Annex VI- Regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships

Chapter 3 - Requirements for control of emissions from ships

Regulation 19 - Requirements for platforms and drilling rigs

(1) Subject to the provisions of paragraphs (2) and (3) of this regulation, fixed and floating platforms and drilling rigs shall comply with the requirements of this Annex.

(2) 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 present Convention, exempt from the provisions of this Annex. Such emissions include the following:

  (a) emissions 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 the flaring of hydrocarbons and the burning of cuttings, muds, and/or stimulation fluids during well completion and testing operations, and flaring arising from upset conditions;
  (b) the release of gases and volatile compounds entrained in drilling fluids and cuttings;
  (c) emissions associated solely and directly with the treatment, handling, or storage of sea-bed minerals; and
  (d) emissions from diesel engines that are solely dedicated to the exploration, exploitation and associated offshore processing of sea-bed mineral resources.
(3) The requirements of regulation 18 of this Annex shall not apply to the use of hydrocarbons which are produced and subsequently used on site as fuel, when approved by the Administration.