See the "Public Notices" tab for Federal Register notices related to the OCS activity and oversight. See the "Non-Mineral Energy" (NME) tab for news specific to NME-related activities.
June 3, 2025: The District Eight (D8) OCS Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection released Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) 25-01 concerning Hurricane and Tropical Storm Reporting Requirements. This annual MSIB specifies the reporting requirements to the U.S. Coast Guard for units operating under the purview of D8 OCS. It reiterates the importance of proper planning to execute timely evacuation or evasion and this season's MSIB also includes information regarding weather reconnaissance areas (WRAs) and information that may apply to an OCS operator in process of evacuations when a WRA goes into effect in that area.
May 30, 2025: The U.S. Coast Guard's Office of Design and Engineering Standards (CG-ENG) released Change 1 to CG-ENG Policy Letter 01-16, Portable Accommodations Module (PAM) Guidance. The release was promulgated through a Maritime Commons post on June 2, 2025, that summarizes the policy revision and the benefits of the revision.
The Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) released Change 1 to Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 01-89, Underwater Survey Guidance. The release was promulgated and summarized through a Maritime Commons post on May 30, 2025.
The revised policy and guidance, along with the original, historical guidance can also be viewed on the "national policy" tab of the regulatory guidance for the respective unit type on our site.
April 21, 2025: Drill Down Issue #31 was released and addresses employment restrictions on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. See our Drill Down page for all issues of the Drill Down.
April 9, 2025: The Coast Guard released Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) 02-25, Registration of Distress Alert Devices & Cancelling False Distress Alerts, and MSIB 03-25, Interim Guidance Related to U.S. Oil Record Book (CG-4602A).
March 11, 2025: The Coast Guard cancelled Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) 01-25, Non-Operating Individual (NOI), Resumption of Enforcement of Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) Requirements. See MSIB 01-25 cancellation. The cancelled MSIB can be seen here.
February 13, 2025: The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and the U.S. Coast Guard issued updated Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) OCS-03, Oil Discharge Planning, Preparedness, Response, and Response Research. This and other Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and MOAs can be found on our BSEE/BOEM MOU/MOA page.
January 17, 2024: See the Public Notices tab for information about the "Cybersecurity in the Marine Transportation System" final rule and re-solicitation for the National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee vacancy representing oil exploration and production activities on the OCS adjacent to Alaska, with both notices published on this date.
December 23, 2024: The Coast Guard published MSIB 13-23, CH-3, "Coast Guard Policies to Address Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response on Vessels". Note that the frequently asked questions (FAQs) portion of CH-3 to this MSIB publicly clarifies the following in accordance with 46 U.S.C. 4901(b)(3):
- The surveillance requirements are NOT applicable to floating OCS facilities determined by the Coast Guard not to be vessels;
- The surveillance requirements ARE applicable to foreign vessels conducting OCS activities for greater than 72 hours that have overnight accommodations for 10 or more persons; and
- Compliance dates for the surveillance requirements are based on the vessel's drydock date, as applicable.
The OCSNCOE would appreciate any feedback with fleet statistics from lease operators or contractors who are operating or contracting foreign-flagged vessels which meet the surveillance applicability of 46 U.S.C. 4901(b)(3). This is strictly for awareness of fleet impact and any information is greatly appreciated.
See our SASH page and resources for additional SASH information and guidance.
December 9, 2024: The U.S. Coast Guard's Navigation Center (NAVCEN) announced the launch of the new Maritime Safety Information (MSI) Application! This enhanced platform is designed to improve access to critical navigation safety information, including Local Notices to Mariners (LNM) and Light Lists.
Key Features of the New MSI Application are near-real-time updates to stay informed with the latest changes and updates, GIS display to visualize navigation information directly on an interactive map, and customizable searches to focus on specific waterways or regions of interest.
Access the New MSI Application at https://navcen.uscg.gov/msi.
Please see our page on Maritime Communications. This page is intended to provide information and resources related to communications equipment and requirements in the maritime sector.
