approved regular intervals;

and
(d)
where a test indicates that it may not operate

correctly, repaired or replaced forthwith.
(1)
A well shall not be worked over without prior approval.
(2)
An application for approval to work over a well shall

include particulars of (a)
the zone in the well proposed to be abandoned (if

any);
(b)
the zone in the well proposed to be developed (if

any);
(c)
proposed modification and changes of the

equipment in the well;
(d)
proposed changes (if any) in the wellhead and

production equipment; and
November 1999
90
(e)
Rate of
recovery of
petroleum
Production
tests on
producing
wells
609
610
(3)
Where a well is to be worked over for gas lift operations,

an approved pressure test, that will prove the integrity of
the well production casing, tubing and associated
equipment, shall, unless otherwise approved, be carried
out within 12 months prior to the commencement of gas
lift operations.
(1)
For a fully developed reservoir, the annual rate of

recovery of petroleum from that reservoir shall be
subject to approval unless the rate of recovery of
petroleum from that reservoir is the subject of a direction
given to the licensee under section 58 of the principal
Act.
(2)
The licensee's application under sub-clause (1) for

approval of the rate of recovery of petroleum from a fully
developed reservoir shall include a proposed rate of
recovery, past performance of wells and the reservoir,
prediction of future performance and estimate of ultimate
recovery from the reservoir.
(3)
For a reservoir under development, a periodic review of

the reservoir description, production policy and current
reservoir performance shall be submitted at the request
of the Director to demonstrate that it is being developed
in a manner consistent with sound reservoir management
practices and compatible with optimum long-term
recovery.
(1)
A production test to estimate the rate of recovery of

petroleum from the well, shall be carried out on each
producing well at least once each month unless -
(2)
Surface
connections
611
procedures proposed to be used.
(a)
the rate of recovery of petroleum from the well is

monitored continuously; or
(b)
the testing of the well at intervals greater than one

month has been approved.
An application for approval of the testing of a well at

intervals greater than one month shall be accompanied
by a statement of the reasons for the application.
Unless otherwise approved, each well from which
petroleum is recovered shall be provided with such
surface connections and equipment as are necessary to
prevent the injection of petroleum or water into the well
from another well or from production equipment.
November 1999
91
Production
from more
than one
reservoir from
one well
612
Unless otherwise approved, petroleum shall not be

recovered simultaneously from more than one reservoir
in a well unless provision is made to maintain in a well
separation of petroleum and water recovered from each
reservoir until the petroleum and water pass a point where
the quantity and composition of petroleum and water from
each reservoir is determined in accordance with clasue
614.
Production
from more
than one
reservoir
from more
than one
well
613
Unless otherwise approved, petroleum recovered from

different reservoirs and from more than one well shall not
be commingled until the petroleum and water pass a
point where the quantity and composition of petroleum
and water from each well and from each reservoir in
which these wells are completed and determined in
accordance with clause 614.
Measurement
of petroleum
and water
614
Approval
to flare
615
Pollution
616
(1)
Petroleum shall not be recovered from any reservoir

unless equipment and procedures approved in
accordance with sub-clause (4), areused enabling the
quantity and composition of all petroleum to be
determined.
(2)
Petroleum shall not be flared, vented, disposed of, or

used in recovery operations unless equipment and
procedures approved in accordance with sub-clause (4),
are used enabling both the quantity and composition of
such petroleum to be determined.
(3)
Water shall not be recovered from a petroleum reservoir

and disposed of unless equipment and procedures
approved in accordance with sub-clause (4) are used
enabling both the quantity and composition of the water
to be determined.
(4)
Equipment and procedures used to determine the

quantity and composition of petroleum and water require
approval (a)
where the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) (Royalty)

Act 1967 applies, under s.10 of the Royalty Act; and
(b)
where the Royalty Act does not apply, by the

Director.
Except in an emergency, the flaring or venting of

petroleum shall not be carried out without approval.
(1)
Every reasonable precaution shall be taken to avoid

pollution of the environment.
November 1999
92
(2)
Waste gas from vents and pressure vessels shall be

disposed of using safe methods.
(3)
Subject to sub-clause (6) the flow into the sea of crude

oil, oil sludge or an emulsion of petroleum and water,
shall be prevented.
(4)
Produced formation water shall not be discharged into

the sea unless -
(5)
(a)
there is approved equipment which ensures that the

concentration of petroleum in the discharged
formation water specified in sub-clause (6) is not
exceeded;
(b)
there is approved equipment which monitors and

records the concentration of petroleum in the
discharged formation water;
(c)
an approved test is conducted at regular intervals

not less frequently than weekly to check the
performance of the equipment referred to in
paragraph (b) and the test results are recorded; and
(d)
the records referred to in paragraphs (b) and (c) are

available to an inspector for a period of at least 6
months from the date on which the record is made.
An application for the purposes of clause 602 for

approval of the method and the equipment for carrying
out the disposal of produced formation water shall
include the following particulars (a)
the distance offshore of the proposed point of

discharge and the water depth at that point;
(b)
the characteristics of any petroleum in the formation

water;
(c)
the average rate of discharge of the treated

formation water;
(d)
the description of pollution-sensitive zones and

species near the point of discharge; and
(e)
any other matter which the Director or licensee

considers relevant.
November 1999
93
Wireline
operations
in wells
617
(6)
The concentration of petroleum in any formation water

discharged into the sea shall not be greater than 50 mg/L
at any one time and the average content over each 24
hours shall be less than 30 mg/L unless otherwise
approved.
(1)
Except in an emergency, notice is acceptable to the

Director shall be given of an intention to conduct a
wireline survey in a well or to move an item of subsurface
equipment in a well.
(2)
Wireline operations shall be conducted in such a way as

to minimise leakage.
(3)
Each time wireline blow-out preventers and/or a

lubricator are installed, they shall be tested to the
maximum anticipated shut-in surface pressure. After that,
each time a pressure connection is broken and remade,
it shall be re-tested unless in the event of a leak, it can
be isolated using the wireline blow-out preventor or
another approved method other than the Christmas Tree
valves.
Sampling
petroleum
streams
618
Notice acceptable to the Director shall be given of an

intention to sample for Royalty purposes a petroleum
stream.
Meter
proving
619

intention to prove Royalty purposes a petroleum meter.
Pressure
vessel
inspection
620

intention to inspect a pressure vessel.
Wireline
and diving
operations
621
Where diving operations being carried out from a

platform, involves decompression of the diver, no
wireline operations shall be carried out on that platform.
Prohibition on
the use of
pipelines*
622*
A submarine pipeline must not be used unless it

complies with provisions of clauses 623, 624 and 626.
Incorporation
of pipeline
emergency
shut-down
valve*
623*
(1)
(2)
There shall be incorporated in every riser, and

thereafter maintained in good working condition, a
pipeline emergency shut - down valve which shall be
capable of blocking the flow of substances within the
pipeline at the point at which it is incorporated.
The valve shall be held open by an electrical, hydraulic
or other signal. Upon the failure of this signal the valve
shall automatically close.
November 1999
94
(3)
Location of
pipeline
emergency
shut-down
valves*
624*
The valve must also be capable of being closed (a)
by a person positioned near it; and
(b)
automatically by the operation of the associated

platform's emergency shut-down system.
(4)
If the pipeline of which the riser forms part is designed to

allow for the passage of equipment for testing, inspecting
or maintaining the pipeline, the valve shall also be
designed to allow for such passage.
(5)
The valve and its actuating mechanism shall so far as

reasonably practicable be protected from damage arising
from fire, explosion or impact.
(1)
Every pipeline emergency shut-down valve shall be

located in a position in which it can be safely and fully
inspected, maintained and tested.
(2)
In the case of a riser which serves a fixed platform, the

pipeline emergency shut-down valve shall, so far as this
is consistent with paragraph (1) above, be located -
(3)
(4)
(a)
if part of the riser is located within a water-filled

encasement, above the highest possible level of the
water in the encasement;
(b)
if part of the riser is located within an air-filled

encasement, in that part; and
(c)
in any other case, above the level on the riser of the

highest wave crest which may reasonably be
anticipated.
In the case of a riser which serves a platform not fixed to

the sea-bed, the pipeline emergency shut-down valve
shall, so far as this is consistent with paragraph (1)
above, be located (a)
if part of the riser is held under tension from the

associated platform, as near as practicable to the
flexible pipe which links that part with the part of the
riser which is on the platform; and
(b)
in any other case, above both the level on the riser

of the highest wave crest which may reasonably be
anticipated and any quick-disconnect fittings.
Subject to paragraphs (1) to (3) above, every pipeline

emergency shut-down valve shall be located so that the
distance between the valve and the base of the riser is
as short as reasonably practicable.
November 1999
95
Operation and
use of pipeline
emergency
shut-down
valves*
Inspection
and testing of
pipeline
emergency
shut-down
valves*
625*
626*
(1)
After a pipeline emergency shut-down valve has

closed (a)
the person in command of the platform must ensure

that the person in command of every other platform
to which the pipeline is connected and the person
for the time being entitled to operate the pipeline
are notified; and
(b)
the valve shall not be re-opened unless authorised

by the person in command of the platform.
(2)
Before authorising reopening of the valve, the person in

command of the platform shall ensure that the person in
command of every other platform to which the pipeline is
connected and the person for the time being entitled to
operate the pipeline have been consulted.
(3)
A pipeline emergency shut-down valve shall be used only

to block the flow of substances through the pipeline into
which it is fitted and shall not be used to adjust that flow.
(1)
For testing purposes every pipeline emergency

shut-down valve must be-
(a)
inspected for the purpose of identifying any external

leak, external damage or external corrosion every
three months;
(b)
partially closed and re-opened, by a person

positioned near it, every six months; and
(c)
fully closed and opened by the activation of the

associated platform's emergency shut-down system
every twelve months.
(2)
The period within which the first inspection and test for
the purposes of sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of paragraph
(1) above are to be carried out in respect of a pipeline
emergency shut-down valve shall commence with the
date on which these clauses first apply to the pipeline in
question.
(3)
A record of each inspection or test carried out for the

purpose of paragraph (1) above shall be made and this
shall state -
November 1999
96
(4)
(a)
the identity of the emergency shut-down valve;
(b)
the names of the relevant title holder of the pipeline,

the owner of the associated platform and the person
in command of that platform;
(c)
the date on which it was carried out;
(d)
the name, qualifications and employer (if any) of

every person engaged in carrying it out;
(e)
particulars of the procedures and any equipment

used; and
(f)
any damage or defect revealed and the action taken

or proposed to be taken to remedy it.
Every record made in accordance with paragraph (3)

above shall be preserved together with any document
produced in the course of the inspection or testing in
question and a copy of the record and documents shall
be kept (a)
for a period of two years from the inspection or test,

on the associated platform; and
(b)
for a period of five years from the inspection or test,

at a principal place of business in Australia of the
operator.

Programme
of work
650
Estimate
of
recoverable
and in-place
petroleum
651
A licensee shall before 30th September, or such other

date as the Director nominates, in each year submit to
the Director a programme of work proposed to be carried
out in the licence area by the licensee during the period
of 12 months commencing on 1st January or 3 months
after that nominated date.
(1)
In the month of September or such other month as the

Director nominates in each year a licensee shall make
available and distribute as directed by the Director two
copies of a report in accordance with this clause in
respect of the amount of recoverable and in-place
petroleum in a petroleum pool in the licence area of the
licensee.
(2)
A report referred to in sub-clause (1) shall be in an

approved form and shall specify (a)
the location of the petroleum pool;

November 1999
97
(b)
the estimated amount of recoverable petroleum in a

commercial pool or in-place petroleum in a
currently non-commercial pool; and
(c)
the data upon which the estimates used in the

report are based -
and shall be accompanied by any specific reports made

during the last preceding year in connection with
reservoir performance and production optimisation.
(3)
Monthly
production
report
652
When a field study resulting in a revised estimate of the

amount of recoverable or in-place petroleum in a pool
has been carried out, two copies of a report of that study
and the revised estimate shall be made available and
Not later than the 15th day of each month two copies of
a monthly production report in respect of each field in a
licence area, in an approved form, relating to the last
preceding calendar month and containing the following
information shall be made available and distributed as
directed by the Director (a)
the total quantities of (i)
liquid and gaseous petroleum, and water

produced;
(ii)
liquid and gaseous petroleum used;
(iii)
gaseous petroleum flared or vented;
(iv)
liquid and gaseous petroleum, and water

injected;
(v)
liquid petroleum stored; and
(vi)
liquid and gaseous petroleum delivered from

the area -
and the cumulative quantities of liquid and gaseous

petroleum, and water, produced or injected as at the end
of the month; and
(b)
for each well (i)
its identification name and number;
(ii)
a summary of all work performed on each

well in the licence area during the previous
month unless those details of work performed
have been described in a report submitted
under clause 553;
November 1999
98
Reports
on wireline
surveys and
subsurface
safety valves
Reports
on pressure
vessels
Records of
petroleum in
discharged
formation water
653
654
655
(iii)
the result of the production test required by

clause 610, including the choke size used
and the tubing and separation pressures
observed during the test;
(iv)
its status at the end of the month;
(v)
the number of days of production; and
(vi)
the total estimated quantities of liquid and

gaseous petroleum, and water, produced or
injected during the month and the cumulative
quantities of liquid and gaseous petroleum,
and water produced or injected as at the end
of the month.
(1)
Where a survey using wireline techniques is conducted

in a well during any month, one copy of a report of the
survey, together with any records made for the purpose
of the survey, shall, unless otherwise approved, be
submitted to the Director not later than the 15th day of
the next succeeding month.
(2)
Where operations involving subsurface safety valves are

carried out during any month, a report of these
operations shall, unless otherwise approved, be
submitted to the Director not later than the 15th day of
the next succeeding month.
(3)
A report referred to in sub-clause (2) shall include the

name of the platform, the well number, the date, the time
taken and description of work performed, and the
condition of equipment removed, and any other matter
the Director may require.
(1)
Unless otherwise approved, there shall be submitted

to the Director not later than the last day of each month
the reports of all pressure vessel inspections carried out
during the preceding month which include evaluation of
the inspections and set out any intended further actions
considered necessary as a result of the evaluation.
(2)
Notwithstanding the requirements of sub-clause (1) in the

case of the discovery of serious damage or deterioration
requiring immediate corrective action, a report shall be
made forthwith to an inspector, and a written report as
soon as practicable made to the Director.
A summary of the records referred to in sub-clause
616(4) shall be submitted at 3 monthly intervals
in a form acceptable to the Director.
November 1999
99
PART VII - CRANES, WINCHES AND LIFTS*

