As per the new directive, oil and gas companies will have to submit major hazard reports, emergency response plans, and their ability to cover potential liabilities resulting from their operations, even before the firms can begin offshore drilling.
In the major hazard reports, drilling companies will have to submit a report detailing the drilling installation, potential major hazards and special arrangements to protect workers.
Offshore companies will also have to provide an internal emergency response report describing the equipment and resources available, arrangements and action plan in case an accident occurs.
The directive also requires companies to prove that they have sufficient physical, human and financial resources to minimize and rectify the impact of a major accident.
Oil & Gas UK health, safety and employment director Robert Paterson said the association welcomes the safety directive in the 25th year of the Piper Alpha offshore disaster.
"In addition, we believe the Directive will be the best way to achieve the objective of raising standards across the EU to the high levels already present in the North Sea," Paterson added.
"DECC and HSE will shortly begin transposition of the Directive into UK law. We look forward to working with them to achieve these changes in as seamless a way as possible."