See the "Safety Zones" tab for temporary safety zone information related to current or planned windfarm project areas.
April 22, 2024: The Coast Guard announced Change 1 to NVIC 02-23, Guidance on the Coast Guard's Roles and Responsibilities for Offshore Renewable Energy Installations (OREI) on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), dated 27Mar2023 via Maritime Commons blog post. The purpose of this NVIC is to provide guidance to Coast Guard Program Offices, Unit Commanders, and 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.
The historic letters of promulgation have been inserted into the linked copy. This NVIC was initially published on 05Oct2023. Enclosure (6) to the NVIC was updated on 11Dec2023. CH-1 incorporates numerous changes, with the majority centered around Enclosures (1) through (6) and clarifies details necessary to provide Navigation Safety Risk Assessments for review as part of the Construction and Operations Plan for OREI.
April 1, 2024: BSEE Director Kevin Sligh, BOEM Deputy Director Walter Cruickshank (on behalf of BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein) and U.S. Coast Guard Deputy Commandant for Operations (CG-DCO), Vice Admiral Peter Gautier, signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding non-mineral energy installations and vessels. This MOU between the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the U.S. Coast Guard supersedes BOEMRE/USCG MOA OCS-06 dated July 27, 2011. Enclosure (1) provides agency contacts and Enclosure (2) provides a list of Memoranda of Agreement that will be covered by the MOU (to be populated at a future date). The non-mineral energy MOU is available on the BSEE/BOEM tab of our MOUs and MOAs page. As a reminder, the updated mineral-based MOU between BSEE and USCG was signed on December 13, 2023 (see the "Recent News" tab).
See the group picture of BSEE, BOEM and CG personnel present for the signing ceremony.
November 16, 2023: NVIC 03-23, Guidance on Guidance on Navigational Safety in and around Offshore Renewable Energy Installations (OREI) was published.
This NVIC highlights considerations when planning and undertaking voyages in the vicinity of OREIs in U.S. waters. Mariners should review and consider the contents of the NVIC prior to navigating within or in the vicinity of an OREI. In this NVIC, the term "mariner" includes masters, officers, crew, skippers and recreational users on all types of vessels and personal watercraft. The 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 a new development on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).
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.
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. The policy is also accessible under the D1 Policy "tab" on the Support Vessel Regulatory Guidance page.
Temporary safety zone information related to current or planned windfarm project areas are consolidated on the safety zones tab.
July 8, 2025: The Coast Guard published a public notice via 90 FR 30075 announcing cancellation of three Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVICs). Two of the cancelled NVICs pertained to OCS units/vessels: NVIC 11-91, Ocean Tow of Jackup Drilling Units and NVIC 10-97, Guidelines for Cargo Securing Manual Approval. The respective sections of our site and the reference documents have been marked accordingly.
April 29, 2025: The Coast Guard re-solicited applications from persons interested in membership on the National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee (Committee) to fill a vacant position representing entities engaged in offshore oil exploration and production on the Outer Continental Shelf adjacent to Alaska via Federal Register Notice 90 FR 17828. The Committee advises the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security on matters relating to activities directly involved with, or in support of, the exploration of offshore mineral and energy resources, to the extent that such matters are within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard. Complete applications must reach the Coast Guard on or before June 13, 2025. See 90 FR 17828 for full details.
March 17, 2025: The Coast Guard published 90 FR 12235. This final rule amends U.S. Coast Guard regulations in 33 CFR and 46 CFR to update the name of the “Gulf of Mexico” to the “Gulf of America.” See 90 FR 12235 for additional details.
