BSEE, U.S. Coast Guard partner up to regulate fixed offshore platforms

U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) Director Brian Salerno and U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Paul Thomas signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for regulating fixed Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) facilities.

Through this agreement, both BSEE and the Coast Guard will review regulatory responsibilities for systems and sub-systems on fixed OCS facilities and collaborate on joint training activities. This MOA was implemented in accordance with the November 27, 2012 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between BSEE and the Coast Guard.

“The Coast Guard remains our trusted partner in promoting safety on the OCS,” said BSEE Director Brian Salerno.

“This agreement ensures that we will remain aligned on important safety issues by reviewing each agency’s regulatory responsibilities for fixed OCS facilities while also giving the men and women of BSEE and the Coast Guard additional opportunities to collaborate and share knowledge through joint training activities.”

Under the current regulatory regime, both the BSEE and the Coast Guard share jurisdiction over the regulation of fixed OCS facilities. This MOA ensures a comprehensive joint approach in the regulation of these facilities by clearly outlining the responsibilities of each agency for inspection and oversight of systems and sub-systems. The Coast Guard and BSEE will use this MOA to better align policies and procedures while also collaborating on future regulatory projects and training activities.