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Safety Zones around Offshore Renewable Energy Installations

The safety zone scheme applies to territorial waters in or adjacent to England, Scotland and Wales (between the mean low water mark and the seaward limits of the territorial sea, thereby including internal coastal waters and territorial waters) and to waters in the UK Renewable Energy Zone (including that part adjacent to Northern Ireland territorial waters). The scheme does not apply to the territorial or internal coastal waters of Northern Ireland.

Although standard dimensions of 500 metres (the maximum permissible under international law) during construction, major maintenance, possible extension and decommissioning, and 50 metres during the operational phase of an installation’s life will normally apply, all applications will be assessed on a case by case basis taking into account site specific conditions. In the case of a wave or tidal device, BERR and MCA will need to consider, in consultation with the developer, whether the standard dimensions for safety zones as set out above are appropriate and, if so, what part of the device’s structure they should be measured from. This is to ensure that the movement of such a device, or part thereof, through the water and any moorings or cables will be adequately covered.

For further information and details on the safety zone scheme please read a copy of the guidance notes, or to see a copy of the Regulations, then follow the links below:

• Development Consents: Guidance Material
• Applying for safety zones around offshore renewable energy installations: guidance notes (94KB)

If you have any questions about the safety zone scheme please email: offshore.renewables@berr.gsi.gov.uk.