January 17, 2025: The Coast Guard is updating its maritime security regulations by establishing minimum cybersecurity requirements for U.S.-flagged vessels, Outer Continental Shelf facilities, and facilities subject to the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 regulations as publicized through Federal Register Notice 90 FR 6298. This final rule addresses current and emerging cybersecurity threats in the marine transportation system (MTS) by adding minimum cybersecurity requirements to help detect risks and respond to and recover from cybersecurity incidents. These include requirements to develop and maintain a Cybersecurity Plan, designate a Cybersecurity Officer, and take various measures to maintain cybersecurity within the MTS. The Coast Guard is also seeking comments on a potential delay for the implementation periods for U.S.-flagged vessels.
This final rule is effective July 16, 2025. Comments on a potential 2-to-5-year delay for the implementation periods for U.S.-flagged vessels in Section VII of the rule's preamble were due by March 18, 2025.
See 90 FR 6298 for full details, including a summary of the rulemaking, comments related to the proposed rule and regulations implemented by the rule.
Additional information was listed in the January 17, 2025, Maritime Commons post about the final rule. Guidance on the regulations including a cyber regulations fact sheet, a small entity compliance guide for vessels, a small entity compliance guide for facilities, and information about the waiver and Alternative Security Program process, have been posted on the Coast Guard Maritime Industry Cybersecurity Resource Website.
September 18, 2024: The Coast Guard published a final rule for "Marine Equipment on Board Vessels and Offshore Units or Facilities" (89 FR 76676) that becomes effective on October 18, 2024.
This final rule amends 33 CFR Subchapter NN, and 46 CFR, Subchapters A, D, F, H, I, I-A, K, L, N, Q, R, T, U, and W. These subchapters are associated with approving, carrying, and maintaining certain safety equipment required on board vessels and offshore units or facilities. The revisions in this final rule eliminate outdated requirements, reduce inspection and testing requirements, modify submission requirements for equipment approval to allow materials to be submitted electronically, and update standards incorporated by reference. Additionally, this final rule removes numerous obsolete CFR sections and updates other CFR sections to bring them into compliance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and related regulations.
See the rule for full details.
June 12, 2024: The Coast Guard published a final rule in the Federal Register at 89 FR 50058 that updates standards incorporated by reference in 46 CFR Subchapter F. The final rule becomes effective on September 10, 2024. The rule also eliminates "outdated or unnecessarily prescriptive regulations".
February 22, 2024: The Coast Guard announced the availability of a new style Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) via Federal Register notice (89 FR 13355) that will be implemented on March 1, 2024. The new MMC was further publicized through Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) 01-24, a Maritime Commons post on 26Feb and U.S. Coast Guard email notification to subscribers. Existing passport style credentials will not be replaced immediately, and mariners will receive their new credential during the next application process. See the referenced notices and the National Maritime Center website for more information.
Closed Notices:
January 17, 2025: The Coast Guard re-solicited applications from persons interested in membership on the National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee (Committee) to fill a vacant position representing entities engaged in offshore oil exploration and production on the Outer Continental Shelf adjacent to Alaska via Federal Register Notice 90 FR 5923. The Committee advises the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security on matters relating to activities directly involved with, or in support of, the exploration of offshore mineral and energy resources, to the extent that such matters are within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard. Complete applications must reach the Coast Guard on or before February 18, 2025. See 90 FR 5923 for full details.
October 22, 2024: The Coast Guard published a proposed rule for the Empire Wind 1 Wind Farm Project Area, Offshore New York and New Jersey. Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before November 21, 2024. See the "Safety Zones" tab for additional information.
September 13, 2024: The U.S. Coast Guard published a notice of vacancies and request for applications for the National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee (Committee) via Federal Register Notice 89 FR 74972. The notice requests applications to fill ten (10) vacancies on the Committee. This Committee advises the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security on matters relating to activities directly involved with, or in support of, the exploration of offshore mineral and non-mineral energy resources, to the extent that such matters are within the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard. Applications should be provided to the Coast Guard on or before October 15, 2024.