Crane Code*
700*
Crane*
701*
Crane
construction,
installation,
relocation and
alteration*
702*
Certificate
of inspection of
manufacture*
703*
Crane repairs*
704*
In this Part, a reference to the "Code" is a reference to

the SAA AS 1418, SAA Crane Code.
(1)
Unless otherwise approved, a crane shall be constructed,

installed, tested, operated and maintained in accordance
with the Code or such other code as is approved.
(2)
Except with prior approval, a crane shall not be used

unless a certificate verifying its design suitability for
intended use in the marine environment has been issued
by a verifying body.
(1)
A crane shall not be constructed on a fixed platform

unless prior to the commencement of construction
notice in or to the effect of Appendix 1 has been
lodged with the Director and the intended construction
has been approved.
(2)
A crane shall not be installed or relocated on a platform

unless prior to the commencement of installation or
relocation notice in or to the effect of Appendix 2 has
been lodged with the Director and the installation or
relocation has been approved.
(3)
A crane on a platform shall not, without approval,

undergo alterations to components or parts which affect
or determine the structural integrity or load bearing
capacity of the crane.
(4)
Safety devices which affect the integrity of a crane on a

platform shall not be altered without approval.
Before a crane is installed in the adjacent area,
a certificate of inspection of manufacture issued
by a person or body empowered to issue such a
certificate by a law of the Commonwealth of Australia or
of a State or Territory, or some other approved person or
body, shall be lodged with the Director.
(1)
Except in an emergency, where a crane on a platform

has suffered serious damage that crane shall not be
repaired without approval.
(2)
In this clause "serious damage" shall have the meaning

given to that expression by clause 282.
November 1999
100
Commissioning
tests*
705*
A crane (a)
that has been installed on a platform or relocated

on a platform; or
(b)
that has been repaired or altered and is on a

platform -
shall undergo approved commissioning tests before

being used or re-used (as the case may be).
Special
Conditions*
706*
(1)
For the purposes of this clause the load factor

conditions(dynamic factor) means the factor by which the
capacity of a crane is determined for offshore
applications.
(2)
Subject to sub-clause (4), a fixed crane on a platform

shall not be used for loading or unloading vessels, for
on-platform lifts, or for raising or lowering persons unless
(a) the design of the crane complies with the Code or
such other code as is approved;
(b) the crane cannot be lowered in free fall;
(c) legible load charts, which have been calculated in
accordance with the following factors, have been
fitted in the crane driver's cabin:
(i)
vessel list factor where applicable;
(ii)
load factor (Dynamic factor) of at least 2.4 for

routine loading and unloading vessels; and
(iii)
load factor (Dynamic factor) of 1.35 or such

other load factor as is approved for routine
on-platform lifts;
(d)
for lifts, other than routine lifts, which fall outside the
constraints of the load charts referred to in
paragraph (c), approval has been given;
(e)
for a fixed crane to be used for loading or unloading

vessels, the wind conditions are not more than 40
knots and the mean wave height is not more than
3.5 metres;
(f)
for a fixed crane to be used for raising or lowering

persons, the crane has -
November 1999
101
(g)
Personnel
transfer*
Load and
boom angle
indicators*
707*
708*
(i)
a capability of a powered rope speed in

single fall of not less than 50 metres per
minute;
(ii)
self-sustaining features of a worm gear

reduction or any other design of equivalent
safety; and
(iii)
a "deadman" type fail-safe brake which

operates directly on the winding drum or on a
drum of approved design geared in an
approved manner directly to the winding
drum and is applied by approved means; and
for a fixed crane to be used for on-platform lifts, the

wind speed and direction are such that they will not
create a hazard.
(3)
Where there is on a platform a fixed crane that does not

comply with paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (f) of sub-clause
(2), that crane shall, as soon as is reasonably
practicable, be modified or altered so that it does so
comply.
(4)
Where there is on a platform a fixed crane that cannot

comply with paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (f) of sub-clause
(2), that crane may, subject to approval, be used with
such constraints as are determined by the Director.
(5)
A crane on a platform shall not be used to lower loads in

free fall without approval.
(1)
A crane on a platform shall not be used to

transfer persons between a platform and a vessel unless
those persons are wearing approved bouyancy vests and
are transferred on approved personnel transfer nets, and
the crane complies with paragraph 706(2)(f).
(2)
No more than 4 persons shall be transferred

simultaneously on a personnel transfer net.
A crane on a platform shall be equipped with (a)
one (and not more than one) automatic load

indicator (i)
which is so constructed and marked as to

enable a person operating the crane readily
to determine the safe working load for any
working position;
November 1999
102
(b)
Maintenance
and operating
manuals*
Crane
communication*
709*
710*
(ii)
which gives an alarm warning when the load

has reached 95% of the safe working load for
the corresponding radius and an audible
warning when the load has exceeded 110%
of the safe working load for the
corresponding radius;
(iii)
which may also be fitted with a means to stop

the hoisting and luffing-out motions
automatically when the load has reached
110% of the safe working load for the
corresponding radius;
(iv)
which is maintained in good order;
(v)
which is checked monthly to ensure its

accuracy; and
(vi)
in respect of which a log is maintained of the

monthly checks.
a positive boom angle indicator and, where

applicable, a boom extension indicator clearly
visible to the crane driver.
(1)
A maintenance and operating manual shall be

submitted to the Director for approval in
respect of each crane installed on a platform.
(2)
A copy of the approval maintenance and operating

manual shall be kept on the platform and be available to
the crane driver at all times.
(3)
A crane on a platform shall be maintained and operated

in accordance with the procedures set out in the
approved maintenance and operating manual.
(4)
An approved maintenance and operating manual shall

not be altered without approval and, where the Director
so requires, shall be altered in the manner required.
(5)
The Director may require that any crane on a platform

shall not be used if a maintenance and operating manual
has not been submitted for his approval in accordance
with this clause, or if the manual submitted has not been
approved.
(1)
When a crane is being operated, communication

between dogman or crane chaser and crane driver shall
be in accordance with the Code, except that voice
communication by telephone or radio between those
persons is permitted.
November 1999
103
Crane driver
competence*
Dogman or
crane chaser
competence*
Sheave blocks*
711*
712*
713*
Illumination
of areas of
operation*
714*
Winches*
715*
(2)
Where voice communication by telephone or radio

between dogman or crane chaser and crane driver is
installed it shall, where practicable, be used instead of
other types of communication.
(1)
A crane shall not be driven except by a

person holding a certificate of competence
issued by an approved authority.
(2)
The Director may require further and continuing evidence

of competence of a crane driver for offshore crane
operation.
(1)
A person shall not act as a dogman or crane

chaser unless he holds a certificate of
competence issued by an approved authority.
(2)
The Director may require further and continuing evidence

of the competence of a dogman or crane chaser for
offshore crane operation.
(1)
Sheave blocks shall comply with SAA AS 2089,

Sheave Blocks or such other code as is approved.
(2)
All sheaves and pins in sheave blocks shall be designed

to withstand both the static and the dynamic loads likely
to be encountered in operation.
(3)
All diverting sheaves located in working areas and

subjected to dynamic loads shall be protected in such a
fashion that in the event of a failure of the sheave the
wire rope shall not be capable of displacement by a
distance greater than 1.5 times the diameter of the
sheave.
When operations involving the use of cranes or
winches are carried out between the hours of
sunset and sunrise, the load, the area under the load,
and any likely obstructions shall be adequately
illuminated.
(1)
Winches including air driven winches shall, unless

otherwise approved, comply with the Code.
(2)
Unless otherwise approved, winches used for raising or

lowering persons shall be so designed as to have a
safety factor of 10 and shall comply with sub-paragraphs
706(2)(f)(ii) & (iii).
(3)
Where there is a risk to personnel, winches shall be used

with rope spooling devices.
November 1999
104
Lifting tackle
and gear*
716*
Unless otherwise approved, lifting tackle and gear

complying with the Code shall be used on a crane on
a platform.
Ropes
and slings*
717*
Unless otherwise approved-
Cargo gear
testing and
handling*
718*
(1)
steel wire ropes shall comply with SAA AS 1656, Steel

Ropes (other than for Mining Purposes);
(2)
lifting slings made of wire rope shall comply with SAA AS

1666, Wire Rope Slings;
(3)
lifting slings made of natural or synthetic fibre shall

comply with SAA AS 1380, Fibre Rope Slings;
(4)
all wire rope slings shall be marked with identification

and safe working load information as detailed in Section
9 of SAA AS 1666, Wire Rope Slings;
(5)
all steel wire ropes and slings shall be regularly

inspected and maintained in accordance with SAA AS
MB1, Steel Wire Rope Manual and an approved
maintenance and inspection programme, and shall be
used in accordance with SAA AS 1666, Wire Rope Slings
and SAA AS MB1, Steel Wire Rope Manual; and
(6)
slings and wire ropes under dynamic loading shall have

approved end fittings complying with SAA AS MB1, Steel
Wire Rope Manual. Bull dog and fist grips are not to be
used as a sole means of fastening in this application.
(1)
Cargo gear that includes a sheave block,chain, ring,

hook, shackle, or swivel or cargo tray, personnel
transfer net, work basket or other cargo container, shall
not be used in lifting, loading or unloading operations
unless (a)
that cargo gear has been tested using a proof load

at least equal to that applicable to it and shown in a
table in Appendix 3 and found after the test to be
undamaged and free from cracks, flaws or other
defects;
(b)
where that cargo gear is a sheave block, chain, ring,

hook, shackle or swivel, the safe working load for
which it has been tested pursuant to paragraph (a) (i)
is clearly marked on it or on a tablet or ring of

durable material attached to it; or
(ii)
is set out in a notice of a kind and in a

position that may be read easily by a person
using it;
November 1999
105
Chain
blocks *
719*
Safety
requirements
for all
cranes*
720*
(c)
where that cargo gear is a cargo tray, personnel

transfer net, work basket or other cargo container, it
has the weight of the contents for which it has been
tested pursuant to paragraph (a) clearly marked on
it;
(d)
that cargo gear has a certificate recording the

results of the test pursuant to paragraph (a) and
issued by the person who carried out the test; and
(e)
that cargo gear is regularly inspected and

maintained in accordance with an approved
inspection and maintenance programme.
(2)
Cargo gear which is a sheave block, chain, ring, hook,

shackle or swivel and which shows damage, permanent
deformation, cracks, flaws or other defects after testing in
accordance with paragraph (1)(a) shall be discarded.
(3)
Cargo gear which is a cargo tray, personnel transfer net,

work basket or other cargo container and which shows
damage, permanent deformation, cracks, flaws or other
defects after testing in accordance with paragraph (1)(a)
shall not be used until repairs have been carried out and
has been successfully retested.
(4)
A package or an article of one tonne or more in weight

shall not be lifted unless a statement of its gross weight
has been prominently marked in legible and durable
characters not less than 5cm in height on it or on a label
securely attached to it.
Manual and power chain blocks shall comply with
the Code or such other code as is approved.
(1)
Unless otherwise approved, a crane on a

platform shall have (a)
a hoisting limit device which when actuated stops

the hoisting motion and applies the brake on the
hoisting winch automatically;
(b)
luffing limit devices which when actuated stop the

luffing motion and apply the brake on the luffing
winch automatically, and which are so arranged as
to prevent the by-passing of these devices in the
normal operation of the crane;
(c)
engine stop systems which operate in a manner

such that the engine comes to rest with minimum
delay;
November 1999
106
(d)
(notwithstanding sub-clause 327(8)) a readily

accessible shutdown device in the air intake of the
internal combustion engine;
(e)
a facility for emergency lowering of loads;
(f)
temperature sensing devices (which may be of the

audio-visual type) or equivalent safeguards to give
adequate protection to prime mover and associated
equipment;
(g)
an emergency stop with manual re-set capability;
(h)
subject to sub-clause (2), motion control levers

which return with a minimum delay to neutral upon
release;
(i)
fire extinguishers of an approved type at the

machinery deck;
(j)
a wind speed indicator of an approved type;
(k)
where the crane is used in conjunction with diving

operations, an audio-visual device indicating that
there is minimum of three turns of wire rope left on
hoisting drums;
(l)
the hoisting rope of the winch used for boat lifts

attached to the drum in such a manner that the
attachment withstands 100%, and not more, of the
safe working load of the rope;
(m) pneumatic, hydraulic and electric connections

clearly marked corresponding to the markings on
the crane circuit drawings; and
(n)
an emergency escape route for personnel.
(2)
Paragraph (1)(h) does not apply to an engine throttle

lever.
(3)
Unless otherwise approved, where there is a rope luffing

crane on a platform (a)
the luffing hoist wire rope shall be so arranged as to

ensure that if the crane boom should pass through
its maximum operating radius, the boom shall not
suffer damage;
(b)
the luffing rope which drum shall have fitted a rope

