NOSAC Information

National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee

The National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee (NOSAC) is a Federal Advisory Committee that provides recommendations and advice on all matters and actions concerning activities directly involved with or in support of the exploration of offshore mineral and energy resources insofar as they relate to matters within U.S. Coast Guard jurisdiction. This advice also assists the Coast Guard in formulating the position of the United States regarding the offshore industry in advance of International Maritime Organization meetings.

NOSAC was a discretionary Federal Advisory Committee, tasked by the Secretary of Homeland Security, through the end of 2020 and was established as a statutory committee in 2021, with the induction of members and first meeting held via videoconference on April 26, 2022.

The intent of this page is to provide a summary of National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee meetings, reports and information. Please see the NOSAC main site (opens in a new window) for additional information about NOSAC. The links in the table below open the meeting page for the respective meetings. NOSAC meeting information is located on the "Discretionary" NOSAC Meetings Homeport site (opens in a new window) for meetings held during 2020 or earlier or the "Statutory" NOSAC Meetings Homeport site (opens in new window) for meetings held 2022 and later. Documents associated with the meetings listed below are available on the linked meeting pages. Click on the meeting name to open the Homeport page for the meeting (opens in a new window).

Date	Event & Location (link to meeting files)	Meeting Summary
Statutory NOSAC Meetings
September 13, 2023	2023 Fall Meeting; Katy, TX	Future meeting to be hosted by DNV. Additional details to be published in a future FR notice...
March 1, 2023	2023 Spring Meeting; Lafayette, LA	Induction of new Committee Member *Final Report on the Shell Auger* Accident Investigation Report and Lifesaving Recommendations** (minor technical correction requested by Committee Chair prior to acceptance) Occasional Towing Subcommittee Update Task statement issued for review of the Seacor Power accident report by the NTSB, CG policies and NVICs related to liftboats, their stability and operations, industry and Class Society standards and make recommendations for areas under CG purview (regulations, policies and NVICs). This includes: Provide any additional recommendations that the subcommittee believes are relevant to this tasking. Review any additional public reports on the capsizing and identify areas where the Committee believes the U.S. Coast Guard should take action to reduce risks of future incidents. Note: This includes the USCG Report of Investigation (ROI) if it becomes available in time to include in this task statement, per clarification between the Committee and the Designated Federal Officer (DFO). Review classification society and industry standards for liftboats and identify areas where gaps may exist respective to liftboats. Review the NTSB’s Final Report’s recommendations and identify areas where NOSAC’s expertise could be utilized to assist the USCG with updating policies and or regulations for liftboats. Review CG existing policy letters, NVICs, Commandant Instruction Manuals, and regulations that are applicable to the stability, operations, and operational limitations for liftboats operating on the U.S. OCS and propose recommended changes if appropriate. Task statement issued for review of 33 CFR Subchapter to identify and prioritize areas in need of revision to include: Identify gaps to activities currently being conducted on the OCS. This could include, but may not be limited to, those areas where new activities/operations are occurring that are beyond current regulations; areas where technological advancements have exceeded current regulations; or activities occurring as a result of non-mineral energy activities. Identify existing standards the OCS industry is using to mitigate the identified gaps. Prioritize the top five gaps the Committee identified as the highest risk to safety to personnel and the environment. Presentations: D8 OCS Activities Update OCSNCOE Highlighted Safety Alerts and Projects/Products in process Alternative Energy Discussion (panel consisted of BSEE Renewables, BOEM Renewables, ABS, DNV and CG-NAV-2) American Clean Power Association Public Comments: Concerns related to occasional towing task (vessel types and towing ops/examples). OMSA/Aires Marine concerns with inconsistency of support vessel policies for offshore wind support in USCG Districts 1 and 5 (specifically in regard to transfer of excess fuel), with recommendation for the CG to ensure consistency with policy/allowances similar to District 8 policies that have been utilized for O&M support vessels for decades.
