Gulf of Mexico Offshore Safety
We follow and constantly improve best practices for safe offshore operations, including training, operational procedures, regulations,industry standards and technology. We remain committed to continually improving our strong safety record, and we take seriously our role in finding and producing energy for American consumers.
Below are resources that provide information on the Gulf of Mexico offshore drilling situation, the industry's dedication to environmental protection and API Safety Standards.
The Oil and Natural Gas Industry’s Ongoing Commitment to Safety
America’s oil and natural gas industry considers safety its top priority and is committed to developing the technologies, standards and best practices, and programs needed to help ensure that workplace safety is at the forefront of our activities.
API Safety Standards and Programs
The oil and natural gas industry continually strives to build upon its record of safety and to develop the advanced technology and operations necessary to supply Americans with the energy they need – safely, efficiently and with the lightest environmental footprint possible. For more information, please visit API’s Spill Prevention and Response website, which discusses the oil and natural gas industry’s safety measures, responsibilities and technology in greater detail.
Safety is a core value of the oil and natural gas industry. The industry follows and constantly improves best practices for safe offshore operations, including training, operational procedures, regulations, industry standards and technology. It also works closely with local, state and federal regulators – including the U.S. Coast Guard and BOEMRE – to ensure a strong focus on safety. Stringent regulatory oversight helps maintain environmental performance, and offshore operators are required to obtain 17 major federal permits and comply with 90 sets of federal and state regulations to operate on OCS. Furthermore, BOEMRE and the U.S. Coast Guard conduct thousands of offshore facility inspections each year.
Additionally, offshore operators and contractors have comprehensive management programs that assess safety and environmental hazards system-wide and establish procedures, work practices, training programs and equipment requirements, including monitoring and maintenance rules, for continuous improvement.
The American Petroleum Institute (API) has also produced more than 45 standards related to offshore operations and practices that help protect workers and the environment, including recommended practices for blowout prevention systems and well control operations. Both BOEMRE and the U.S. Coast Guard often incorporate industry standards into their regulations, giving them the force of law, and the standards and recommended practices are regularly reviewed and updated.