Offshore Installation Oil Spill Contingency Plans and Insurance requirements
Owners of offshore installations must also hold a Certificate of Insurance as evidence of their financial ability to implement their OIOSCP.
This page explains what an OIOSCP is, what guidance is available, which forms to use, and when you need a Well Control Contingency Plan (WCCP) as well. This page also provides information about insurance requirements under Marine Protection Rules Part 102.
What an OIOSCP is
A worst-case oil spill from an offshore installation can have significant impacts on the surrounding environment, particularly if it is not contained and controlled quickly.
An OIOSCP ensures owners of offshore installations are prepared for a worst-case spill.
The Director of Maritime NZ approves OIOSCPs. An approved OIOSCP shows that the owner of an installation has sufficiently demonstrated to the Director they have:
- identified, assessed, and minimised the potential risks of an unplanned oil spill from their installation
- prepared, planned for, and adequately resourced detailed emergency response activities that can be implemented if an oil spill occurs.
Well Control Contingency Plans (WCCP)
A WCCP should be developed in all cases where the OIOSCP risk assessment identifies activities that may lead to a loss of well control and result in the release of hydrocarbons into the marine environment.
In these situations, a WCCP should be provided with the OIOSCP to meet the requirements of the schedule in Part 131.
Maritime NZ has produced guidance to help owners understand what to include in their WCCP:
Guidance for meeting the financial requirements of Marine Protection Rules Part 131
Implementing an OIOSCP requires owners to have access to significant financial resources. When assessing and approving an OIOSCP, the Director of Maritime NZ must be satisfied that the owner has access to the funds needed to undertake the emergency response described in the plan.
Maritime NZ has published a position statement, PS01, that explains the legal requirements for owners to have access to the financial resources needed to implement their OIOSCP:
Guidelines have also been developed to help owners show the Director that they meet the legal requirements set out in PS01:
Marine Protection Rules Part 102: Certificates of insurance
Owners of offshore installations must also hold a Certificate of Insurance issued under Marine Protection Rules Part 102 as evidence of their financial ability to implement their OIOSCP.
Because there are strong links between Part 102 and Part 131, information and guidance for both Parts should be read together
Application forms
Applications for approval of an OIOSCP must be accompanied by a completed application form. There are two options. Complete the form that best applies to your application.
For approval of a proposed modification to an already approved OIOSCP: