OCSNCOE Unit Emblem (silhouettes of a self-elevating MODU, an OSV and an offshore wind turbine over a silhouette of the United States with the U.S. Coast Guard mark (i.e., racing stripe) in the background).Outer Continental Shelf National Center of Expertise (OCSNCOE)

JACK ST. MALO during offshore construction with attending OSV and Floatel VICTORY. C-ENFORCER underway with water cannons flowing. SEVAN LOUISIANA underway when initially entering the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Platform GINA off the California coast. Block Island windfarm with attending CTV. SPARTAN 151 dockside in Seward, AK.

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Drill Down articles are available in pdf AND web formats. See more on the Drill Down page.


D8 OCS OCMI Marine Safety Information Bulletins


OCSNCOE-developed MODU Codes (1979, 1989 and 2009) and all of the associated IMO resolutions are available on the MODU Regulations, Policy and Guidance page.


OSV reference books and 'old' CFRs (see tabs on the linked page)


Introduction to Dynamic Positioning (DP) Systems

Frequently Asked Questions


33 CFR Subchapter N Federal Register reference document


Policy letters, NVICs and guidance applicable to the OCS, categorized for:


Job Aids (similar to the legacy CG-840 books) for Floating OCS Facilities, Fixed Platforms, Mobile Offshore Drilling Units and Offshore Supply Vessels


Memorandums of Understanding and Memorandums of Agreement with other federal agencies and industry partners


OCS Inspections Organization Chart


Coast Guard Maritime Industry Cybersecurity Resource Center

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Recent Information
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 New - November 29, 2023: The Office of Investigations and Casualty Analysis (CG-INV) published the updated Report of Investigation (ROI) for the FPS Auger Lifeboat No. 6 Casualty to their Marine Casualty Reports page. Expand to read more and access additional links...

The updated report, dated October 2, 2023, contains the Commandant Final Actions addressing the safety and administrative recommendations made by the Investigating Officer in the ROI. A bookmarked copy of the ROI and the Recommendations and Actions from the investigation can be viewed on our FPS Auger Lifeboat No. 6 page.

 New - November 20, 2023: The Office of Design and Engineering Standards (CG-ENG) published CG-ENG Policy Letter 03-23, Guidance for the U.S. Implementation of the Code for the Transport and Handling of Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk on Offshore Supply Vessels - OSV Chemical Code.
 New - November 3, 2023: We have published 3 new frequently asked questions (FAQs) that help to clarify 33 CFR Subchapter N definitions related to the types/categories of OCS "units" and the roles and responsibilities of the COTP and OCMI. Expand to read more...

See our General FAQs page, "General Policy" FAQs 2 and 3 and "33 CFR Subchapter N Clarifications" FAQ 1. 

 Recent - October 26, 2023: See our new Seacor Power casualty page for numerous resources related to the casualty and related investigations. Expand to read more...

This page provides a bookmarked copy of the U.S. Coast Guard Report of Investigation and summarizes the casualty, findings, recommendations and Commandant actions. Links to various references and resource sites are provided throughout the tabs to aid in research and access to materials related to this casualty and the subsequent investigations.

 Recent - October 17, 2023: The Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) has updated the Cyber Risk Management Work Instruction (CVC-WI-027). Expand to read more...

The latest version is available publicly on CVC’s public MMS webpage. Changes to the MMS product include elaboration on the definition of “poor cyber hygiene,” clarification on procedures and standards to follow during port state control exams, amplifying information on cyber resources for marine safety personnel (such as the updated NIST Cybersecurity Framework) and updated reporting procedures in response to suspected cyber incidents onboard vessels.

 Recent - September 29, 2023: The "2024 editions" of the OCSNCOE-developed MODU Codes (1979, 1989 and 2009) were updated to include the 2023 amendments that go into effect on January 1, 2024. Expand to read more...

These amendments address asbestos prohibition for new installation of materials and the unified interpretation for the implementation of the same.

 August 29, 2023: The Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) released a new work instruction: CG-CVC Policy Letter 23-01​, Guidance for Vessel Requests to Participate in Hurricane Relief Operations (policy expires 31Jan2024).
 August 8, 2023: The office of Design and Engineering Standards (CG-ENG) released CG-ENG Policy Letter 02-23, USCG Acceptance of IMO Guidelines for Hydrostatic Testing of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Cylinders Associated with Fixed Gas Fire Extinguishing Systems on August 2, 2023. Expand to read more...