attachment device, which shall withstand at least
twice the safe working load of the wire rope with no
November 1999
107
rope turns left on the drum and a holding brake
acting directly on the drum; and
(c)
Safety
requirements
for hydraulic*
Electrical
requirements*
721*
722*
the rope end entry on the winch drum shall be so

arranged as to prevent damage to the wire rope
under any condition.
(4)
Unless otherwise approved, the settings of a hoist brake

on a crane on a platform shall be so secured that
unauthorised adjustment is prevented.
(5)
Safety latches which automatically close shall be fitted

on integral crane hooks.
Unless otherwise approved, a hydraulic powered
crane on a platform shall be fitted with (a)
a luffing speed limiting device which actuates prior

to approaching the upper luffing limit;
(b)
an upper ultimate type limit device which shuts

down the motive power to hoisting and luffing;
(c)
an automatic sensing device which prevents

operation of the crane upon loss of pressure in the
hydraulic power system;
(d)
primary filters in the hydraulic circuits which

incorporate an electrical device which initiates a
warning in the crane driver's cabin when a filter
becomes blocked and the flow of oil drops below a
minimum rate as determined by the manufacturer of
the crane;
(e)
secondary filters in the hydraulic circuits which

incorporate an electrical device which shuts down
the motive power when the filter becomes blocked
and the flow of oil drops below a minimum rate as
(f)
a means to show the crane driver which hoist speed

has been selected;
(g)
a warning device to ensure that the crane is not in

motion when changing hoist speeds; and
(h)
dual anti-cavitation devices installed in series in the

hoisting and luffing hydraulic circuits.
Unless otherwise approved, electrical wiring and

fittings of cranes shall comply with AS 3000, SAA Wiring
Rules, or other approved code.
November 1999
108
Riding
booms*
723*
Crane
inspection*
724*
Pawls,
washers and
limits*
725*
Unless otherwise approved, a person, other than a

qualified rigger engaged in the erection or dismantling of
a crane, shall not climb or ride a boom or ancillary
equipment of a crane.
(1)
A lattice type crane boom shall be fitted with a

walkway and safety line internal to the boom, or other
approved facilities, to ensure safety of personnel during
boom inspections.
(2)
Crane boom sections and slew ring bolts shall be

regularly inspected and tested in accordance with an
approved inspection and testing programme.
(3)
A person when inspecting crane booms shall wear an

approved harness connected to the boom.
(1)
Where pawls are fitted to crane drums there

shall be an approved form of indication that
the pawls are engaged when the engine is shut down.
(2)
Hardened washers shall be used with high tensile bolts

and nuts in conformity with SAA AS 1511, SAA Highstrength Structural Bolting Code or such other code as is
approved.
(3)
Crane limit devices and associated equipment shall be

such that unauthorised interference is prevented.
Multiple
lifts*
726*
Cranes on platforms shall not be used for multiple

or common lift operations without approval.
Log
book*
727*
A crane shall have a log book in which the crane

driver records the daily checks and comments relating to
the crane's operation.
Lifts*
728*
Unless otherwise approved, lifts shall comply with the

rules of the classification society under which the facility
is classified.
Taglines*
729*
Taglines for controlling loads shall be used at all times.
Mobile
cranes*
730*
A mobile crane as defined in the Code shall not be

required to comply with the provisions of any clause in
this Part provided that (1)
a mobile self-propelled crane of the crawler track type as

defined in the Code shall comply with the following (a)
for all on-platform lifts on a fixed platform, the

normal operating conditions as given in the Code;
and
November 1999
109
(b)
(2)
for all lifts from a fixed platform, and on or from a

mobile platform, a stability factor of 67% as required
by the Code provided that (i)
an automatic load weighing indicator is fitted;

and
(ii)
the mean wave height does not exceed 2

metres while loading and unloading vessels.
a mobile crane other than a mobile crane referred to in

sub-clause (1) shall not be used without approval.
Riding
loads*
731*
No person shall be supported by a crane except in

an approved work basket or personnel transfer net.
Bridge
crane*
732*
Unless otherwise approved, a bridge crane shall be

designed, constructed, installed, tested, operated and
maintained in accordance with the Code or such other
code as is approved.
Diving and
crane
operations*
733*

a platform, the crane or other equipment not
associated with the diving operations shall not be
operated or any activity carried out if diving personnel or
diving equipment engaged in or being used for the diving
operations could be struck by any material moving or
falling as a result of the use of the crane or other
equipment or the carrying out of the activity.

Periodic
inspection*
750*
Not later than one month after each periodic

inspection of a crane on a platform, there shall be
submitted to the Director a report which includes a
description of work carried out, items inspected, findings
as a result of the inspection, and any intended further
action considered necessary as a result of the
inspection.
November 1999
110
APPENDIX 1
Clause 702*
Notice of Intention to Construction a Crane

I hereby give notice that it is intended to construct a crane as described hereunder, and
your approval for the intended construction is requested.
1.
Address at which work is to be done.
2.
Type of crane (eg overhead travelling crane, derrick crane, mobile crane, monorail,
conveyor, hoist, etc).
3.
Intended use of crane.
4.
Classification of crane under the Code.
5.
Power to be used to drive crane.
6.
Safe working load/s.
7.
If jib crane, state jib length.
8.
If travelling crane, state span.
9.
Name and address of maker.
10.
Date when construction is to commence.
11.
Name and address of verifying body.
I forward herewith general arrangements drawings and specifications describing the crane,
together with a certificate referred to in clause 701 including a statement of the highest
dynamic factor expected to be applied when using a crane in the adjacent area.
(Signature of person notifying)
Full postal address
Telephone number
Note:
Date
In this notice a reference to a clause is a reference to a clause in that Part of the

Schedule of which the form of this notice is an appendix.
November 1999
111
APPENDIX 2 Clause 702*

Notice of Intention to Install or Relocate a Crane
I hereby give notice that it is intended to install/relocate on the platform indicated a crane
as described hereunder and your approval for the intended installation/relocation is
requested.
1
Platform at which crane is to be installed or relocated.
Exact location of crane on that platform.
Type of crane.
Intended use of crane.
Power to be used to drive crane.
Safe working load/s.
If jib crane, state jib length.
If travelling crane, state span.
Name and address of maker.
10
Date when installation is required to commence.
11
Name and address of verifying body.
12
The certificate referred to in clause 701 is attached/has previously been forwarded

and, where applicable, the certificate referred to in clause 703 will be forwarded on
completion of installation/relocation.
(Signature of person notifying)
Full postal address
Telephone number
Note:-
Date
In this notice a reference to a clause is a reference to a clause in that Part of the

Schedule of which the form of this notice is an appendix.
November 1999
112
APPENDIX 3 Clause 718*

PROOF LOADS FOR CARGO GEAR
A SHEAVE BLOCK, CHAIN, RING, HOOK, SHACKLE OR SWIVEL
_____________________________________________________________________
Article Proof Load
_____________________________________________________________________
Chain, ring, hook, shackle or swivel
Twice the safe working load
Single sheave block*
Four times the safe working load
Multiple sheave block with safe

working load not exceeding
20 tonnes
Twice the safe working load

working load exceeding 20 tonnes
but not exceeding 40 tonnes
20 tonnes in excess of the

safe working load

One and a half times the safe
working load exceeding 40 tonnes
working load
_____________________________________________________________________
*
The proof load for a single sheave block is the load imposed on the pin or eye of the
block and the safe working load is the maximum load which may be applied to a
chain or rope passing around the sheave of the block.
B CARGO TRAYS, PERSONNEL TRANSFER NETS, WORK BASKETS AND OTHER

CARGO CONTAINERS
_____________________________________________________________________
Weight of Contents
Proof Load
_____________________________________________________________________
Not exceeding 3 tonnes
Twice the net weight
Exceeding 3 tonnes but not

exceeding 12 tonnes
3 tonnes in excess of the net

weight
Exceeding 12 tonnes but not

exceeding 20 tonnes
One and a quarter times the net

weight
Exceeding 20 tonnes
5 tonnes in excess of the net

weight
Personnel transfer net and

800 kg
work basket
_____________________________________________________________________
November 1999
113
PART VIII - DIVING

General
Tests
Exemption
certificates
801
802
(1)
Any test required under this Part shall be carried out in

such a manner as will enable the results to be recorded
and certified
(a)
in an endorsed test document within the meaning of

the By-Laws of the National Association of Testing
Authorities, Australia; or
(b)
where the test is not a test in respect of which an

paragraph (a) can be given, to the satisfaction of the
Director; or
(c)
where the test is a test in respect of which an

paragraph (a) can be given but for practical reasons
acceptable to the Director the requirement of such
endorsement has been waived, to the satisfaction of
the Director.
(1)
Subject to sub-clause (2), the Director may,

by a certificate in writing, exempt any person or class of
persons, any diving operation or class of diving
operations and any plant and equipment or class of plant
and equipment from any requirement or prohibition
imposed by any provision of this Part and any such
exemption may be granted subject to conditions and to a
limit of time, and may be revoked at any time.
(2)
The Director shall not grant any such exemption unless,

having regard to
(a)
the conditions which the Director proposes to attach

to the exemption; and
(b)
any other requirements imposed by or under any

enactment which apply to the case -
it is established that the health and safety of persons

who are likely to be affected by the exemption will not be
prejudiced in consequence of it.
November 1999
114
Qualifications and Experience

Diver
and diver's
attendant
803
(1)
(2)
Systems
maintenance,
life support
and diver
medical
technicians
804
A person shall not be a diver unless that

person (a)
has been accredited as having met the terminal

objectives outlined in the relevant parts of
Australian Standard AS2815, consistent with the
work which that person is called upon to perform
during a diving operation; and
(b)
has been certified as medically fit to dive in

compliance with clause 816; and
(c)
is at least 18 years of age.
A person shall not be a diver's attendant unless that

person has sufficient knowledge of (a)
underwater work;
(b)
the signals and communication devices used in

diving operations;
(c)
decompression procedures;
(d)
first-aid; and
(e)
equipment used in diving operations.
(1)
Where required under the provisions of clause

813, there shall be provided an experienced
maintenance technician who shall personally,
under the supervision of a diving supervisor,
undertake and be responsible for the repair,
maintenance and safe functioning of equipment used in
diving operations.
(2)
A person shall not perform the functions referred to in

sub-clause (1) unless that person has such knowledge
and experience as approved necessary to perform those
duties.
(3)
Where required under the provisions of clause 813, there

shall be provided an experienced life support technician
who shall, under the supervision of the diving supervisor,
control and monitor all the systems functions which relate
to the "life support", safety and health of any person
inside a surface compression chamber.
November 1999
115
Diving
supervisor
805
(4)

sub-clause (3) unless that person has such knowledge
and experience as approved necessary to perform those
duties.
(5)
Where required under the provisions of clause 813, there

shall be provided a diver medical technician who shall,
where required, render advanced first-aid treatment.
(6)

sub-clause (5) unless that person complies with the
provisions of sub-clause 808(3).
(1)
A person shall not be a diving supervisor

unless that person (a)
(b)
has been trained and experienced in diving, as

outlined in clause 803(1)(a) and (c);
(i)
is or has been a competent diver with

adequate knowledge and experience of the
diving techniques to be used; and
(ii)
has been appointed in writing by that

person's employer to supervise diving
operations; and
during that persons dive, another person satisfying

the requirements of clause 805 has been appointed
in writing by their employer to supervise in the
Supervisor's absence.
Diving
superintendent
806
Where the nature or size of a diving operation

requires a diving superintendent, a person shall not be a
diving superintendent in a diving operation unless that
person has been appointed in writing, is able to
supervise diving operations competently and complies
with the requirements of clause 805.
Medical
practitioner
807
A medical practitioner referred to in this Part is

a medical practitioner who is qualified under the
requirements of the United Kingdom Health and Safety
Executive or an approved similar body, and whose
experience in underwater medicine is acceptable to the
Director.
First aid
qualifications
808
(1)
A person shall not commence employment as a

diver, diver's attendant or life support technician unless
that person can demonstrate competence in general and
hyperbaric first-aid treatment as is acceptable to the
Director.
November 1999
116
(2)
(3)
A person shall not be a diving supervisor unless (a)
that person has an approved level of competence in

general and hyperbaric medical first-aid treatment;
and
(b)
that person holds a current hyperbaric first aid, and

St. John Ambulance Occupational First Aid
Certificate or approved equivalent from an approved
training establishment.
A person shall not carry out the duties of a diver medical

technician unless that person (a)
has an approved level of advanced training in

underwater medicine and first-aid procedures;
(b)
has gained an approved level of competence in the

field of that person's expected duties and
responsibilities;
is able competently to assess and evaluate the
medical condition of a diving casualty, and to
attempt to stabilize that casualty's condition;
(c)
(d)
(e)
has such knowledge or experience as will enable

that person, under the supervision of a diving
supervisor and in consultation with a medical
practitioner referred to in clause 807 by remote
radio-voice communication, to carry out specific
medical tasks, including (i)
the accurate reporting of the medical

condition of a diving casualty, and the
stabilising of that casualty's condition;
(ii)
the maintaining of the airway of a casualty;

and
(iii)
venepuncture, pleurocentesis,
catheterisation, sub-cutaneous and intramuscular injections, simple suture techniques
and the use of specific anti-venenes for
injuries caused by marine animals and the
treatment of those injuries; and
has been certified medically fit for exposure to

pressures greater than atmospheric pressure.
November 1999
117
Documentation Requirements
Diving
manual and
maintenance
schedule
Diving
operations
record
Diver's
log book
Emergency
drill
reports
809
810
811
812
(1)
Prior to the initial commencement of diving

operations a manual of safety requirements
and procedures ("diving manual") and a schedule
of preventative maintenance requirements for diving
operations and equipment shall be submitted to the
Director for approval.
(2)
The diving manual shall include provisions for securing

the health and safety of persons engaged in diving
operations and in particular provisions covering matters
specified in Appendix 7.
(1)
A record of diving operations shall be maintained at

the site of all diving operations. Such records
shall be an accurate record of all matters relevant to the
diving operations as specified in Appendix 8 and shall be
signed daily by the diving supervisor.
(2)
The records of diving operations referred to in subclause (1) shall be retained for at least five years.
(1)
Each diver shall have and maintain a personal

log book to be known as the "diver's log book".
(2)
The diver's log book shall have affixed in it a clear "head

and shoulders" photograph of the diver with that diver's
name and signature on it.
(3)
Each diver shall record and maintain in the diver's log

book (a)
a report containing, so far as practicable, the details

specified in Appendix 9, signed by the diver and by
the diving supervisor of the diving operation to
which that report relates;
(b)
the results of each medical examination of the diver;

and
(c)
any other matters relating to the diver's suitability to

dive that are referred to in Appendix 9.
A record shall be kept of each emergency drill

carried out in compliance with clause 817,
including the type of emergency simulated, the results
and conclusions drawn and any changes to operation
procedures made as a consequence of these results and
conclusions.
November 1999
118
Operating Requirements
Manning
levels
813
(1)
At all times when any diving operation is or

is about to be carried out there shall be present a
sufficient number of divers and other competent persons
('the diving team') to ensure so far as is reasonably
practicable that the operation can be undertaken safely,
and to operate plant, equipment and other facilities
necessary for the safe conduct of the operation.
(2)
Subject to this clause and unless otherwise approved, a

surface-oriented diving operation shall not be carried out
unless, during the period when a diver is in the water,
there are present and engaged in that operation a
minimum of five persons - one diving supervisor, one
diver in the water, one diver's attendant, one standby
diver, one standby diver's attendant, or, one diving
supervisor with four divers. At all other times during that
operation these persons shall be readily available to
assist in that operation.
(3)

diving operation involving the use of a diving bell shall
not be carried out unless, during the period when a diver
is either in a diving bell or in the water, there are present
and engaged in that operation,a minimum of six persons
- one bell diving supervisor, one diver outside the bell,
one standby diver/attendant in the bell, one diver on the
surface, two divers attending on the surface, or, a diving
supervisor with three bell divers and two diver's
attendants. At all other times during that operation these
persons shall be readily available to assist in that
operation.
(4)

diving operation involving the use of saturation diving
techniques shall not be carried out unless, during the
period when a diver is either in a diving bell or in the
water, there are present and engaged in that operation a
minimum of the following - one bell diving supervisor, one
life support technician, three bell divers, one system
maintenance technician and a sufficient number of
diver's attendants to ensure the safety of the operation.
At all other times during that operation these persons
shall be readily available to assist in that operation; and
(a)
There shall be available on the diving platform or

vessel a person other than the diving supervisor
who shall have supplementary qualifications to
enable that person to carry out the duties of a
medical technician outlined in clause 808(3).
November 1999
119
(5)
(a)
(b)
(6)
Place from
which diving
is allowed
814
Subject to this clause (i)
in every diving operation one member of the

diving team who is a diver, other than the
diving supervisor of that operation, shall be
the stand-by diver;
(ii)
unless otherwise approved, the stand-by

diver shall be at all times in the immediate
vicinity of the dive control station and be
ready to dive immediately as required but
may perform duties which do not prejudice
the safety of any diver in the water; and
(iii)
where a diving bell is being used, a stand-by

diver shall remain in the bell to monitor the
diver or divers who leave it and be in
immediate readiness to assist them in an
emergency.
During surface orientated diving operations, where

two divers are in the water at the same time, one
may act as stand-by diver for the other provided that
both divers have (i)
visual contact with each other;
(ii)
means to communicate with the surface; and
(iii)
independent breathing medium supplies.
Nothing in sub-clause (5) shall prevent the stand-by diver

or any diver, if instructed to do so by the diving
supervisor, from going to the assistance of any other
diver in an emergency.
Diving operations shall be conducted only from (a)
a base established on land, a jetty, a platform or a

vessel that is at anchor or aground or made fast to
the seabed or a fixed structure (i)
that is safe and suitable for the purpose;
(ii)
on which the equipment necessary for the

diving operations is kept; and
(iii)
that has suitable and safe means of access

to and egress from the water for both working
November 1999
120
divers and any rescue or stand-by diver in an
emergency; or
(b)
Equipment
inspection
and approval
Medical
examination
of divers
Emergency
815
816
817
a dynamically positioned vessel (i)
that is safe and suitable for the purpose;
(ii)
that is maintained in position with adequate

precautions taken to secure the safety of the
divers from any dangers associated with the
dynamic positioning system and the flow of
water created;
(iii)
that is approved for use in diving operations;

and
(iv)
that complies with the Guidelines for the

Operation of Dynamically Positioned Diving
Support Vessels.
Diving operations at any one location shall not

commence unless (a)
The specifications of the diving plant and

equipment have been submitted and approved;
(b)
The diving plant and equipment have been

inspected by an inspector at that location and have
been approved prior to their initial use; and
(c)
Pre-dive function tests have been carried out on the

diving plant and equipment prior to diving.
Diving operations shall not be carried out unless

each diver who dives in those operations (a)
has, within the period of 12 months before the

commencement of those operations, undergone a
medical examination by a medical practitioner
referred to in clause 807 in accordance with the
Schedule of minimum examination requirements
specified in Australian Standard AS 2299;
(b)
has, after that medical examination, been declared

in a certificate by endorsement in the divers log
book given by that medical practitioner to be
medically fit to dive; and
(c)
has not, since that declaration was made, knowingly

ceased to be medically fit to dive.
At least once during each calendar month emergency

November 1999
121
drills
Decompression
schedules
drills shall be carried out from each site of diving

operations, and the results recorded on the diving
operations record.
818
(1)
With the exception of saturation diving operations,

diving operations shall not be carried out unless there is
used in those operations a decompression schedule that
contains an inert gas exposure limiting line, is recognised
and approved by the Director, and used in accordance
with sub-clause (2).
(2)
Where a diver is in a compression chamber and is

subjected to pressure above normal atmospheric
pressure (a)
procedures for or in relation to decompression or

the operation of a surface compression chamber
shall be carried out by at least two of the following
people - a diving superintendent, diving supervisor,
life support technician or diver, one of whom shall
be in charge of the operation and one of whom shall
be in the immediate vicinity to assist.
For the purpose of this sub-clause, during
saturation diving operations the person in charge
shall comply with sub-clauses 804(3) and (4).
(b)
(3)
(4)
unless the diving supervisor is one of the persons

carrying out the decompression procedures, one of
the two persons required by sub-clause (2)(a) shall
report immediately to the supervisor the occurrence
of any abnormal event during the procedures.
Where a diver has carried out a dive using air as

breathing medium and is required to carry out a
subsequent dive (or dives) within a period of 12 hours
after the commencement of the first dive, the bottom
time for each subsequent dive shall be determined by
adding, to its bottom time, the bottom times of all
previous dives, and the depth to be entered into the
decompression schedule in conjunction with that bottom
time shall be the maximum of any dive so far carried out
within that 12 hour period.
Where a diver has carried out a dive in which the limiting
line (as determined by the decompression schedule used
for that dive) was reached or exceeded, that person shall
not commence another dive for a period of at least 24
hours after completion on the first mentioned dive.which
a mixed gas breathing medium was used, that person
shall not commence another dive within a period of 24
hours after completion of the first mentioned dive.
November 1999
122
(6)
Where a diver has undergone saturation diving that

person may not commence either surface oriented or
bell-bounce diving within a period of 48 hours after the
completion of decompression from saturation diving. The
initial 24 hour period following that decompression shall
be used to monitor the diver for any symptoms of
decompression sickness and during this period that
person shall remain within the vicinity of the compression
chamber and not be subjected to more than light levels of
exertion.
(7)
No diver shall undergo saturation diving for a period

exceeding 28 days from the commencement of
compression to the completion of decompression.
Hours of
duty
819
(1)
Subject to sub-clause (2), a person engaged

in diving operations who is the diving supervisor, diver,
diver's attendant, life support technician or systems
maintenance technician shall not be on duty for more
than 12 hours, either consecutively or in total during any
period of 24 hours, not taking into account "handover"
briefing periods required for safety reasons.
Diving
depths
820
(1)
Except in an emergency, surface-oriented

diving operations involving the use of either air or mixed
gas as breathing medium shall not be carried out at a
depth exceeding 50 metres.
(2)
Except in an emergency, diving operations shall not be

carried out at a depth exceeding 50 metres unless those
operations involve the use of a diving bell and a suitable
mixed gas breathing medium.
(3)
Diving operations shall not be carried out at a depth

exceeding 300 metres without approval.
Application
for diving
beyond 300
metres
821
An application made to the Director for consent to

the carrying out of diving operations at a depth
exceeding 300 metres shall include details of (a)
the equipment proposed to be used;
(b)
the decompression schedules proposed to be used;
(c)
the therapeutic recompression treatment for

decompression sickness proposed to be used; and
other procedures including emergency procedures
proposed to be used.
(d)
November 1999
123
Decompression
general
822
A diver who has undergone decompression following a

dive shall remain in the vicinity of the surface
compression chamber for four hours after the completion
of decompression.
Therapeutic
recompression
procedures
823
Where, in diving operations, therapeutic recompression

procedures are followed, such procedures shall not be
used unless they are procedures, recognised by the
diving industry and approved by the Director, or are
authorised by a medical practitioner referred to in clause
807.
Decompression
sickness
824
(1)
Where a diver suffers decompression sickness

as a result of carrying out a dive, that diver shall not
commence another dive within 24 hours of completing
the first-mentioned dive or therapeutic recompression, or
such period as a medical practitioner referred to in
clause 807 determines.
(2)
(a)
Where a person has serious symptoms of

decompression sickness, or has suffered a
recurrence or relapse of musculo-skeletal
decompression sickness, that required further
recompression, a medical practitioner referred to in
clause 807 shall be consulted as soon as possible
and treatment of the person shall be continued
under the supervision of the diving supervisor in
consultation with that medical practitioner.
(b)
The person referred to in 2(a) above shall not carry

out any further diving until that person has been
examined and passed as fit to dive by a medical
practitioner qualified in underwater medicine as
referred to in clause 807.
Flying
after
diving
825
Precautions shall be taken as far as practicable

to ensure that the restrictions on elapsed time
between completion of dives and commencement of
flying are as given in Australian Standard AS 2299.
Diving in
current
826
Diving operations shall not be carried out where

the velocity of the water current or weather conditions are
considered by the diving supervisor to be such that a
diver is unable to carry out work safely.
Diving with
self-contained
breathing
equipment
827
(1)
Diving operations using self-contained

breathing equipment shall not be carried out
without approval.
(2)
Closed circuit self-contained pure oxygen rebreathing

apparatus shall not be used in diving operations.
November 1999
124
Diving with
closed or
semi-closed
circuit
rebreathing
equipment
828
Diving operations using self-contained, closed

circuit or semi-closed circuit rebreathing
equipment shall not be carried out without
approval.
Manned
submersible
craft
829
Manned submersible craft shall not be used without

approval and shall be used in accordance with the
Guidelines for the Operation of Manned Submersible
Craft.
Diving
from
platforms
830

a platform, a person shall not (1)
where the dive being carried out involves decompression

of the diver, dive from a platform on which drilling
operations are in progress or from another platform
within 500 metres of that platform if (a)
the depth of the well is within 30 metres of the

predicted top of a hydrocarbon bearing zone; or
(b)
after penetration of that zone the well has been

found unstable following one complete circulation
from bottom to surface; or
(c)
the well is being perforated; and
(2)

of the diver, unless otherwise approved, weld within 5
metres of any processing equipment that contains
hydrocarbons, except that such welding operations are
permitted where they are carried out in a pressurised
enclosure or where the welding site and nearest
processing equipment containing hydrocarbons are
clearly separated by a solid plate deck or a continuous
firewall;
(3)
carry out any activity at a place from which sparks or slag

could fall upon any item of diving equipment being used
for diving operations;
(4)
operate a crane or other equipment not associated with

diving operations or carry out any activity if diving
personnel or diving equipment engaged in or being used
for the diving operations could be struck by any material
moving or falling as a result of the use of the crane or
other equipment or the carrying out of the activity;
November 1999
125
(5)
transfer methanol, diesel fuel or other flammable or

combustible substances between supply vessels and the
platform;
(6)

of the diver, carry out any wireline operations on the
platform;
(7)
carry out operations associated with depressurising

vessels or pipelines as a result of which hydrocarbons
could be released on or near the platform;
(8)
detonate a charge underwater within -
(9)
Cathodic
protection
831
Breathing
medium
quality
832
(a)
2 km of the platform; and
(b)
8 km of the platform unless adequate notification to

the person in charge of the diving operations has
been given of (i)
the type of energy source to be used, its

frequency and intensity;
(ii)
the times at which the energy source is to be

used;
(iii)
in the case of explosive charges any misfires;

and
(iv)
any other pertinent information; or
cause a vessel to approach or depart from that platform,

or cause its propellers or thrusters to be engaged,
without notifying the person in charge of diving
operations.
a platform or within 20 metres of a platform, the person in
charge of the platform is responsible for ensuring that the
power supply to all impressed current cathodic protection
equipment is supplied in accordance with the Guidelines
for the Safe Use of Electricity Underwater.
(1)
Diving operations shall not be carried out

unless the breathing medium and unmixed pure
components of breathing medium used in those
operations are suitable for use at the depths and for the
periods required in those operations and conform to the
requirements of purity and composition as specified in
Part A of Appendix 1.
November 1999
126
(2)
Compressed air for breathing supplied by an air

compressor shall not be used in diving operations
unless, within the period of three months preceding the
operations, the compressed air delivered by the
compressor has undergone a test carried out in
accordance with clause 801 that has shown that the
compressed air satisfied the standard referred to in subclause (1).
Plant and Equipment Requirements

