Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003
Notice of declaration of security regulated OFFSHORE FACILITY – varanus island OFFSHORE FACILITY Network
I, STEPHEN WEBER, Director, Transport Security Operations - Perth, Office of Transport Security, under subsection 17B(1) of the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security
Act 2003 (the Act),
DECLARE that Varanus Island Offshore Facility Network which is located in an offshore
area and used in the extraction of petroleum from the seabed or its subsoil with equipment on,
or forming part of the facility, the location and boundaries of which are shown below and on
the attached maps, to be a security regulated offshore facility.
The Varanus Island Offshore Facility Network is a group of offshore facilities comprising of:
- John Brooks - located at latitude 20° 26’ 50.45” S and longitude 115° 07’ 12.62” E;
- Linda - located at latitude 20° 33’ 18.63”S and longitude 115° 42’ 31.88” E;
- Harriet Bravo - located at latitude 20° 34’ 30.75” S and longitude 115° 38’ 15.30” E;
- Marine Export Terminal (Harriet Terminal) - located at latitude 20° 37’ 42.70” S and longitude 115° 36’ 30.72” E.
This Notice commences upon publication in the Gazette.
Date: 8 April 2016
Stephen Weber
Delegate of the Secretary of the
Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development
Note:
1) Gazette means the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette
2) This Notice remains in force until otherwise revoked in writing and upon subsequent publication in the Gazette.
RAT385-01
Overview
The Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 was enacted to address the need for enhanced security measures for offshore facilities involved in maritime transport and the extraction of petroleum. This Act was introduced to ensure the protection of critical infrastructure from potential security threats, thereby maintaining the safety and security of Australia's maritime borders. The Act was passed by the Parliament of Australia, reflecting the policy objective of safeguarding national interests by mitigating risks associated with offshore operations. The declaration of the Varanus Island Offshore Facility Network as a security regulated offshore facility under this Act highlights the commitment to enforcing stringent security protocols to protect these facilities from potential hazards. This legislative framework is integral to maintaining the integrity and safety of Australia's offshore petroleum extraction operations.
Scope and Application
The Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 applies to offshore facilities involved in the extraction of petroleum from the seabed or its subsoil, imposing security requirements to safeguard these operations. The Act applies to entities operating offshore facilities within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that such facilities are assessed for security risks and are subject to regulatory oversight. The declared Varanus Island Offshore Facility Network, comprising multiple facilities such as John Brooks, Linda, Harriet Bravo, and Marine Export Terminal, is subject to these security regulations due to its role in petroleum extraction. The Act's application extends to the entire offshore area where these facilities are located, with specific geographic coordinates provided for precise identification. The declaration of a facility as security regulated is made under subsection 17B(1) of the Act, and the notice of such a declaration is published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, with the declaration taking effect upon publication. This legislative framework ensures that security measures are uniformly applied across relevant offshore facilities to mitigate potential threats.
Key Provisions
The Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 (the Act) governs the security of offshore facilities used for the extraction of petroleum from the seabed or its subsoil. Section 17B(1) of the Act allows the Director of Transport Security Operations to declare certain offshore facilities as security regulated, thereby subjecting them to specific security measures and oversight. In the notice issued by Stephen Weber, Director of Transport Security Operations - Perth, Varanus Island Offshore Facility Network is declared as a security regulated offshore facility. This declaration is effective upon publication in the Gazette and remains in force until revoked in writing and published in the Gazette.
Under the Act, the declaration of Varanus Island Offshore Facility Network as a security regulated offshore facility imposes several obligations on the entities managing these facilities. These obligations include the implementation of security measures to protect the facilities from potential threats such as terrorism, sabotage, and other security risks. The specific security measures required are detailed in the Act and may include physical security measures, access controls, surveillance, and emergency response plans. Compliance with these measures is essential to ensure the safety and security of the personnel, equipment, and operations at the facility.
Failure to comply with the security requirements outlined in the Act may result in various legal consequences. Under the Act, breaches of security regulations can lead to criminal charges, with potential penalties including fines and imprisonment. The severity of the penalties depends on the nature and extent of the breach. Additionally, civil liabilities may arise for damages caused by non-compliance, and regulatory authorities have the power to take enforcement actions such as issuing fines, ordering corrective actions, or even shutting down the facility if necessary. These provisions underscore the importance of adhering to the security regulations set forth by the Act.