The following positions will be considered under this solicitation: Two members representing entities engaged in the production of petroleum (two of two positions are open); One member representing entities engaged in offshore drilling (one of two positions is open); One member representing entities engaged in the support, by offshore supply vessels or other vessels, of offshore mineral and oil operations, including geophysical services (one of two positions is open); One member representing entities engaged in diving services related to offshore construction, inspection, and maintenance; One member representing entities engaged in safety and training services related to offshore exploration and construction; One member representing entities providing subsea engineering construction or remotely operated vehicle support to the offshore industry; One member representing entities individuals employed in offshore operations and, of the two, one shall have recent practical experience on a vessel or offshore unit involved in the offshore mineral and energy industry (one of two positions are open); One member representing national environmental entities and entities providing environmental protection, compliance, or response services to the offshore industry; and One member representing the general public (but not a specific environmental group).
Please see the Federal Register Notice linked above for additional information and application details. Also note the July 22nd entry below for a separate vacancy notice for one member representing entities engaged in the support, by offshore supply vessels or other vessels, of offshore operations (not specific to offshore mineral and oil operations) that is due on or before September 20, 2024.
August 23, 2024: The U.S. Coast Guard published a notice of public meetings of the National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee (NOSAC) and two of its subcommittees via Federal Register Notice 89 FR 68180. The subcommittees met on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. The Seacor Power subcommittee met from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (CDT) and the Dynamic Positioning subcommittee met from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (CDT). The full Committee met on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (CDT). The three meetings were held at American Bureau of Shipping Global Headquarters, 1701 City Place Drive, Spring, TX 77389 and the U.S. Coast Guard appreciates ABS hosting this meeting.
Industry and public participation in NOSAC, a Federal Advisory Committee, meetings are important to provide input to the Committee and the Coast Guard that could prove beneficial in developing and/or amending Coast Guard regulations, policy and guidance related to Outer Continental Shelf activities. Participation is highly encouraged, and we appreciate those that participated.
July 22, 2024: The U.S. Coast Guard published a notice of vacancy and request for applications for the National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee via Federal Register Notice 89 FR 59125. The notice announces the solicitation for one member representing entities engaged in the support, by offshore supply vessels or other vessels, of offshore operations. Completed applications must reach the Coast Guard on or before September 20, 2024. Please see the Federal Register Notice linked above for additional information and application details.
July 9, 2024: The Coast Guard published a notice of meeting in the Federal Register at 89 FR 56397 stating that the National Maritime Security Advisory Committee will conduct a series of meetings over two days in conjunction with the 11th Annual Maritime Security West Conference in San Diego, CA to discuss the Committee's open taskings concerning Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 03-03 updates, Active Shooter/Active Threat in the Maritime Environment, Unmanned Systems in the Maritime Environment, and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Cybersecurity in the Marine Transportation System. All meetings will be open to the public and will not require registration to the Conference. The Committee will meet on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, from 2:45 p.m. until 4:45 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST), and on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. See the referenced Federal Register Notice for additional information. While this Federal Advisory Committee is not typically tied to OCS activities, the proposed rulemaking on cybersecurity is applicable to OCS facilities subject to MTSA requirements. See the February 22nd entry below for more information on the cybersecurity NPRM.
April 4, 2024: The Coast Guard published a notice of meeting in the Federal Register at 89 FR 23601 stating that the National Maritime Security Advisory Committee will conduct a virtual meeting to discuss a new Committee task to provide comment on the U.S. Coast Guard's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Cybersecurity in the Marine Transportation System. The virtual meeting will be open to the public and will be held on Friday, May 10, 2024, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). See the referenced Federal Register Notice for pre-registration requirements for virtual access/attendance. While this Federal Advisory Committee is not typically tied to OCS activities, the proposed rulemaking on cybersecurity that they will be reviewing is applicable to OCS facilities subject to MTSA requirements. See the February 22nd entry below for more information on the cybersecurity NPRM.