Suitability
of plant
and equipment
833
All diving plant and equipment shall (a)
be adequate for the safe conduct of diving

operations;
(b)
be properly designed in accordance with

recognised codes of construction, of adequate
strength and of good construction in accordance
with sound engineering practice and from sound
and suitable material;
be suitable for the conditions in which it is intended
to be used, be properly maintained and comply with
the requirements of clauses 840-845; and
(c)
(d)
Additional
requirements
for plant and
equipment
834
(1)
where its safe use depends on the depth or

pressure at which it is used, be marked with its safe
working pressure or the maximum depth at which it
may be used.
Without limiting the generality of the

requirements of clause 833, the diving plant
and equipment shall (a)
include a means of supplying a breathing mixture

(including a reserve supply for immediate use in the
event of an emergency and for therapeutic
recompression or decompression) (i)
which is suitable in composition and

temperature and of adequate pressure; and
(ii)
at an adequate rate -
to sustain a prolonged vigorous exertion;

(b)
include a lifeline for each diver except where the

nature of the diving operations renders a lifeline
unsuitable, in which case an approved alternative
system for ensuring the diver's safety is to be used;
November 1999
127
(c)
subject to sub-clause (2), unless a diving bell is

used in diving operations or the diver is lowered by
a diver's stage or cage, include a shot-line of
adequate strength and made of a suitable material
of which, during ascent and descent, one end is
attached to a fixed object at the surface and the
other end to an object at the diver's work-site;
(d)
include a system enabling oral communication to be

carried out between each diver and diving
supervisor;
(e)
where it is lifting and handling equipment used in or

in connection with diving operations, comply with
the requirements of Appendix 2;
(f)
where diving operations are carried out at a depth

exceeding 20 metres or where decompression of
the diver is required the equipment provided for that
diving operation shall include a surface
compression chamber with all necessary ancillary
equipment, and the chamber and equipment shall
comply with the requirements of Appendix 3 and
Appendix 5 - Paragraphs 1 and 3.
(g)
where diving operations are carried out at a depth

exceeding 50 metres, include a diving bell as
required under sub-clause 820(2) which shall have
all necessary ancillary equipment and shall comply
with the requirements of Appendix 4;
(h)
where environmental conditions dictate, include an

adequate means by which a diver can be
maintained at a safe temperature;
(i)
include a dive control station which shall have all

necessary ancillary equipment and shall comply
with the requirements of Appendix 5 - Paragraphs 1
and 2.
(j)
where a surface compression chamber is used,

include a decompression control station which shall
have all necessary ancillary equipment and shall
comply with the requirements of Appendix 5 Paragraphs 1 and 3.
(k)
where saturation diving operations are being carried

out, include a life support control station which shall
have all necessary ancillary equipment and shall
comply with the requirements of Appendix 5 Paragraphs 1, 3 and 4.
November 1999
128
(2)
Emergency
plant and
equipment
835
(l)
include minimum first-aid equipment as detailed in

Appendix 6; and
(m)
include for use by a diver during diving

operations (i)
a sharp knife to be carried in an accessible

position at all times whilst diving;
(ii)
a weight belt which shall not be of the quickrelease type;
(iii)
a bail-out cylinder to be worn by the diver

wherever practicable, the capacity of which
cylinder shall be such as to allow the diver
to swim in an emergency the maximum
possible excursion length to the nearest
independent breathing medium source;
(iv)
a lifting harness to be worn by the diver

which operates on a pelvic rather than
head-and-shoulders type lifting principle;
and
(v)
approved head protection so as to prevent

any injury caused by falling objects or other
serious impacts.
Where the nature of the diving operation renders a shotline unsuitable an alternative system for ensuring that the
diver can safely reach and return from the work site shall
be used.
Without limiting the generality of the requirements
of clause 833, the diving plant and other available
on site equipment shall include equipment to be available
for use in an emergency and in particular shall include (1)
(2)
(a)
such equipment as is necessary to provide an

alternative and safe back-up means of recovering a
diving bell from the seabed or underwater work-site
to a mating position with a surface compression
chamber;
for saturation diving operations, such equipment
and back-up support as is necessary to allow all
divers under hyperbaric pressure at any time to be
evacuated under hyperbaric pressure from the
location of the diving operations to a safe place
where life support can be maintained and all divers
safely decompressed to atmospheric pressure;
November 1999
129
(b)
(3)
for other than saturation diving operations, such

approved equipment and back-up support as is
necessary to allow all divers under hyperbaric
pressure to be safely evacuated; and
such equipment in diving bells as is necessary as far as

practicable to allow the lives of divers trapped in a
stricken bell to be sustained for not less than 24 hours and emergency procedures relating to the use of such
emergency plant and equipment shall be included in the
diving manual required under clause 809.
Breathing
medium
equipment
- general
836
(1)
(2)
(3)
Compressed air for breathing supplied by an

air compressor shall not be used in diving
operations unless (a)
there is connected to the system supplying air from

the compressor to the diver a pressure volume tank,
a water and oil filter and where practicable a carbon
monoxide filter; and
(b)
the air intake from the compressor is located in a

position in which it will not be affected by exhaust
gases, sources of hydrocarbon or acetylene and in
which it will take in only uncontaminated fresh air.
A cylinder filled with breathing medium shall not be used

in diving operations unless (a)
it has been filled with and contains after filling only

breathing medium satisfying the requirements of
clause 832;
(b)
approved procedures which comply with the

requirements of Part B of Appendix 1 were used for
the filling, gas testing and supply of the cylinder;
and
(c)
where the cylinder was filled on a platform, the

filling was done under the supervision of a diving
supervisor.
Pure oxygen shall not be used in diving operations

unless (a)
in all pure oxygen supply lines only rising-stem-type

valves, which have either metal-to-metal seats or
seats of another material suitable for pure oxygen
service, are used;
November 1999
130
Breathing
medium
hoses
837
(b)
stored pure oxygen is located as far as practicable

away from equipment in which people may be
subjected to hyperbaric pressure, from hydraulic
equipment and any other flammable substance;
(c)
where practicable, fixed rigid piping is used for

oxygen supply;
(d)
the oxygen supply pressure is reduced to a

maximum of 4.1MPa (600 psi) gauge pressure at
the supply cylinder; and
(e)
care is taken to avoid sharp bends in all oxygen

supply lines.
(4)
All breathing medium supply lines shall be arranged so

as to ensure adequate protection against their accidental
damage and to ensure adequate protection for
personnel.
(5)
Any enclosed compartment in which large quantities of

oxygen, inert gas or gas mixtures other than air are
stored, shall be fitted with a visual and audible low and
high oxygen content alarm device to provide warning that
the atmosphere in the compartment is unsafe.
(1)
A hose shall not be used in diving operations

for the conveyance of breathing medium unless (a)
it has been tested not more than 12 months prior to

those operations at a pressure equal to 1.5 times its
maximum expected operating pressure;
(b)
it is kink resistant;
(c)
it is capable of carrying the breathing medium at a

flow rate required in the operations;
(d)
the hose and its couplings are in alignment;
(e)
the couplings are not scoured or substantially

corroded;
(f)
the couplings contain no damaged threads;
(g)
the hose fittings are made of brass, stainless steel,

monel metal or other non-corrosive material;
(h)
the fittings connecting the hose with other hoses are

incapable of accidental disengagement or
loosening; and
November 1999
131
(i)
Breathing
medium
supply
Pressure
measuring
equipment
838
839
(1)
it is, where practicable, of such diameter and has

such type of connection as will minimise the
possibility of wrongly connecting hoses and fittings.
Diving operations shall not be carried out

unless there is provided (a)
a pressure reducing regulator to control the

pressure at which breathing medium is supplied to a
diver from a cylinder; and
(b)
a means to allow ready changeover to an alternative

pressure reducing regulator or an alternative
breathing medium supply in case of failure of the
primary pressure reducing regulator or the primary
breathing medium supply.
(2)
The oxygen content of mixed gas breathing medium

supplied to a diver shall be continuously monitored using
an oxygen content analyser in conjunction with an
audible and visible high and low oxygen content alarm.
(3)
Discrete inert gases or oxygen shall not be connected to

a dive control panel nor supplied to any diver in the
water.
(4)
With the exception of breathing medium supplied to a

diver by the use of a gas recirculating unit involving gas
reclaim, carbon dioxide removal and oxygen enrichment,
breathing medium produced on-site by either a gas
mixing apparatus or by a gas reclaim unit shall not be
delivered to a diver without first being stored for at least
24 hours and then re-analysed.
(1)
Diving operations in which surface supply

breathing equipment is used shall not be
carried out unless there are used in those operations (a) equipment to enable a person on the surface to
ascertain at all times during which a diver is
submerged, the depth of the diver;
(b) a gauge to enable a person on the surface to
ascertain the pressure at which the breathing
medium is supplied from on-line compressors or
cylinders;
(c) a gauge to enable a person on the surface to
ascertain the pressure at which the breathing
medium is supplied to the diver;
November 1999
132
(d) where a surface compression chamber is used,
pressure measurement equipment and gauges as
indicated in Appendix 3.
(2)
A gauge used in or in connection with diving operations

shall (a)
if used to measure the depth of the diver or the

pressure in a diving bell or surface compression
chamber, be calibrated uniformly throughout the
diving plant in either metres head of sea-water or
feet head of sea-water and in all other cases either
in kPa, psi or bars;
(b)
at least once in each period of three months, and

whenever it appears to be incorrect, be checked by
a dead-weight tester or suitable master test gauge;
(c)
if it is a master gauge, be calibrated at least once in

each period of 12 months by a test carried out in
accordance with clause 801; and
(d)
if it is a dead-weight tester, be verified under, and in

accordance with, the Weights and Measures
(National Standards) Act 1960 of the
Commonwealth of Australia.
(3)
A dead-weight tester or master gauge used for checking

a gauge in accordance with sub-clause (2) shall be
available to an inspector on demand.
(4)
A pressure gauge used in diving operations to measure

diver, diving bell or surface compression chamber depth
of sea-water or equivalent depth of sea-water at a given
internal pressure, shall have an accuracy within 0.25% of
the maximum scale reading.
Plant and Equipment Maintenance, Examination and Testing

Requirements
Maintenance
certification
and
documentation
840
Plant and equipment shall not be used in any diving

operation unless (a)
it is regularly maintained in a condition which

ensures that it is safe while being used;
(b)
in the case of a surface compression chamber,

diving bell, associated trunking and other pressure
vessels which form part of a diving system, it is
certified in writing by a classifying authority or other
verifying body in accordance with the rules of that
authority pertaining to that equipment;
November 1999
133
(c)
in the case of lifting or handling equipment used to

raise or lower persons in the course of diving
operations, it is certified in writing by a classifying
authority or other verifying body in accordance with
the rules of that authority pertaining to that
equipment;
(d)
there is maintained a register containing -
(e)
Certificates
of examination
and testing
841
(1)
(i)
in the case of a surface compression

chamber, other pressure vessels and lifting
and handling equipment, the certificates
referred to in paragraphs (b) and (c);
(ii)
in the case of a surface compression

chamber or a diving bell, sufficient
information, including information relating to
the materials used in its construction, to
enable it to be safely used, repaired and
altered;
(iii)
in the case of all plant and equipment used

in diving operations, a full schedule of all
routine preventative maintenance to be
carried out, which schedule has been signed
or initialled as a mark of acceptance by the
diving supervisor upon successful
completion of any such maintenance; and
(iv)
in the case of all plant and equipment used

in diving operations, a record of non-routine
equipment maintenance or equipment
replacement, which record has been signed
as a mark of acceptance by the diving
supervisor upon successful completion of
any such work;
it has been examined and tested as necessary in

accordance with a defined schedule of pre-dive
checks within the six hours immediately prior to the
commencement of operations.
The certificates referred to in paragraph

