SCHEDULE 8

PLATFORMS – SURVEY AND CERTIFICATION

1.    Preface

1.1    Platforms are defined in the Regulations as including fixed and floating platforms and drilling rigs, and are required to comply with Annex VI of MARPOL.

2.    Platforms – Survey and Certification

2.1    Platforms are subject to the survey and certification requirements of Annex VI of MARPOL. The scope of the survey and certification is limited to the extent that emissions directly arising from the exploration, exploitation and associated offshore processing of sea-bed mineral resources are, consistent with article 2(3)(b)(ii) of the MARPOL Convention, exempt from the provisions of Annex VI of MARPOL. Such emissions include the following:

(a)    from any platform resulting from the incineration of substances that are solely and directly the result of exploration, exploitation and associated offshore processing of sea-bed mineral resources, including but not limited to:

(i)    the flaring of hydrocarbons and the burning of cuttings, muds and stimulation fluids during well completion and testing operations,
(ii)    flaring arising from upset conditions, and
(iii)    the release of gases and volatile compounds entrained in drilling fluids and cuttings,

(b)    associated solely and directly with the treatment, handling or storage of a sea-bed mineral,

(c)    from a diesel engine that is solely dedicated to the exploration, exploitation and associated off-shore processing of sea-bed mineral resources.

Further the requirements on fuel oil quality shall not apply to the use of hydrocarbons which are produced on a platform and used on that platform as fuel, when approved by the Secretary of State.

2.2    Platforms are required to obtain either an International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) certificate or United Kingdom Air Pollution Prevention (UKAPP) certificate. The certificate will be issued by a Certifying Authority. MGN 381 (M+F) details the survey and certification requirements for The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships) Regulations 2008.

2.3    A platform, such as self propelled drilling rig, registered as a ship by either the United Kingdom or a country whose Government is a Contracting Government other than the United Kingdom, is required to be certified that it is in compliant with Annex VI of MARPOL. These platforms will be inspected by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency under the port state control inspection regime for ships.

2.4    A platform, such as fixed offshore installations, which operates on the UK sector of the continental shelf is required to be certified that it is compliant with Annex VI of MARPOL. These platforms will be inspected by Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform rather than the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.