Safety informs everything the offshore energy industry does. From industry-wide collaborations, such as the Center for Offshore Safety, to the individual workers who are empowered with "Stop Work Authority," safety is in our DNA.
The U.S. offshore energy industry follows the toughest safety & environmental standards in the world.
The offshore energy industry strives to meet the goal of zero incidents and zero spills. The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) is an important partner in this endeavor. Strong communication between BSEE and industry can inform regulators of the newest and best technologies and practices and help ensure that new rules increase safety and environmental protections.
Center for Offshore Safety
Created in 2011, the Center for Offshore Safety (COS) was an unprecedented step towards improving the safety culture and standards of the entire offshore energy industry. An industry-led initiative, the COS promotes continuous safety improvements for offshore drilling, completions and operations. COS drives safety through: leadership; communication, teamwork, disciplined management systems; and independent third-party auditing. COS collects, analyzes and shares safety performance data so the industry can continuously improve its safety standing.
Safety & Environmental Management Systems
Safety & Environmental Management Systems (SEMS) are a key implementation of the Center for Offshore Safety. A foundational piece of the industry, SEMS is a performance-driven tool for integrating and managing offshore operations. SEMS improves offshore safety through hazards analysis and the implementation of management of change procedures. All offshore operators must undergo SEMS audits by independent third-parties.
Adding another level of safety, the Bureau of Safety & Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has incorporated guidance documents from COS into its SEMS regulations. This ensures that the audit teams reviewing SEMS programs have the necessary qualifications and competencies.
A Continuous Drive to Advance Technology
Advances in technology is making the offshore industry safer than ever. New technologies provide engineers and workers with greater clarity, detail and accuracy. Not only can technology alert workers to problems quicker and more efficiently than ever before, they can predict problems before they happen.