840(d) shall state (a)
the plant and equipment to which it relates;
(b)
that the classifying authority or other verifying body

or diving supervisor has examined it;
November 1999
134
(2)
Periodic
testing
842
(1)
(c)
that it has been tested by or under the close

supervision of the authority, verifying body or
supervisor issuing the certificate;
(d)
the conditions under which it can be safely used;

and
(e)
the period during which it can be safely used.
The certificates referred to in paragraph 840(d) shall

cease to be valid (a)
when any repair or alteration has been made to the

plant or equipment which affects its safe working;
and
(b)
on expiration of the period in accordance with subclause (1)(e).
Subject to sub-clause 841 (2), the following

testing requirements for equipment used in diving
operations, including test frequency and minimum test
certificate signatory requirements, shall apply (a)
for complete lifting and handling equipment upon

installation and thereafter at least every 5 years a
static overload test of 1.25 times and a dynamic
overload test of 1.1 times the full weight of the
equipment to be lifted including the expected weight
of personnel during launch and recovery. The test
certificates shall carry an approved classifying
authority or other verifying body's signatures;
(b)
for main lifting wires of diving bells, diving stages

and wet bells upon initial installation and thereafter
at least every 6 months a destructive overload test
on a section of the wire to determine that the
breaking strength is at least 8 times the full weight
of the equipment to be lifted including the expected
weight of personnel during launch and recovery.
The test certificates shall carry an approved
classifying authority or other verifying body's
signatures;
(c)
for swivels used on main lifting wires, including

diving bell, diving stage and wet bell swivels (i)
a visual examination for abnormalities at

least every month, the records of which to
carry the signatures of the diving supervisor;
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(d)
(ii)
a non-destructive test to detect any cracks or

other abnormalities at least every year, the
records of which to carry signatures of the
diving supervisor; and
(iii)

other abnormalities at least every 5 years,
the certificates of which to carry NATA
signatures;
for all sheaves and lead-blocks (i)
a visual inspection and lubrication as

required at least every month, the records of
which to carry the signatures of the diving
supervisor;
(ii)

other abnormalities at least every year, the
records of which to carry signatures of the
diving supervisor; and
(iii)
for primary load bearing sheaves, a nondestructive test to detect any cracks or other
abnormalities at least every 5 years, the
certificates of which to carry NATA
signatures;
(e)
for pressure vessels used as diving plant and

equipment other than compressed air and
hydraulically operated tools or fire extinguishers at
least every 2 years a pneumatic pressure test at a
pressure equal to 1.25 times or at least every 5
years a hydrostatic pressure test at a pressure
equal to 1.5 times the working pressure, the
certificates of which to carry the signatures of the
classifying authority or other verifying body pneumatic pressure testing shall not be carried out
without approval;
(f)
for seamless gas cylinders an inspection and test in

accordance with SAA AS 2030 Gas Cylinder Code,
the certificates of which to carry NATA signatures -
(g)
(i)
taken underwater at least every 2 years; and
(ii)
not taken underwater at least every 5 years;
for air compressors for the supply of low or high

pressure air breathing medium, at least every 3
months an analysis of the air from the compressor
to determine compliance with clause 832 as to
November 1999
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purity requirements specified in Appendix 1, Part A.
The test certificates shall carry NATA signatures;
(h)
(j)
(2)
Retaining
registers
Alterations
to equipment
843
844
for breathing medium hoses at least every year, the

records of which to carry the signatures of the diving
supervisor - a pressure test on the hose at a
pressure equal 1.5 times the maximum expected
operating pressure as required by sub-clause
837(1)(a);
(i)
for pressure measuring equipment -
(i)
for working depth/pressure gauge at least

every 3 months a calibration using a master
gauge or dead-weight tester as required by
sub-clause 839 (2)(b), the records of which to
carry the signatures of the diving supervisor;
and
(ii)
for master depth/pressure gauge at least

every year a calibration by a NATA approved
testing laboratory as required by sub-clause
839 (2)(c); and
for complete diving bell ballast release systems a

visual inspection at least every 3 months and a
complete disassembly at least every year of all
lifting links in the drop-weight attachment rigging
including lifting slings, chains, shackels, pins, rings
etc., the records of which to carry the signatures of
the diving supervisor.
A reference in sub-clause (1) to a test is a reference to a

test the procedures for which have been approved and
which is carried out in accordance with those approved
procedures.
The register referred to in paragraph 840(d) shall
be retained (a)
in the case of a register containing certificates

relating to any surface compression chamber,
diving bell or seamless gas cylinder not taken under
water, for at least 5 years from the date of the last
such certificate it contains; or
(b)
in any other case, for at least 2 years from the date

of the last certificate it contains.
A person shall not carry out any repairs, additions

or alterations to diving plant or equipment other
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than of a routine nature which could affect its safe
working without prior approval, and any repairs, additions
or alterations are only to be carried out under the
supervision of a classifying authority or other verifying
body.
Unattended
equipment
845
(1)
(2)
A surface compression chamber or diving bell

may be used for diving operations only if (a)
during the whole of the preceding 14 days it has

been under the surveillance of divers or other
persons competent to maintain the equipment
properly; or
(b)
in the event that it has been unattended for any part

of the preceding 14 days, it has passed an internal
leak test and pre-dive function tests prior to the
initial recommencement of diving operations.
In sub-clause (1) an internal leak test means an internal

leak test held for at least 30 minutes in which the test
pressure is not less than the maximum pressure (gauge)
equivalent to the maximum depth of dive in which the
chamber or bell is or is about to be used.

Reporting
of death,
serious
injury and
decompression
sickness of
divers
847
(1)
In this clause and clause 848 a reference to

a serious injury is a reference to an injury
to a person as a result of which the person
requires immediate attention by a medical
practitioner.
(2)
Where a person dies or suffers a serious injury while

engaged in diving operations in the adjacent area (a)
a report of the death or serious injury shall forthwith

be made to an inspector;
(b)
a report in writing giving full particulars of the death

or serious injury shall be transmitted to the Director
as soon as practicable after the occurrence of the
death or serious injury; and
(c)
a person shall not interfere with the place of such

death or serious injury without the approval of an
inspector except only insofar as it is necessary for
the purposes of providing for the immediate
protection or saving of health or life.
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(3)
Written
records of
diver death,
injury or
decompression
sickness
848
(1)
Where a diver suffers from decompression sickness or

any other adverse physiological condition as a result of
exposure to higher than atmospheric pressure in the
course of diving operations (a)
a report of the sickness or condition shall forthwith

be made to an inspector; and
(b)
a report in writing giving full particulars of the

sickness or condition shall be transmitted to the
Director as soon as practicable after the occurrence
of the sickness or condition, or the completion of
treatment.
Where a diver during a diving operation dies

or suffers any injury or decompression
sickness, a written record of
that death, injury or decompression sickness
shall be kept and specify (a)
particulars of death, injury or decompression

sickness;
(b)
the names of the supervisor, the divers and the

divers' attendants and of any other person involved
in activities directly relevant to the death, injury or
decompression sickness;
(c)
in respect of the dive, the times when the diver

became exposed to pressure exceeding
atmospheric pressure, when that diver commenced
decompression, and when decompression was
completed;
(d)
the equipment used;
(e)
the decompression schedule used;
(f)
the breathing medium used by the divers;
(g)
the work performed by the divers;
(h)
details of unusual conditions (if any);
(i)
the nature of the injury;
(j)
the circumstances leading to the injury;
(k)
the medical treatment given; and
(l)
the names of medical practitioners consulted and

who attended the injured diver.
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Reporting of
potentially
hazardous
events
849
(2)
Subject to the reporting requirements of clause 847, and

not later than the 15th day of each calendar month, a
copy of the records kept under sub-clause (1) of injuries
which occurred during the preceding calendar month
which have not been reported shall be transmitted to the
Director.
(3)
A report in writing required under sub-clause (2) shall as

far as practicable be made in accordance with the form
specified in SAA AS 1885 Code of Practice for Recording
and Measuring Work Injury Experience.
(1)
Where an event occurs during a diving operation

which is not in the normal or ordinary course of
such an operation and which is professionally
considered to be likely to cause injury to a person or
serious damage to property, but such event does not
cause injury or serious damage (a)
a report of the event shall forthwith be made by the

titleholder to an inspector; and
(b)
a report in writing of the event shall be sent to the

Director as soon as practicable specifying measures
taken or to be taken to prevent such events.
November 1999
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APPENDIX 1 - PART A
A
Clause 832 - Requirements as to purity and composition of breathing medium

and unmixed pure components of breathing medium used in diving operations
(1)
Compressed natural air supplied by a low pressure air compressor used

by divers for breathing in diving operations shall not (a)
contain more than 3 parts per million by volume of halogenated

hydrocarbons;
(b)
contain more than 5 parts per million by volume of -
(c)
(i)
carbon monoxide; or
(ii)
acetylene;
contain more than 25 parts per million by volume of methane;
(d)
contain more than 500 parts per million by volume of carbon

dioxide;
(e)
contain more than 20 milligrams of oil per cubic metre at 100

kPa; and
(f)
have an objectionable or nauseous odour.
(2)
Compressed natural air supplied from a cylinder other than that supplied
by a a low pressure air compressor used by divers for breathing in diving
operations shall not have contamination levels higher than those
specified in Table 1.
(3)
Compressed natural air used by divers for breathing in diving operations

shall not contain less than 19.5% or more than 22% by volume of oxygen.
(4)
Pure unmixed components to be used for breathing medium in diving

operations shall not have contamination levels higher than those
specified in Table 1, and where these pure components are mixed to form
breathing medium, then the maximum allowable contamination level in
the mixture, where different levels are specified for a given contaminant,
shall be the larger of the two levels listed in either pure component
specification.
(5)
Allowable percentage composition tolerances for the mixture minor

components are as follows:For the minor component content,
+ 5% of nominal content of
the minor component is
allowed
eg. for 10% oxygen in helium
+ 0.5% oxygen is allowed.

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INSERT TABLE ONE HERE
November 1999
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APPENDIX 1 - PART B
B
Clause 836(2) - Requirements as to the filling, gas testing and supply of cylinders
for the supply of breathing medium used in diving operations
General
(1)
Under sub-clause 836(2)(a), a cylinder filled with breathing medium shall

not be used in diving operations unless it is filled with and contains after
filling breathing medium satisfying the requirements of clause 832 and as
detailed in Appendix 1, Part A.
Testing of cylinders and gas in cylinders shall be carried out in
accordance with the requirements of clause 801.
Design and Handling of Cylinders

(2)
All cylinders are to be manufactured in accordance with SAA AS 2030,

Gas Cylinders Code and are to be subjected to periodic testing in
accordance with sub-clause 842(1)(f).
(3)
All cylinders are to be colour coded and labelled in accordance with the
requirements of SAA Rules for Gas Cylinders Identification and in
particular Identification of Medical Gas Cylinders (AS1944). This applies
to individual cylinders as well as to cylinders supplied as part of a multicylinder pack or unit whether individually or commonly manifolded.
(4)
In addition to the colour coding referred to above, and in accordance with

SAA AS 2030, Gas Cylinders Code, Section 1.15 'Identification', each
cylinder is to carry prominently a printed label, tag or other approved
means of identification.
(5)
Each individually supplied cylinder or group of cylinders supplied as a

unit is to be identifiable by a clearly visible and prominent mark or serial
number.
(6)
Supplies of oxygen-medical and air-medical are to remain captive in

diving and/or medical traffic only.
Supplies of all remaining gases not normally part of medical traffic are to
be dedicated exclusively to diving traffic and are to be so marked in bold
letters such as "DIVING ONLY"
Filling and Testing

(7)
All cylinders returned for filling (or re-filling) are to be vented to

atmospheric pressure and evacuated to a pressure not exceeding 20 kPa
absolute.
November 1999
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(8)
Analysis is to be carried out on the gas actually contained in a cylinder

(or group of cylinders) and not on the gas upstream of the cylinder being
filled, that is, before it reaches the cylinder.
(9)
Analysis is to be carried out as follows -
(10)
(i)
Every cylinder (including every individual cylinder within a multicylinder pack) is to be tested for carbon monoxide and odour
contamination. These tests are 'on-site' tests and do not require
NATA certificates;
(ii)
Every cylinder of a gas or gas mixture containing oxygen (other

than air) is to be analysed for oxygen content. These tests are
'on-site' tests and do not require NATA certificates;
(iii)
In the case of 'G' size or equivalent cylinders supplied

individually (and not commonly manifolded) one cylinder out of
each batch of not more than sixteen is to be analysed
comprehensively for impurities as required under clause 832
(and specified in Appendix 1, Part A) and the results are to be
reported on a NATA endorsed test certificate (see point No 1)
which specifies the serial numbers of the batch of cylinders
concerned and the serial numbers of the cylinder from which the
analysis was taken;
(iv)
In the case of larger than 'G' size or equivalent cylinders supplied

individually (and not commonly manifolded) and unless special
dispensation to the contrary is applied for and given by the
Director, each cylinder is to be analysed comprehensively for
impurities as required under clause 832, (and specified in
Appendix 1, Part A) and the results are to be reported on a NATA
endorsed test certificate (see point No 1) which specifies the
serial number of the cylinder from which the analysis sample was
taken; and
(v)
In the case of commonly manifolded 'G' size or equivalent or

larger cylinders supplied as a composite unit, a composite
representative sample of no more than 16 commonly manifolded
cylinders is to be taken and analysed comprehensively for all
impurities as required under clause 832, (and specified in
Appendix 1, Part A) and the results are to be reported on a NATA
endorsed test certificate (see point No 1) which specifies the
serial numbers of all cylinders tested by the composite sample or
the serial number of the framed bottle pack as appropriate
(provided all cylinders within the pack contributed to the
composite sample).
Any NATA endorsed composition analysis certificate applicable to a

cylinder (or group of cylinders) is to accompany that cylinder to its user
destination and is to be available to the user and to an inspector on
demand for verification of the acceptability of the gas for use as diving
breathing medium.
November 1999
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(11)
Attached to every individually supplied cylinder or to every commonly

manifolded group of cylinders is to be a tag contained within a waterproof
envelope which gives details of the mixture (or the pure component)
supplied.
November 1999
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APPENDIX 2
Clause 834(e). Requirements for lifting and handling equipment used in the
course of diving operations
Equipment used for raising and lowering persons in diving operations
(1)
Lifting and handling equipment shall not be used in diving operations for
the raising and lowering of persons unless (a)
if it is a winch (i)
it is so constructed that the brake is automatically applied

except when the controls are in the operating position;
and
(ii)
the winch, winch drum and wire on the winch drum are
clearly visible to the winch operator when operating the
winch;
(b)
if it is a diving bell lifting winch, the lowering of the diving bell is

controlled by its drive system and not by its brakes;
(c)
if it is a diver's stage -
(d)
(i)
it is sufficiently large to carry at least two divers and their

associated tools in uncramped conditions and contains
no equipment other than for diving;
(ii)
it is suitably enclosed to prevent its occupants from

falling out;
(iii)
it is fitted with appropriate inboard handholds and is

secured against tipping or spinning in a manner
dangerous to its occupants;
(iv)
it is fitted with an adequate reserve supply of breathing

mixture to allow for the safe return of the diver; and
(v)
where the distance between the diving platform and the

water surface is greater than 3 metres, there is provided
a diver's stage and stage handling system for the diver
and the stand-by diver.
if it is a lead-block or sheave (i)
it has an internal diameter of at least 24 times that of the

lifting wire passing through it; and
November 1999
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(ii)
(2)
it is equipped with a sheave restraint which is designed

such that in the event of failure of the sheave, its lifting
wire cannot move by more than one and a half times the
internal diameter of the sheave;
(e)
if it is a shackle, it is properly wired in the closed position when

closed;
(f)
in the case of a diving bell, a swivel is installed between its hull

lifting point and main lifting wire;
(g)
in the case of terminal wire rope connections, bull-dog grips are

not used on any such connections where the wire is subject to
other than purely static loads;
(h)
where split pins are used as retainers on clevis pin or other

similar connections, they are used in conjunction with castellated
nuts; and
(i)
suitable safety restraining harnesses are provided for and worn

by all persons engaged in potentially hazardous rigging activities
associated with diving bell launch and recovery such as (i)
fitting and removal of chain-stops; and
(ii)
attachment and removal of diving bell guide or cross haul

wire end connections at the diving bell either before or
after its deployment.
Equipment used for raising and lowering loads in diving operations

