Ghana Shipping (Protection of Offshore Operations and Assets) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2010).

The Ghana Shipping (Protection of Offshore Operations and Assets) Regulations, 2012, focus on safeguarding offshore installations and assets within Ghana's maritime jurisdiction. These regulations empower the Minister responsible for Transport to establish safety zones around offshore installations to protect them during installation or operation. Measures can be prescribed within these safety zones to ensure the protection of offshore installations or devices. Additionally, the Minister can regulate or prohibit the entry of specific ships, vessels, or persons into these safety zones to maintain security. Furthermore, the regulations address the establishment of exclusion zones in cases of danger, imminent danger, environmental protection, or spill mitigation. Protection mechanisms set by the International Maritime Organization within Ghana's maritime jurisdiction are also published in the Gazette for public awareness. Specific provisions cover the protection of subsea pipelines and cables, with defined protection areas extending a certain distance from the center line of the specified pipeline or cable. Offences and penalties are outlined for non-compliance with these regulations, including fines and imprisonment for individuals or corporate entities. The text consists of 13 Articles and 2 Schedules.