Offshore Development Areas

Introduction

This notice gives details of the arrangements for the creation of offshore development areas (ODAs).

Background

Offshore development areas were introduced in 1980 as a means of advising mariners not to enter particular areas because of the high levels of activity associated with the establishment of offshore oil and gas installations. ODAs are for the initial construction phase only and will not be granted for decommissioning. However, decommissioning areas can be marked on Admiralty charts at the discretion of the Hydrographic Office, and enquiries should be sent to [email protected].

ODAs are advisory only and have no statutory force.

Applications

Applications to establish ODAs should be sent to [email protected]. HSE acts as the link between interested parties. After consultation ODAs may be marked on Admiralty charts, or a Notice to Mariners issued by the Hydrographic Office.

ODAs are for a specified period of time which must be stated in the application.

If operators feel specific markings are necessary, they should apply to the Hydrographic Office to have a revised warning note included on Admiralty charts for the information of all mariners including fishermen.

In all cases, the Hydrographic Office has advised that they must be provided with full details of all activities/installations so that a decision can be made on the most appropriate way in which this information is distributed, to ensure the safety of all categories of mariners. Any such action is entirely a matter for operators and mariners. Enquiries should be sent to [email protected].

Further information

Any queries relating to this notice should be sent to [email protected]