Lifting and handling equipment shall not be used in diving operations for
the raising and lowering of loads unless (a)
there is a continuous means of communication between the

winch or crane operator and the diving supervisor;
(b)
if it is a winch, the winch drum and wire on the winch drum are
clearly visible to the winch operator; and
(c)
if it is a crane, there is provided an audible and visible alarm

system to indicate to the crane operator when the wire on the
winch drum is near to being fully unspooled.
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APPENDIX 3
Clause 834(f) - Requirements for surface compression chambers
A surface compression chamber shall (1)
comply with clause 833 and be certified by a classifying authority or other

verifying body to be in accordance with the rules of that authority;
(2)
contain the first-aid equipment required under paragraph 834(l) (see

Appendix 6);
(3)
have at least two compartments with doors each of which acts as a

pressure seal and can be unlatched from either side ('a twocompartment chamber');
(4)
be equipped with suitable view-ports to enable a person outside the

chamber to observe all occupants of each chamber lock as well as all
measurement devices; and all ports are to be suitably located so as to (a)
avoid physical damage caused by falling objects; and
(b)
prevent damage caused by heat from any external light source

shining through a port;
(5)
have sufficient space to allow all occupants expected to occupy it at any

one time to move about and lie down comfortably as required; and if the
chamber is to be used in circumstances in which a person is intended to
remain inside under pressure for a continuous period of 12 hours or
more, excluding therapeutic decompression it shall have a minimum
internal diameter of 2 metres; and in all other cases it shall have a
minimum internal diameter of 1.75 metres unless a smaller diameter is
approved by the Director.
(6)
provide a suitable environment and suitable facilities for those who are to
use it, having regard to the kind of operation in connection with which it is
used and the period during which the pressure is raised; and in particular
(a)
overboard-dump mask breathing systems shall be provided for all

occupants requiring oxygen-rich decompression or therapeutic
treatment breathing mixtures;
(b)
facilities shall be provided where necessary to minimise the noise

inside the chamber during rapid pressurisation;
(c)
adequate facilities shall be provided for heating, lighting and

cooling; and
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(d)
(7)
be so designed as to minimise the risk of fire; and in particular (a)
no chamber shall be fitted with electrical service connections that

are physically capable of being wrongly connected;
(b)
all motors installed inside a chamber shall be designed and

operate so as to be safe and suitable for use in a hyperbaric
environment;
(c)
all electrical wiring and electric lighting installed inside a chamber

shall be designed and operate so as to be safe and suitable for
use in a hyperbaric environment;
(d)
extreme care shall be exercised in the handling and piping of

oxygen to and from a chamber; and particular care shall be taken
to ensure -
(e)
(8)
(9)
adequate sanitary facilities shall be provided, with particular care

being taken in the design of any toilet system so as to prevent
the possibility of a pressure seal being formed between the
chamber interior and toilet bowl interior areas by any person
using the toilet;
(i)
that oxygen delivery pressures to a chamber are suitably

low and compatible with the design of the piping system
in which the oxygen is transmitted;
(ii)
that the valving and fittings used on oxygen lines are

suitable and safe for the purpose;
(iii)
that oxygen lines and fittings are kept clean and free from
oil, dirt or other particulate matter; and
(iv)
that only lubricants compatible with oxygen are used in

oxygen service; and
a means which is acceptable to the Director shall be provided in

the chamber for extinguishing fires;
where through-hull penetrating connections are fitted (a)
have fitted manually operable override valves immediately on

either side of fixed-rigid-piping hull penetrators;
(b)
have electrical and communication wiring type hull penetrators of

a design acceptable to the Director; and
(c)
have clear identification labelling on both internal and external

hull sides of all hull penetrators;
be equipped in an inner lock with such suitable medical support facilities

as November 1999
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(10)
(11)
(a)
a device from which an intravenous drip can be suspended; and
(b)
a suitable plug connection allowing an electrocardio-graph

situated outside the chamber lock to be used on a person in the
chamber lock;
be fitted with such valves, gauges and other fittings as are necessary to
control and indicate the internal pressures of each chamber lock or
trunking from outside the chamber; and in particular (a)
pressure gauges shall be calibrated uniformly throughout in

either metres head of sea-water or feet head of sea-water;
(b)
there shall be an alternative means to measure the pressure in

each chamber lock or trunking in the event of malfunctioning of a
primary gauge; and
(c)
a suitable caisson pressure gauge, which can be read by a

person inside the chamber lock and a person outside the
chamber lock, shall be fitted internally in each chamber lock;
be equipped with (a)
a facility to enable a gas sample to be taken outside the chamber

from each internal chamber lock; and
(b)
such instruments or equipment fitted either internally or externally

as will allow the measurement by a person outside the chamber
of the content of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the internal
chamber atmosphere;
(12)
be fitted with adequate equipment, including reserve facilities, for

supplying and maintaining the appropriate breathing mixture at an
adequate rate of supply to persons inside it;
(13)
be equipped with an effective means which includes a helium voice

unscrambler as required, to enable communication between persons
inside and outside the chamber;
(14)
be equipped with a suitable lock of diameter not less than 300 millimetres
through which food and medical supplies can be passed into the chamber
while its occupants remain under hyperbaric pressure;
(15)
if it is equipped for saturation diving (a)
have adequate environmental monitoring and control facilities

including a back-up system to maintain adequate and safe
environmental conditions if the primary control system
malfunctions; and in particular environmental monitoring shall
include the following:-
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(b)
(i)
the continuous monitoring by a person outside the

chamber of the temperature, humidity and oxygen
content of the internal chamber atmosphere. The
equipment for monitoring the oxygen content shall be
fitted with an audible and visible high and low oxygen
content alarm system;
(ii)
the provision inside the chamber of environmental

monitoring equipment or instruments to enable occupants
of the chamber to monitor continuously its internal
temperature, humidity and oxygen content; and
(iii)
the provision, either at the chamber, at the life support

control station or decompression control station, of
environmental monitoring equipment to allow a person
outside the chamber to monitor continuously its internal
temperature, humidity and oxygen content and to
measure its carbon dioxide content as required; and
have a suitable system for guarding against rapid

depressurisation of a chamber should a rupture occur in a large
diameter pipe connected to the chamber such as a pipe forming
part of the reticulated environmental control piping.
November 1999
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APPENDIX 4
Clause 834(g) - Requirements for diving bells
A diving bell shall (1)
comply with clause 833 and be certified by a classifying authority or other

verifying body to be in accordance with the rules of that authority;
(2)
contain the first-aid equipment required under paragraph 834(l) (see

Appendix 6);
(3)
be equipped with doors which act as pressure seals and which may be
unlatched from either side;
(4)
have view-ports sited so as to avoid as far as possible physical damage

and prevent heat damage from any external light source;
(5)
provide a suitable and safe environment for those who are to use it; and
in particular shall provide -
(6)
(7)
(a)
mask systems for all occupants through which either surfacesupplied or on-board gas can be breathed;
(b)
facilities where necessary to minimise the noise inside the bell

during rapid pressurisation; and
(c)
adequate facilities for heating and lighting;
be so designed as to minimise the risk of fire; and in particular (a)
no electrical connections shall be physically capable of being

wrongly connected;
(b)
all motors installed inside a bell shall be designed and operate so

as to be safe and suitable for use in a hyperbaric environment;
and
(c)
all electrical wiring and electric lighting installed inside a bell

shall be designed and operate so as to be safe and suitable for
use in a hyperbaric environment;
where through-hull penetrating connections are fitted (a)
have fitted manually operable override valves immediately on

either side of fixed-rigid-piping hull penetrators;
(b)
have electrical and communication wiring-type hull penetrators of

a design acceptable to the Director; and
November 1999
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(c)
(8)
have clear identification labelling on both internal and external

hull sides of all such connections;
be fitted with adequate equipment including reserve facilities for

supplying the appropriate breathing mixture without interruption to
persons occupying or working from the bell; and in particular (a)
as required under sub-clause 838(1)(b) the breathing medium

distribution panel in the diving bell shall be designed so as to
allow a change-over to an alternative breathing medium supply
source;
(b)
as required under paragraph 833(b), all piping systems, pressure

regulators and other fittings associated with the supply and
delivery of breathing medium shall be properly designed in
accordance with recognised codes of construction, of adequate
strength and of good construction in accordance with sound
engineering practice and from sound and suitable materials and
shall in addition be capable of delivery of breathing medium at
adequate flow rates and pressures at all depths for which the
diving bell is designed to be used;
(c)
shall be equipped with such breathing supply manifolds and

piping as will enable (i)
the diver (or divers) and stand-by diver to breathe either

surface-supplied or on-board cylinder supplied breathing
medium; and
(ii)
the stand-by diver to breathe from an independent supply

source other than surface supply when the diver (or
divers) is breathing either surface-supplied or on-board
cylinder- supplied breathing medium;
(d)
it shall be equipped with a suitable means for removal of carbon

dioxide from its atmosphere; and
(e)
it shall be equipped with adequate portable carbon dioxide and

oxygen analysers for analysis of its internal atmosphere; and the
oxygen analyser shall be calibrated in atmospheres partial
pressure with a maximum scale reading not exceeding two
atmospheres partial pressure;
(9)
be provided with a suitable sonar beacon and stroboscopic light or other

acceptable system by which in the event of an emergency it can be
rapidly located by rescue personnel;
(10)
be provided with a suitable means by which in the event of an emergency

the lives of trapped persons can be sustained for at least 24 hours;
November 1999
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(11)
be provided with a through-water communication facility or other

acceptable emergency means of conversation between occupants of a
stricken bell and surface personnel;
(12)
be fitted with lap-type seat belts for all occupants;
(13)
be so designed that -
(14)
(15)
(a)
its main lifting wire is of adequate strength to withstand all static

and dynamic loads likely to be encountered during diving
operations and it shall have a maximum fully equipped weight
including the expected weight of its occupants of not more than
one eighth;
(b)
if the main lifting wire parts causing the bell to come to rest on
the sea floor or other obstruction, diver access to and from the
bell through the bottom door is still reasonably available;
where drop-weights are fitted, have incorporated in their design (a)
a suitable means for prevention of their accidental

disengagement; and
(b)
adequate strength in the release mechanism and fittings for

attachment of the drop-weight to the bell, such that the weight of
the drop-weight shall be less than one tenth of the tensile
breaking strength of the release mechanism and fittings for its
attachment;
be equipped with emergency tools as required to enable (a)
deliberate severance of the main lifting wire; and
(b)
emergency repairs inside the bell to be carried out;
(16)
be used in association with lifting gear which in an approved manner

enables the bell to be safely lowered to working depth, maintained at that
depth and returned to the surface without excessive lateral, vertical or
rotational movement;
(17)
be provided with a means by which, in the event of failure of the main

lifting gear, the diving bell can be returned to a mating position with a
surface compression chamber;
(18)
have pipe systems, fittings or tubings carrying pure oxygen which are
suitable for oxygen service and which have been thoroughly cleaned by
an acceptable method to enable them to be safely used for oxygen
service;
(19)
be fitted with lifting equipment sufficient to enable an unconscious or

injured diver to be hoisted into the bell by a person inside it;
November 1999
154
(20)
(21)
(22)
(23)
in the case of umbilicals and umbilical connections to the bell(a)
subject to (e), not have diver umbilicals longer than 40 metres

fitted without approval;
(b)
have adequate, waterproof labelling or tagging fitted to divers'

umbilicals which specifies their age and date of their last
pneumatic pressure or other test;
(c)
be equipped with a suitable means for preventing undue weight

being placed on the umbilical connections at the bell hull;
(d)
be equipped with suitable screwed or other acceptable external

hull connection fittings, such that umbilical lines can be readily
re-connected or disconnected underwater in an emergency; and
(e)
have a stand-by bell diver's umbilical at least 2 metres longer

than that of the working diver;
be equipped with such valves, gauges and other fittings (which are to be
made of suitable materials) as are necessary to control and to indicate to
the diving supervisor and bell occupants the pressure within the bell; and
in addition, there shall be means provided for (a)
a person on the surface to ascertain the pressure at which the

breathing medium is being supplied to the bell and the external
pressure acting on the bell; and
(b)
a person inside the bell to ascertain the pressure at which

breathing medium is supplied to the bell, the pressure at which
on-board gas is supplied to the bell and the external pressure
acting on the bell;
be equipped with (a)
an internal valve of a type that will enable a person inside the bell
to de-pressurise the bell in an emergency, that is, a valve fitted
with a spring or other fail-safe device which requires it to be
continuously held in the open position in order to prevent its
otherwise automatic closure; and
(b)
an external valve of a type that will enable a person outside the

bell to pressurise or de-pressurise the bell in an emergency, and
a corresponding valve on the inside of the bell hull fitted in such
a way as to prevent its inadvertent or accidental closure;
be equipped for attachment between the bell and surface compression

chamber a mating mechanism which is designed to ensure it cannot be
mistakenly disengaged where this could cause rapid, uncontrolled
depressurisation of the bell or any surface compression chamber forming
part of the chamber complex to which the bell is attached;
November 1999
155
(24)
be equipped with an effective means which includes a helium voice

unscrambler as required, to enable as far as practicable clear and
interference-free oral communication between the diving supervisor and
divers engaged in bell diving operations; and
(25)
be clearly visible to the lifting winch operator during the above-water

phases of bell launch and recovery.
November 1999
156
APPENDIX 5
1.
Clause 834(i), (j) and (k). Requirements for dive, decompression and life-support
control stations in diving operations
Where a dive, decompression or life support control station is situated in an
enclosed area, the enclosure shall be equipped with -
2.
(a)
an audible and visible high and low oxygen content alarm system;
(b)
a suitable and effective air conditioning or ventilation system; and
(c)
a self-contained or other cylinder-supplied, full-face-mask breathing

system to allow a person or persons in charge of a dive, decompression
or life support control station to maintain their position in the event of
smoke or toxic gases making the station otherwise not habitable.
Clause 834(i). Requirements for a dive control station