March 25, 2024: PROPOSED RULE - The Coast Guard published a notice of Public Meeting and extension of comment period in the Federal Register at 89 FR 20582 regarding the establishment of shipping safety fairways along the Atlantic Coast. The public meeting is to be held at Stockton University in Galloway, NJ at 6 PM on April 17, 2024. "The proposed rule is intended to protect traditional shipping routes as well as to help facilitate development on the outer continental shelf (OCS)."
The comment period for the related Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (89 FR 3587) was extended and closed on May 17, 2024. In this proposed rule, "the Coast Guard recognizes that there is increasing interest in offshore commercial development, including offshore renewable energy installations, and believes this development is best served by the establishment of consistent and well-defined fairways. The proposed fairways would help ensure that offshore developments remain viable by allowing developers to construct and maintain installations without risk of impeding vessel traffic."
See the notices for additional information.
March 14, 2024: PROPOSED RULE - The Coast Guard published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register (89 FR 18706) for Mariner Credentialing Program Transformation. The NPRM proposes:
- to allow for the electronic submission of information required for credentialing to allow for the future implementation of a new information technology system to support the mariner credentialing process;
- to require the electronic payment of mandatory fees for merchant mariner credentials through Pay.Gov;
- to remove the requirement for prospective mariners to take an oath before an authorized official;
- to change the requirements for the Certificate of Discharge to Merchant Mariners; and
- technical amendments to update addresses and websites, to remove antiquated terminology, and to amend language to use gender-neutral terms.
The comment period closed May 13, 2024. See the 15Mar Maritime Commons post for a summary and the NPRM for additional details and the proposed changes.
February 22, 2024: PROPOSED RULE - The Coast Guard published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register (89 FR 13404) related to proposed updates to cybersecurity requirements for MTSA-regulated U.S. flagged vessels, Outer Continental Shelf facilities and U.S. facilities. See the 22Feb Maritime Commons post for a summary and the NPRM for additional details and the proposed requirements. An extension of the comment period was published via Federal Register notice 89 FR 24751 on April 9, 2024. The comment period closed May 22, 2024.
February 20, 2024: The U.S. Coast Guard published a notice of vacancies and request for applications for the National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee via Federal Register Notice 89 FR 12853. The notice announces the solicitation for three positions that follow. Applications were due on or before April 22, 2024.
- One member representing entities engaged in offshore oil exploration and production on the Outer Continental Shelf adjacent to Alaska.
- One member representing entities engaged in offshore drilling (one of two positions in this category is open).
- One member representing entities engaged in the construction of offshore facilities on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.
Non-Mineral Energy Safety Zones (Construction-Related)
Safety Zone; Sunrise Wind Farm Project Area, Outer Continental Shelf, Lease OCS-A 0487, MA, Atlantic Ocean (approximately 16 nautical miles (nm) south of Martha's Vineyard, MA, approximately 26 nm east of Montauk, NY, and approximately 14 nm from Block Island, RI)
- Published 16Jun2025 as 90 FR 25149
- 85 temporary 500-meter safety zones around the construction of 84 wind turbine generators (WTGs) and one offshore converter station
- Effective June 16, 2025, through May 31, 2028
Temporary, Moving Safety Zone; Nearshore Cable Laying Operations, Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Published 21Apr2025 as 90 FR 16639
- Any navigable waters located within 1000 yards in all directions from the Cable Laying Barge (CLB) ULISSE while operating off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia while it conducts work within 12 nm of the shore
- Effective from March 2, 2025 through March 1, 2026
Safety Zone; Empire Wind 1 Wind Farm Project Area, Outer Continental Shelf, Lease OCS-A 0512, Offshore New York and New Jersey, Atlantic Ocean
- Published 11Apr2025 as 90 FR 15401 (proposal was published 22Oct2024 as 89 FR 84316)
- 55 temporary 500-meter safety zones around the construction of 54 wind turbine generators (WTGs) and one offshore substation (OSS)
