137BSafety zones

137B Safety zones (1) For the purpose of protecting a well, structure or equipment, in an adjacent area, the Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, prohibit: (a) all vessels; (b) all vessels other than specified vessels; or (c) all vessels other than the vessels included in specified classes of vessels, from entering or remaining in a specified area surrounding the well, structure or equipment without the consent in writing of the Minister. (2) A safety zone specified in a notice under subsection (1) may extend to a distance of 500 metres around the well, structure or equipment specified in the notice measured from each point of the outer edge of the well, structure or equipment. (3) Where a vessel enters or remains in a safety zone in contravention of a notice under subsection (1), the owner and the person in command or in charge of the vessel are each guilty of an offence against this section. 10 000 penalty units or imprisonment for 4 years. 50 000 penalty units. (4) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against this section where the person charged satisfies the court that: (a) an unforeseen emergency rendered it necessary for the vessel to enter or remain in the safety zone in order to attempt to secure the safety of the vessel, of another vessel, of a well, pipeline, structure or equipment or of human life; or

Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1981 136 (b) the vessel entered or remained in the safety zone in circumstances not under the control of the person who was in charge of the navigational watch of the vessel.