New Coast Guard Regulatory Regime For OCS Operations
In 1999, the Coast Guard issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (Outer Continental Shelf Activities, 64 Fed. Reg. 68,501 (Dec. 7, 1999)) that would implement a comprehensive update to the current OCS regime. Due to numerous other priorities, this rulemaking has been stalled for years. However, this rulemaking was jumpstarted by the enactment of the Security and Accountability For Every Port Act of 2006 ("Safe Port Act") in October 2006. Section 109 of the Safe Port Act directs the Coast Guard to publish a final rule on notice of arrival ("NOA") for foreign vessels operating on the OCS within 180 days after the enactment of the Safe Port Act. Currently, there is a gap in advance NOA reporting requirements for a vessel that operates offshore but does not make a U.S. port call. The Coast Guard has advised that the soonest that it will publish the rule is March 2008. Implementation of Section 109 of the Safe Port Act will likely include the complete update to the Coast Guard's regulatory OCS regime. In conclusion, owners, operators, and other entities with
interests offshore should take appropriate advance planning actions to ensure that its offshore activities are not adversely affected by the evolving security and immigration requirements being applied to the offshore environment as discussed above. In addition, actions should be taken to determine whether a TWIC should be obtained for foreign nationals working offshore in appropriate circumstances and closely monitor the Coast Guard promulgation of new OCS regulations in 2008.
About the Authors
Jonathan K. Waldron is a partner in Blank Rome's Maritime practice at Blank Rome LLP, where he specializes in regulatory issues in the international, security, and environmental regime. He can be contacted at (202) 772-5964 or waldron@blankrome.com. Tara L. Leiter is an associate in Blank Rome's Maritime practice at Blank Rome LLP, where she focuses on public and private maritime law, admiralty law, and port security. She can be contacted at (202) 772-5849 or leiter@blankrome.com.
Bourbon Selects Schilling Robotics Schilling Robotics will supply Bourbon with an initial order for four ultraheavy-duty UHD ROV systems during 2008 and 2009. The ROVs feature 200 shp and are rated for operation to 4,000 m. The systems will all include an extended-excursion XE tether management system and will feature Schilling's Remote Systems Engine technology with gigabit Ethernet, high-definition video capability, and advanced auto functions. Hawbolt Industries has been selected to supply launch and recovery systems for several of the ROVs. Neptune Start-Up Delayed by Hull "Anomolies" Start up of the Neptune tension leg platform (TLP) in the Gulf of Mexico was delayed in March when BHP Billiton found "structural anomalies" in the hull. The Neptune TLP, which is located approximately 120 miles off the Louisiana coastline, was scheduled to start up first oil and natural gas production by the end of March. BHP Billiton is designated operator of the field with a 35 percent interest. Partners include Marathon Oil Company (30 per cent), Woodside Energy (USA) Inc. (20 percent), a subsidiary of Woodside Petroleum Ltd., and Maxus (U.S.) Exploration Company (15 percent). Neptune is a single-column TLP and was installed in 4,250 ft. (1,300 m) of water on Green Canyon Block 613. Bisso to Convert OSV to DSV Bisso Marine bought the OSV Dino Chouest. From Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO). The vessel will be converted into a diving support vessel and renamed Bisso Diver I. The vessel is 196 x 44 x 14-ft. and is powered by two CAT 3516 main engines generating 4,070 hp with a cruising speed of 14 knots. The vessel is also equipped with a White Gill DP system and (2) 10,000 GPM fire fighting monitors. The Bisso Marine conversion of the DSV Bisso Diver I is expected to be completed by mid-June 2008. The dive support vessel will be equipped with a Techcrane 60 with a 56-100-ft. retractable boom.
26 MTR April 2008
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