September 14, 2022	2022 Fall Meeting; Spring, TX	Discussion on Discretionary NOSAC Recommendations since 2015 Shell Auger Subcommittee Update Task Statement presented for Occasional Towing to include: Identify the parameters that should be used to determine whether a vessel inspected under subchapters other than Subchapter M or Subchapter I performs occasional towing, taking into consideration the type of service that a vessel is constructed and certified to perform. Provide written examples of vessel operations that the U.S. Coast Guard should consider occasional towing. Such examples should account for and describe the infrequent and irregular nature of the operation. Presentations: D8 Initiatives relating to OCS Activities OCSNCOE Products and Services BSEE National Level Update MARAD Introduction/Update OCS Environmental Response Issues/Initiatives Offshore Operators Committee (OOC) Center for Offshore Safety (COS)
April 26, 2022	2022 Spring Video Teleconference Meeting	Inaugural meeting of the statutory National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee. Opening Induction of Committee Members Welcoming remarks by CG-OES and CGD8 OCS OCMI Administration Review of Charter and By-Laws Member introductions Task statement presented for the Shell Auger Accident Investigation Report to include: Review CG regulations and policies applicable to OCS units for the operation, maintenance and testing of lifeboats and propose recommended changes; Review recommendations in the report and identify areas that updating industry standards, CG policies and/or regulations could enhance lifeboat safety; and Review current and advancing technologies and industry operations and propose new regulations where gaps may exist in respect to lifeboat safety. Presentations Reading of CG-OES Policy Letter 01-22, Determination of whether a Floating Outer Continental Shelf Facility (FOF) is a Vessel, and subsequent discussion BSEE Introduction/Update MARAD Introduction/Update IADC Introduction/Update
Discretionary NOSAC Meetings
September 30, 2020	2020 Fall Video Teleconference Meeting	This was the final meeting of the discretionary National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee. • Final Report from the Lifeboat & Rescue Craft Safety on the OCS Subcommittee • Presentations ○ Source Control Response Centers in an Incident Command ○ Safety Alert 03-20, stemming from the Shell Auger Investigation ○ BSEE Update ○ IADC Brief
April 28, 2020	2020 Spring Teleconference Meeting	Teleconference meeting of NOSAC replaced the March 2020 in-person meeting that was cancelled due to concerns with COVID-19. • Update on work of USCG policy office which depends on advice/recommendations of NOSAC • Update on status of NOSAC, as a discretionary committee; transitioning to become a statutory committee • Lifeboat & Rescue Craft Safety on the OCS Subcommittee update • Presentations ○ USCG update on OCS initiatives ○ Open recommendations to be carried over to the new statutory NOSAC ○ BSEE Update ○ MARAD Update
April 28, 2020	2020 Spring Meeting; New Orleans	Initial files for the Spring meeting initially scheduled for March 25 in New Orleans.