The policy letter and the referenced IMO Circular (MSC.1/Circ.1348/Rev.1) are available on the regulations, policy and guidance pages for MODUs, support vessels and floating OCS facilities.

 

 August 4, 2023: D8(ocs) Policy Letter 02-2016 for Structural Integrity Management (SIM) Program for floating OCS facilities (FOFs) was cancelled by D8(do) Memorandum OCS-23040 dated 03Aug2023.
 Jun 26, 2023: The Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) released a new work instruction that serves as national-level guidance for multi-certificated vessels. CVC-WI-032(1) cancels D8 Policy Letter 09-2001 and incorporates the policy letter as Enclosure (1) to the work instruction. Expand to read more...

The work instruction "provides policy regarding the certification of vessels that perform operations and services under multiple inspection subchapters in Title 46 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)".

Renewable Energy-Related Info
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 New - November 21, 2023: NVIC 03-23, Guidance on Navigation Safety In and Around Offshore Renewable Energy Installations (OREI), was released. Expand to read the purpose of this NVIC...

This Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) highlights considerations when planning and undertaking voyages in the vicinity of offshore renewable energy installations (OREIs) in U.S. waters. Mariners should review and consider the contents of this NVIC prior to navigating within or in the vicinity of an OREI. For this document, the term ‘mariner’ is used to include masters, officers, crew, skippers and recreational users on all vessel types and personal watercraft.

This NVIC assists mariners making informed risk assessments for their intended voyage. The information provided in this NVIC should be considered together with the guidance on voyage planning and safe navigation found in the references. OREI structures are anew development on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). This guidance is general in nature based on information available to date; details of individual sites may vary.

 New - November 1, 2023: We have published 2 new frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to renewable energy support vessels. See our Offshore Renewable Energy Support Vessels FAQs page, regulatory requirements FAQs 1 and 2.
 Recent - October 6, 2023: NVIC 02-23, Guidance on the Coast Guard's Roles and Responsibilities for Offshore Renewable Energy Installations (OREI) on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), was released. Expand to read the purpose of this NVIC...

The purpose of this Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) is to provide guidance to Coast Guard Program Offices, Unit Commanders, and Offshore Renewable Energy Installation (OREI) developers on the Coast Guard’s roles and responsibilities throughout the Department of Interior’s development of offshore renewable energy on the OCS. This NVIC identifies information the Coast Guard will use to evaluate and mitigate the potential impacts of OREI leasing, construction, and operations on the Marine Transportation System (MTS); navigation safety; vessel traffic; traditional uses of waterways; and Coast Guard missions. This guidance will assist the Coast Guard in streamlining intra- and inter-governmental information sharing. It also provides relationship expectations to provide Coast Guard input to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in the execution of authorities under 30 CFR Part 585 and Part 285, such as the review of OREI project plans and associated environmental reviews. Additionally, this Circular provides guidance to members of industry, port safety and security stakeholders, and the public on the Coast Guard’s role and responsibilities in the OREI leasing and plan review process.

 Recent - September 5, 2023: The U.S. Coast Guard District 1 Prevention Division (dp) released D1(dp) Policy Letter 01-2023, Use of Dynamic Positioning (DP) by Offshore Supply Vessels (OSVs) Conducting Oil and HAZMAT Transfers in Support of Alternative Energy on the Outer Continental Shelf. Expand to read more...

The policy is also accessible under the D1 Policy "tab" on the Support Vessel Regulatory Guidance page.

 

Latest Drill Down Releases
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 Recent - October 2, 2023: We released the final edition of an 8-part series concerning hazardous location (HazLoc) electrical equipment markings. Expand to read more and access links...

Drill Down Issue #30 was released and explores degrees of protection (i.e., ingress protection). This edition and all previous issues are available on our Drill Down page.

Previous editions for the series on hazardous location electrical equipment markings include:

  • Drill Down Issue #29 addressing certificate numbers and special symbols (7 of 8 in the hazardous location electrical markings series) was released on September 25, 2023.
  • Drill Down Issue #28 on equipment protection levels (6 of 8 in the series) was released on September 18, 2023.
  • Drill Down Issue #27 for temperature classes (5 of 8) was released on September 11, 2023.
  • Drill Down Issue #26 for protection techniques (4 of 8) was released on September 4, 2023.
  • Drill Down Issue #25 on material groups (3 of 8) was released on August 28, 2023.
  • Drill Down Issue #24 for location classification (2 of 8) was released on August 21, 2023.
  • Drill Down Issue #23 addressing the standards related to U.S. Coast Guard oversight of electrical equipment installed in hazardous locations (1 of 8) was released on August 14, 2023.

 August 10, 2023: Drill Down Issue #22, addressing the effects of portable accommodation modules or independent tanks to a vessel's tonnage, was released. Expand to access additional links...

This edition and all previous issues are available on our Drill Down page.

FOF Policy Updates
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 July 10, 2023: The Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) released a new work instruction: CVC-WI-033(1), Non-Vessel Floating OCS Facilities (FOF) - Compliance Requirements. "This work instruction provides policy to Coast Guard Officers In Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMIs) for the inspection of Floating OCS Facilities (FOFs) determined not to be vessels as defined in 1 U.S.C. § 3." Expand to read more...

The WI updates the guidance that was published in Chapter 4 of COMDTINST (CI) 16000.76 (i.e., MSM Volume II, Section G) that is applicable to non-vessel FOFs. Section L of the WI contains "regulatory clarification" and the much-anticipated guidance related to hull structure and inspection (i.e., In-Service Inspection Plan (ISIP)). Additional highlights include float-free liferaft arrangements and USCG involvement in service life extensions.

 June 2, 2022: Added clarification to FAQ #30 related to CG-MMC Policy Letter 01-22 and the chemical testing requirements for an individual voluntarily holding a MMC while serving on a floating OCS facility. Expand to read more...

See the FAQ on the FOF FAQs page for additional information.

 May 4, 2022: D8 OCS Policy Letter 01-2022, Verification of Training and Drills for Personnel Assigned Special or Emergency Duties on Floating Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Facilities (FOFs), was issued on May 3, 2022 and cancels D8 Policy Letter 03-2000, CH-1, Policy on Manning of Non-Self-Propelled Floating Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Facilities.
 April 13, 2022: Questions by the Offshore Operators Committee and their membership related CG-OES Policy Letter 01-22 and CG-MMC Policy Letter 01-22 regarding changes in Coast Guard policy/oversight of floating OCS facilities and the answers provided by the Coast Guard have been posted to the FOF FAQs page. Expand to read more...

A pdf document of the questions and answers is available here.

 February 10, 2022: Guidance Documents, Oversight and Manning Requirements for Floating OCS Facilities (FOFs) were published via Federal Register 87 FR 7716, Docket No. USCG-2020-0049. This FR announces the release and discusses policies related to Floating OCS Facilities, CG-OES Policy Letter 01-22 and CG-MMC Policy Letter 01-22. Expand to read more...

These policies are also available on the National Policy tab of the FOF Regulatory Guidance page. MMC PL 01-22 cancels D8 PL 08-2001. Readers are encouraged to review the FR notice in conjunction with the policy letters for additional, explanatory information related to these policy changes.

 

OCS-Related Investigation Info
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 Liftboat Seacor Power Capsizing: Report of Investigation into the Circumstances Surrounding the Capsizing of the Liftboat Seacor Power Approximately 7 Nautical Miles South of Port Fourchon, LA in the Gulf of Mexico Resulting in the Loss of 13 Lives on April 13, 2021. View the Seacor Power page for information related to this incident. Expand to read more...

The report was released on Jul 3, 2023. See the Investigation Recommendations tab on the Seacor Power page for a ready reference to the ROI recommendations and Commandant actions for each recommendation. Additional information that detail the accident, besting practiced recommended by the Marine Board of Investigation and Coast Guard Findings of Concern, as well as links to information and documents used during the investigation are available on the Seacor Power page.

Additional reports for OCS-related casualty investigations are available under the USCG Investigations tab on our OCS Accidents, Investigations and Safety Information page.

 FPS Auger Lifeboat No. 6: Report of Investigation into Shell Auger TLP Lifeboat No. 6 Inadvertent Hook Opening with Loss of Life and Injury at Garden Banks 426 on the U.S. OCS in the Gulf of Mexico. View the Auger LB 6 page for information related to this incident. Expand to read more...

The report was released on December 21, 2021. See the Investigation Recommendations tab on the AUGER LB 6 page for a ready reference to the ROI recommendations and District Commander's endorsement and Commandant actions for each recommendation. Additional information such as timelines that detail the accident and maintenance events for the Lifeboat No. 6 casualty and the USCG testing report for the Schat-Harding LHR 3.5M2 release mechanism (Enclosure (2) to the Report of Investigation) are available on the Auger LB 6 page.

Additional reports for OCS-related casualty investigations are available under the USCG Investigations tab on our OCS Accidents, Investigations and Safety Information page.