The Dive Control Station shall be set aside as a single, designated location which
shall be as far as practicable adjacent to where a diver enters the water and from
which the diving supervisor can continuously supervise, monitor and direct the
control of all systems and functions which relate to the life support and safety of a
diver in the water. In particular, the equipment forming part of a dive control
station shall include instruments which readily allow the diving supervisor to
monitor, direct and control on a continuous basis the following:(a)
(b)
in relation to a diver's breathing medium (i)
its supply to the Dive Control Station;
(ii)
its oxygen content and wherever a reclaim recirculation unit is

involved, its carbon dioxide content; and
(iii)
its delivery to the diver;
the pressurisation of (i)
a diving bell;
(ii)
umbilical hoses to a diver engaged in surface-oriented diving

operations or to a diving bell; and
(iii)
any transfer-under-pressure locks and trunkings;
(c)
a diver's depth and the internal and external pressures acting on a diving
bell and its occupants;
(d)
any heating, cooling or other environmental control systems as required;

and
November 1999
157
(e)
3.
4.
all radio, telephone or other verbal communications associated with the

diving operation being supervised.
Clauses 834(j) Requirements for decompression control stations

(a)
A decompression control station shall be set aside as a single,

designated location which shall be either attached or adjacent to a
surface compression chamber and from which a diving supervisor, life
support technician, or diver can supervise, monitor and control all
systems and functions which relate to the life support of a person
undergoing decompression.
(b)
Equipment forming part of a decompression control station shall include

instruments, controls and fittings which allow for the control and
monitoring of (i)
Gas used for pressurization and breathing medium for each lock
or trunking;
(ii)
Pressure gauges fitted to each individual lock or trunking;
(iii)
Oxygen and carbon dioxide content of each lock;
(iv)
Temperature and humidity of each lock; and
(v)
Radio and telephone communication with each lock.
Clause 834(k) Requirements for life support control stations

(a)
A life support control station shall be set aside as a designated location

either attached or adjacent to a surface compression chamber, and from
which a diving supervisor or life support technician can supervise,
monitor and control all systems and functions which relate to the life
support and safety of persons maintained under pressure.
(b)
A life support control station shall be installed where saturation diving

operations are being carried out and shall be combined with the
decompression control station in the same location.
November 1999
158
APPENDIX 6
Clause 834(l) Minimum first aid equipment required at place at which diving
operations are carried out
In some cases, brand names available in Australia are given as a guide
only where the particular type of item quoted has been found to be
available and suitable for the purpose intended.
No Required:
(1)
Within Diving Bell

Tourniquet (e.g. 'Velcro' large or 'Esmarch')
Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation Tubes

(eg 'Brook' or 'Portex')
Scissors (e.g. 'Lister' Bandage 2

Type 27.5 cm)
(2)
Wound Dressing (Shell or Field) large
Hand-Operated Resuscitator
Outside Surface Compression Chamber

Anaroid Blood Pressure Sphygmomanometer
Stethoscope
Pen-light and batteries 1

Rubber hammer
Tuning fork
Otoscope - Aphphalho Scope
Dressing (Shell or Field large)
Torniquet (e.g 'Velcro' large or 'Esmarch')
Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation Tubes

(e.g 'Brook', 'Portex' or 'Guedel')2
Pharyngeal Airways large Adult Size
(e.g 'Guedel' No 3 Airway)
Suction apparatus non-electric hand/foot

operated (e.g. 'Medishield' TM.53)
Suction catheter with side arm relief
2
November 1999
159
No Required:
Mouth Gag (e.g. 'Ackland' or 'Mason')
Scissors (e.g. 'Lister' Bandage Type 5 in)
Artery Forceps (e.g. 'Spencer Wells' 5 in)
Artery Forceps (e.g. 'Spencer Wells' 8 in)
'Haemaccel' 500 ml
500 ml 4% glucose in 1/5 normal

Saline (plastic pack)
Cannula (e.g. 'Medicut', 16 gauge x 2 in

Adult size)
Large Intra-Cath (Yellow Label) 1

(e.g. 'Bardex' 30.48 x 14 gauge)
Giving Sets (e.g. 'Tuta') 5
Syringes 20 ml 4
Syringes 10 ml 4
Syringes 2 ml
Needles 0.50 mm x 25 mm
1 box
Needles 0.80 mm x 38 mm
1 box
Storets injection swabs Non-alcoholic

(Packet of 100) (e.g. 'Mediprep' swabs)
Self-Retaining Catheter 5
(e.g. 'Foley' 16 gauge with 30-50 cm3 ballon)
Catheter bag (2L)
Dexamethasone, 8 mg
1 box
Valium injection 10 mg
'Elastoplast' 7.5 cm (Code 1003)
2 rolls
'Zylocaine' 2 ml ampoules of 2%10

Scissors (e.g. 'Lister' Bandage Type)
16.5 cm (large size)
November 1999
160
Tape Non-Allergenic 3 cm
(e.g. 'Micropore' or 'Leucopore')
10 rolls
No Required:
Air splints Adult size Full Arms
Half Arms
Full Legs
10 cm sterile gauze squares
20 cm x 10 cm sterile combine dressings
15cm sterile crepe bandages
November 1999
161
APPENDIX 7
Clause 809 - Matters in respect of which provision is to be made in the Diving
Manual
(1)
(2)
(3)
Planning which includes the following (a)
foreseeable meteorological and oceanological conditions;
(b)
sea-bed conditions;
(c)
depth and type of operation;
(d)
suitability of plant and equipment;
(e)
availability, qualifications and experience of personnel;
(f)
underwater hazards of the diving site; and
(g)
proposed shipping movements.
Preparation which includes the following (a)
consultation with persons having any control over or information

related to the safety of any diving operations to be carried out, in
particular the control of lifting operations and shipping
movements;
(b)
selection of breathing medium and equipment;
(c)
check of plant and equipment (pre-dive function testing);
(d)
allocation of personnel;
(e)
fitness of divers for underwater operations;
(f)
precautions against cold in and out of the water;
(g)
communication procedures; and
(h)
precautions against underwater hazards of the diving site.
Procedures during diving operations which include the following (a)
responsibilities of each position in the diving team;
(b)
use of all types of diving equipment;
(c)
supply of gases and gas mixtures, including maximum and

minimum partial pressures of gases;
(d)
operation and use of equipment under water;

November 1999
162
(4)
(e)
limits on depth and time under water;
(f)
descent, ascent and recovery of divers;
(g)
descent, ascent and recovery of diving bell;
(h)
diving tables for use in decompression procedures for both single

and repetitive diving and in therapeutic decompression
procedures;
(i)
control in changing meteorological and oceanological conditions;
(j)
time for which divers are to remain in the vicinity of the surface
compression chamber; and
(k)
maintenance of log books.
Emergency Procedures which include the following (a)
emergency communications;
(b)
emergency assistance under water and on the surface;
(c)
recompression and decompression;
(d)
first aid;
(e)
medical assistance;
(f)
calling assistance from emergency services including advance

liaison with those services where appropriate;
(g)
precautions in the event of evacuation of the platform or vessel

which include a comprehensive evacuation plan for any divers
under hyperbaric pressure from initial alert stage through to
completion of decompression;
(h)
procedures for the emergency secondary recovery of a stricken

diving bell from the sea-floor or other obstruction; and
(i)
provision of emergency electrical supplies.
November 1999
163
APPENDIX 8
Clause 810(1) - Matters to be included in the Diving Operations Record
The following matters shall be included in the Diving Operations Record in respect of each
diving operation (a)
the name of the diving contractor;
(b)
the dates on which and the period during which the diving operation is carried out;
(c)
the name or other designation of the platform or vessel in connection with which the
diving operation is carried out and the location of that platform or vessel;
(d)
the name of the diving supervisor and the period for which that supervisor is acting in
that capacity in respect of the diving operation;
(e)
the names of the other persons engaged in the diving operation including those
operating any diving plant or equipment and their respective duties;
(f)
the procedures followed in the course of the diving operation including details of the
decompression schedule used;
(g)
the date and time of authority being given to the diving supervisor to commence or
recommence diving operations;
(h)
the maximum depth reached in the course of the operation for each diver;
(i)
for each diver in respect of each dive that diver makes, the time that diver leaves the
surface, that diver's bottom time, and the time that diver reaches the surface;
(j)
the type of breathing apparatus and gas mixture used;
(k)
the nature of the diving operation;
(l)
any decompression sickness, other illness, discomfort or injury suffered by any of the
divers;
(m) particulars of any emergency which occurred during the diving operation and any
action taken;
(n)
any defects that are discovered in any plant or equipment used in the diving
operations;
(o)
particulars of any environmental factors affecting the diving operation;
(p)
the date and time when any machinery or electrical system is isolated and rendered
unserviceable because of its malfunction or other unsuitability for use in diving
operations; and
(q)
any other factors relevant to the safety or health of the persons engaged in the
operations.
November 1999
164
APPENDIX 9
Clause 811 - Matters to be entered in the diver's log book
The following matters shall be entered in the diver's log book (1)
in respect to the diver's suitability to dive (a)
a record and the results of any medical examination carried out in

compliance with clause 816; and
(b)
a record of any medical abnormalities restricting the diver's ability

to dive.
(2)
in respect of each diving operation in which the diver takes part -
(a)
the date;
(b)
the name of vessel or platform, geographic location and client

company;
(c)
the current, visibility and water temperature;
(d)
the maximum depth reached on each dive;
(e)
the time the diver left the surface, left the bottom and the diver's
bottom time;
(f)
the diver's breathing medium (air or mixed gas);
(g)
the mode of dive (surface supplied, bell, SCUBA, saturation or

others);
(h)
decompression procedure followed and the decompression table

used;
(i)
a description of the work carried out by the diver;
(j)
remarks including any unusual aspects of dive, incidents of

decompression sickness, area affected, and treatment table
used; and
the diver's signature, supervisor's signature and endorsement of
the diving company.
(k)
(3)
in respect to saturation diving (a)
the date and time of the start and finish of each saturation dive;
(b)
the breathing medium, rate of compression and total exposure to

date for this saturation;
November 1999
165
(c)
the storage depth, excursion depth and duration of excursion;

and
d)
the compression and decompression Schedule or Table used.
November 1999

Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Acts: Schedule

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Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Acts: Schedule

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PETROLEUM (SUBMERGED LANDS) ACTS

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS AS TO OFFSHORE

NOVEMBER 1999 ELECTRONIC CONSOLIDATION

NOTE: These requirements apply under both Commonwealth and State/Northern

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this

This Schedule is divided into Parts as follows -

PART II - GENERAL SAFETY

Division 2 - Reporting and Data Submission

PART III - MARINE FACILITIES

PART IV - GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

Division 2 - Reporting and data submission

PART VI - PETROLEUM PRODUCTION

PART VII - CRANES, WINCHES AND LIFTS*

Division 2 - Reporting and Data Submission

PART VIII - DIVING

Plant and Equipment Requirements

Plant and Equipment Maintenance, Examination

Division 2 - Reporting and Data Submission

In this Schedule unless inconsistent with the context or

classify ships, barges or mobile platforms; or

"Conductor casing string" means a pipe installed to cover

"Crane" means a specially designed structure with a

the derrick or draw-works of a drilling rig that has

approved wireline equipment that is used for well

"Crane chaser" means a person who slings and directs

is used to transport divers to and from the

is designed for use under the surface of water in

is a chamber in which a diver may be subjected to a

"Diving operations" means operations in which a dive is

fixed or connected to the sea-bed from which

fixed or connected to the sea-bed otherwise than

"Geophysical survey" means a survey carried out in the

"Good oil-field practice" means all those things that are

"Lifeline" means a rope, gas hose, communication cable or

cemented in a pre-drilled hole; or

to cover soft or unstable formations immediately below the

verify the design, construction and installation of

verify the design, construction and operating

carry out such verification as the Director may

"Wet bell" means a specially designed, fully submersible

In this Schedule a reference to the requirements of

In this Schedule reference to a clause without more

Except where otherwise specified in this Schedule, any

in an endorsed test document within the meaning of

where the test is not a test in respect of which an

where the test is a test in respect of which an

Reference in this Schedule to a code, standard

In sub-clause (1) "edition" includes an issued code,

The operator of a fixed platform shall submit to the

if design commences after 1 July 1992, in

(b) in other cases and unless otherwise approved, by 1

The safety case shall demonstrate that the operator

has identified the major hazards associated with the

has safety management systems that ensure the

has made provision for temporary refuge,

The safety case shall be revised and resubmitted

before undertaking a modification which has a

when developments in technical knowledge or in the