Coast Guard seeks feedback on outer continental vessel safety

Washington – The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking comment on a proposal that would require vessels operating in the outer continental shelf to develop new or modified safety and environmental management systems.

In a Sept. 10 advance notice of proposed rulemaking, the Coast Guard stated that many OCS vessels – such as well stimulation vessels and liftboats that support oil, gas and sulfur operations – have inadequate safety programs. The Coast Guard is requesting feedback on whether the American Petroleum Institute’s 2004 recommendations for offshore operations and facilities would be appropriate and beneficial as a requirement for OCS vessels.

The Coast Guard also is asking for feedback on whether the API recommendations are compatible with the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement’s SEMS requirements for designated lease operators, some of which may also apply to OCS vessels.

Comments are due Dec. 9.