Australia’s offshore regulator transitions to remote work during coronavirus outbreak

Australia’s National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) has taken steps to ensure continued support as the country’s offshore energy regulator during the coronavirus outbreak.

NOPSEMA said on Thursday that its actions were being guided by the needs of the offshore industry and advice from the government such as the Australian Department of Health, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Australian Public Service Commission.

“NOPSEMA recognizes the threats presented by COVID-19 to the offshore industry, our staff, and the broader community. In recognition of these threats, NOPSEMA is transitioning our workforce to operate remotely in a manner that will ensure sustainable delivery of regulatory services in the short and longer terms,” the offshore regulator stated.

According to NOPSEMA, all of its staff will be working remotely from March 23 until otherwise advised, following significant tests of its systems for large scale remote operations.

“We are confident that we have the capacity to provide all required regulatory support and to continue our regulatory operations,” NOPSEMA added.

Its staff and inspectors remain contactable and are engage with duty holders and other stakeholders through traditional means, together with teleconferencing and other tools in place of face-to-face meetings.

NOPSEMA said that it was ensuring business continuity and appropriate regulatory oversight of the offshore industry.

Before the Australian regulator announced its measures, both the Norwegian oil regulator and offshore safety authority, as well as the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) revealed their responses to the coronavirus outbreak.

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