September 11, 2019	2019 Fall Meeting; Katy, TX	• Final Report on the Use of OSVs and other Non-Purpose-Built Vessels for Restoration and Recovery • Presentations ○ Proposed alternative to NPRM/SNPRM/current CFRs for Diving; ADCI & IMCA membership/organization guidance ○ Future Trends from the Classification Society Perspective (presentations by DNV-GL & ABS) ○ New BSEE Well Control Rule from an Industry-Level Perspective (presentations by IADC & BSEE) • New Task & Subcommittee for Drills, Training & General Safety for Lifeboats & Rescue Craft on OCS Units
March 20, 2019	2019 Spring Meeting; New Orleans	• Subcommittee Interim Report on the Use of OSVs and other Non-Purpose-Built Vessels for Restoration and Recovery • Presentations ○ Best Practices for Personnel Transfers ○ FEMA Response to declared disasters under the National Response ○ Lifeboats on the OCS – Perspectives from MODU & Production Operators ○ BSEE Update ○ MARAD Update ○ IADC IMO Update
September 11, 2018	2018 Fall Meeting; Houston, TX	• RRTF Subcommittee Addendum Reports & Presentations ○ OSV, Production and Drilling Addendums • Final Report from the Hurricane Lessons Learned Subcommittee • New Task & Subcommittee for Use of OSVs and other Non-Purpose-Built Vessels for Restoration and Recovery Activities • Discussion on MMDs for non-crewmembers • Panel Discussions ○ Recognized Organizations ○ Ballast Water Management • Presentations ○ Lessons Learned from Hurricane Harvey (Sector Commander, Houston-Galveston) ○ Regaining Confidence in Reactivated Assets ○ BSEE Update ○ MARAD Update ○ IADC IMO Update
March 28, 2018	2018 Spring Meeting; New Orleans	• RRTF Subcommittee Reports & Presentations ○ OSV, Drilling, Production and Diving Reports • Panel Discussions ○ Operator/BSEE/Marine Operator/API/USCG Panel on 2017 Hurricane Season Lessons Learned ○ Class Society Panel on Asset Reactivation • New Task & Subcommittee for Hurricane Season Lessons Learned • Presentations ○ Alaska OCS ○ BSEE Update ○ MARAD Update ○ OCS NCOE ○ IADC IMO Update • OSV, Drilling & Production Subcommittees to provide supplemental addendum reporting on priorities of recommendations and supporting information
Dec 13, 2017	2017 Winter Meeting; Houston, TX	• Final Report from the Safety Management Systems for Vessels Engaging in Well Intervention Activities Subcommittee • Status Report for Regulatory Reform Subcommittees ○ OSV, Diving and Production • Interim Report for Regulatory Reform Drilling Subcommittee • Presentations ○ BSEE Update • Industry Focus Session (D8 OCS OCMI) ○ Procedures for CG/BSEE SEMS Collaboration under MOA OCS-07 ○ Examples of CG/BSEE SEMS Collaboration ○ Investigation Examples – Causal Factor/Lessons Learned ○ Update to D8 Risk-Based Resource Allocation Methodology ○ Update to D8 PL 04-16, Lifesaving/Abandonment
August 3, 2017	2017 Summer Teleconference Meeting	Teleconference meeting to introduce the Regulatory Reform Task Statement and to establish a subcommittee to start working on the task: • Regulatory Reform task statement was associated with Executive Orders 13771 and 13783
May 17, 2017	2017 Spring Meeting; New Orleans	• Status Update from the Safety Management Systems for Vessels Engaging in Well Intervention Activities Subcommittee • Presentations ○ Update on Risk-Based Inspection Program & Summary of May 16, 2017 Industry Day Program (D8 OCS OCMI) ○ The Internet of Things & How Digital Engineering can Transform the Safety & Operability of Equipment used by the Oil & Gas Industry ○ BSEE Update
February 21, 2017	Teleconference Meeting	Teleconference meeting to introduce the Safety Management Systems for Vessels Engaging in Well Intervention Activities Task Statement and to establish a subcommittee to start working on the task.
November 2, 2016	2016 Fall Meeting; Houston, TX	• Final Report from the Well Intervention Activities Subcommittee ○ Included presentation from OOC regarding their Well Intervention Risk Management Framework • Presentations ○ Development of Risk-Based Inspection Program (D8 OCS OCMI) ○ Offshore Vessel Inspection System (OVID) ○ Strengthening of the Safety Culture of the Offshore Oil & Gas Industry ○ BSEE Update
March 30, 2016	2016 Spring Meeting; New Orleans	• Final Report from the Cybersecurity/Cyber Risk on the U.S. OCS Subcommittee • Final Report from the Towage of MODU, MOU & FOF Subcommittee • Interim Report from the Well Intervention Subcommittee • Presentations ○ CG Actions on previously submitted subcommittee final reports ○ D8 OCS Updates ○ BSEE Updates ○ DP Assurance Aspects of Vessels conducting CAMO & Well Intervention Activities
November 19, 2015	2015 Fall Meeting; Katy, TX	• Interim Report from the Cybersecurity/Cyber Risk on the U.S. OCS Subcommittee • Final Report from the Safety of Persons Assigned to Lifeboats during Launching, Recovery & Maintenance Activities for MODUs, MOUs & FOIs Subcommittee • Status Report from the Towage of MODUs, MOUs & FOIs Subcommittee • Well Intervention Activities Task Statement and establishment of subcommittee • Presentations ○ BSEE Updates ○ Marine Well Containment Resources & Facilities
April 8, 2015	2015 Spring Meeting; New Orleans	• Final Report from the Commercial Diving Safety on the OCS Subcommittee • Cyber Security on the U.S. OCS Task Statement and establishment of subcommittee • Safety of Persons Assigned to Lifeboats during Launching, Recovery & Maintenance Activities for Units Working on the U.S. OCS Task Statement and establishment of subcommittee • Towage of MODUs, MOUs & FOIs on the U.S. OCS Task Statement and establishment of subcommittee • Presentations ○ CG Action/Disposition on NOSAC Final Reports (CG-OES) ○ The Arctic & the IMO Polar Code ○ Contractor management & Bridging Arrangements
November 19, 2014	2014 Fall Meeting; Houston, TX	• Progress Report from the Commercial Diving Safety on the OCS Subcommittee • Final Report from the OSV, Offshore Worker, Industrial Vessel & Industrial Personnel Purpose & Definitions Subcommittee • Final Report from the Subcommittee reviewing the ANPRM for Training of Personnel & Manning on MOUs & OSVs Engaged in U.S. OCS Activities • Presentations ○ DPO Certification Scheme ○ Lifeboat Testing & Safety ○ LNG Bunkering (ABS) ○ COS Current Activities & Efforts ○ API RP 2D • Recommended task statement & subcommittee for Lifeboat Safety, Launching & Testing
September 24, 2014	Teleconference Meeting	Teleconference meeting to receive the Final Report from the Marine Casualty Reporting on the OCS NPRM Subcommittee.
April 17, 2014	2014 Spring Meeting; New Orleans	• Interim Report from the Commercial Diving Safety on the OCS Subcommittee • Final Report from the Safety & Environmental Management Systems for Vessels on the OCS Subcommittee • Progress Report from the Marine Casualty Reporting on the OCS Subcommittee • OSV & Offshore Worker Purpose & Definitions Task Statement and establishment of subcommittee • Training & Manning on MOUs & OSVs in the OCS Task Statement and establishment of subcommittee • Presentations ○ STCW ○ CG Action/Disposition on NOSAC Final Reports ○ HS&E Guidelines for MODUs: What They Are & Aren’t ○ Offshore Vessel Inspection Database (OVID) ○ Introduction to the National Maritime Center • Recommended task statement & subcommittee for an Optional Path of Sea Service Credentialing for Liftboats that may entail the Issuance of a Restriction of Service until Underway Time can be Satisfied by the Mariner
February 20, 2014	Teleconference Meeting	• Progress Report from the Commercial Diving Safety on the OCS Subcommittee • Progress Report from the Safety & Environmental Management Systems for Vessels on the OCS Subcommittee • Marine Casualty Reporting on the OCS Task Statement and establishment of subcommittee • Training & Manning on MOUs & OSVs in the OCS Task Statement and establishment of subcommittee • Presentations ○ Cyber Security & the MTS & DHS’ Cyber Security Framework Program (CC Office of Port & Facility Compliance)
April 18, 2013	2013 Spring Meeting; New Orleans	• Interim Report from the Accommodations Service Vessels Subcommittee • Recommended Standards for Additional Lifesaving & Firefighting on the OCS Task Statement and establishment of subcommittee • Recommended Standards for Certification of Electrical Equipment in Hazardous Locations on Foreign Flag MODUs on the OCS Task Statement and establishment of subcommittee • ILO MLC 2006 Implementation Task Statement and establishment of subcommittee • Safety Impact of Liftboat Sea Service Limitations Task Statement and establishment of subcommittee • Review of Marine Casualty Reporting & Form CG-2692 Revision Task Statement and establishment of subcommittee • Presentations ○ Towing of MODUs from a Marine Underwriter’s Perspective ○ Overview & History of Manning on MODUs ○ USCG Regulatory Update ○ OCSNCOE Update ○ IADC Update on International & Domestic Activities of Interest to the OCS Community
November 8, 2012	2012 Fall Meeting; Houston, TX	• Final Report from the MC252 Incident Reports Subcommittee • Update from the Standards for DP Operating Personnel Subcommittee • Accommodation Service Vessels Task Statement and establishment of subcommittee • Presentations ○ USCG Regulatory Update ○ OSHA Update; Oil & Gas Performance-Based Safety Initiative ○ BSEE Update ○ USCG Dynamic Positioning Activities ○ OCSNCOE Update; Stability on TLPs ○ IADC Update on International & Domestic Activities of Interest to the OCS Community ○ USCG Arctic Activities ○ COS Strategic Plan & Future Activities ○ Quality of USCG Inspections on the OCS & Overview of the USCG MMS Program
April 12, 2012	2012 Spring Meeting; New Orleans	• Progress Update/Final Report from the Medical Treatment of Injured Divers Subcommittee • Update from the MC252 Incident Subcommittee • Update from the Standards for DP Operating Personnel Subcommittee • Presentations/Discussions ○ USCG Regulatory Update ○ Industry & Public Meeting Comments on the DP/EDS Policy Letter ○ Medical Evacuations from the OCS ○ Where & How Can the CG Improve Training? (OCSNCOE) ○ BSEE Update on the Status of Deepwater Horizon Investigation Recommendations ○ IADC Update on IMO Activities of Interest to the OCS Community ○ Statistical Discussion on OCS Casualties ○ ANOA Alternatives & Enforcement ○ Status & Progress Report from CG on NOSAC’s Final Reports (from 2006) & Disposition/Actions taken in respect to report recommendations ○ Analysis & Recommendations to Improve Training for Persons with Well Control Responsibilities • Safety Management System Task Statement and CG objectives – WITHDRAWN after discussion
February 15, 2012	Teleconference Meeting	• Progress Report from the Medical Treatment of Injured Divers Subcommittee • Interim Report from the Standards for DP Operating Personnel Subcommittee
November 15, 2011	2011 Fall Meeting; Houston, TX	• Update from the MC252 Incident Reports Subcommittee • Standards for DP Operating Personnel Task Statement and establishment of subcommittee • Presentations ○ USCG Regulatory Update ○ NOA Update ○ JIT for Deepwater Horizon (overview of the process) ○ BSEE Update ○ Domestic Energy Development & Permitting in Alaska & Arctic Operations ○ IADC Update on IMO Activities ○ Offshore Energy Safety Advisory Committee (BSEE) ○ LNG as Fuel for Internal Engines (CG)
May 19, 2011	2011 Spring Meeting; New Orleans	• Interim Report from the Medical Treatment of Injured Divers Subcommittee • Final Report from the Large OSVs, Greater than 6000 GT ITC Subcommittee • MC252/Deepwater Horizon Incident Reports Task Statement and establishment of subcommittee • Presentations ○ BOEMRE Update ○ Notice of Arrival on the OCS Rule (CG; Office of Vessel Activities) ○ Information Collection relating to Section 703 of the CGAA (CG) ○ DP Lessons Learned (OCSNCOE) ○ IADC Update on IMO Activities ○ MODU Risk-Based Targeting Matrix (CG; Office of Vessel Activities) ○ Legal Determination for Vessels Engaged in Alternative Energy Ventures on the OCS (CG)