The licence requires that only an approved operator may manage or supervise the exploration and production phases of an oil or gas development. The objective of this requirement is to ensure that field operations are undertaken competently.
Licensees are required to appoint a field operator to manage production and development operations. This appointment requires prior approval by the NSTA.
Environmental and safety aspects of oil and gas developments are regulated by the Offshore Major Accident Regulator (OMAR). The Offshore Safety Directive 2015 also requires licensees to appoint an installation operator and / or a well operator to carry out offshore petroleum operations. Nominations should be submitted via the Well and Installation Operator Service (WIOS) portal. The WIOS System of Record lists current OSD well and installation operator appointments. The System of Record is accessible to all here. These can be the same as the field operator or a separate third party can be appointed to provide the service. These appointments require the agreement of NSTA and the OMAR. Here you can find further guidance on the appointment of Well and Installation Operators under the Offshore Safety Directive.
The guidance below applies only to the appointment of field operators under the model clauses in the licence. Guidance on operatorship during the exploration phase and on Pipeline Operatorship can be found here: