Explanatory note

These Regulations insert definitions of “activity”, “diving project” and “supplementary unit” into regulation 2(1) of the Offshore Installations and Pipeline Works (Management and Administration) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (“the 1995 Regulations”). They also amend the definitions of “pipeline” and “pipeline works” and substitute for the definition of “territorial waters” the definition of “territorial sea” (regulation 2(2)).

In regulation 3 of the 1995 Regulations the definition of “offshore installation” is amended by extending it to include a supplementary unit (as defined) and by modifying the reference in regulation 3(2) (excepted structures) to a mobile structure which has been taken out of use (regulation 2(3)).

For regulation 4(1) of the 1995 Regulations there is substituted a new regulation 4(1) and Schedule 1 to update the provisions relating to the application of those Regulations within the territorial sea (regulation 2(4) and (7) and Schedule 1).

The Regulations also amend the Offshore Installations (Prevention of Fire and Explosion, and Emergency Response) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (regulation 3 and Schedule 2) and the Offshore Installations and Wells (Design and Construction etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996 (regulation 4 and Schedule 3) to update the provisions relating to the application of each set of Regulations within the territorial sea.

In Great Britain, the corresponding Regulations are the Offshore Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/2175). Copies of the Regulatory Impact Assessment relating to those Regulations together with a Northern Ireland Supplement are held at the offices of the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland at 83 Ladas Drive, Belfast, BT6 9FR from where copies may be obtained on request.