- Effective March 10, 2025, through February 29, 2028
Safety Zone; Revolution Wind Farm Project Area, Outer Continental Shelf, Lease OCS-A 0486, Offshore Rhode Island, Atlantic Ocean
- Published 16May2024 as 89 FR 42799
- 67 temporary 500-meter safety zones around the construction of 65 wind turbine generators (WTGs) and two offshore substations (OSSs)
- Effective from June 1, 2024, through May 31, 2027
- Expired: Published 05May2024 as 89 FR 37130
- 16 temporary 500-meter safety zones around the construction of 16 wind turbine generators (WTGs)
- Effective from May 1, 2024, through May 31, 2024
Safety Zone; Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind-Commercial Wind Farm Project Area, Outer Continental Shelf, Lease OCS-A 0483, Offshore Virginia, Atlantic Ocean
- Published 26Mar2024 as 89 FR 20851
- 179 temporary 500-meter safety zones around the construction of 176 wind turbine generators (WTGs) and three offshore substations (OSSs)
- Effective from May 1, 2024, through May 1, 2027
Expired: Safety Zone; Installation Area for Offshore Wind Power Transmission Export Cables, Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Published 22Feb2024 as 89 FR 13274
- Temporary safety zone for navigable waters within 550-yards of a near shore construction site near the State Military Reservation, in Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Effective from March 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024
Expired: Safety Zone; South Fork Wind Farm Project Area, Outer Continental Shelf, Lease OCS-A 0517, Offshore Rhode Island, Atlantic Ocean
- Published 19Dec2023 as 88 FR 87716
- 13 temporary 500-meter safety zones around the construction of 12 wind turbine generators (WTGs) and one offshore substation (OSS)
- Effective from January 1, 2024, through May 31, 2024
Safety Zone; Vineyard Wind 1 Wind Farm Project Area, Outer Continental Shelf, Lease OCS-A 0501, Offshore Massachusetts, Atlantic Ocean
- Published 30Jun2023 as 88 FR 42237, extended by 89 FR 35709 on 02May2024, with phone number correction issued via 89 FR 44550 on 21May2024
- 63 temporary 500-meter safety zones around the construction of 62 wind turbine generators (WTGs) and one electrical service platform (ESP)
- Effective from June 30, 2023, through 11:59 p.m. on May 31, 2024 (88 FR 42237) and from June 1, 2024, through May 31, 2026 (89 FR 35709)
April 21, 2025: Drill Down Issue #31 was released and addresses employment restrictions on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.
August-October 2023: We released an 8-part series concerning hazardous location (HazLoc) electrical equipment markings.
This series includes:
- Issue #23 was the first in the series, addressed the standards related to U.S. Coast Guard oversight of electrical equipment installed in hazardous locations and was released on August 14, 2023.
- Issue #24 for location classification (2 of 8) was released on August 21, 2023.
- Issue #25 on material groups (3 of 8) was released on August 28, 2023.
- Issue #26 for protection techniques (4 of 8) was released on September 4, 2023.
- Issue #27 for temperature classes (5 of 8) was released on September 11, 2023.
- Issue #28 on equipment protection levels (6 of 8 in the series) was released on September 18, 2023.
- Issue #29 addressing certificate numbers and special symbols (7 of 8 in the hazardous location electrical markings series) was released on September 25, 2023.
- Issue #30 explores degrees of protection (i.e., ingress protection) is the final issue in the series and was released on October 2, 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.
See our Drill Down page for all issues of the Drill Down.
February 26, 2024: The USCG District Eight OCS OCMI cancelled D8(ocs) Policy Letter (PL) 01-2020 (Emergency Evacuation Drills on Manned Facilities with Lifeboats) via Cancellation Memo OCS-24010 and issued Revision 1 to PL 01-2022 (Verification of Training and Drills for Personnel Assigned Special or Emergency Duties on FOFs). All affected policies have been updated on the D8 FOF Regulatory Guidance page.
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. 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. 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. This policy letter was superseded by D8(do) Policy Letter 01-2022, Rev 1, dated February 26, 2024.
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. 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. 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.
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.
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.
The report was initially released on December 21, 2021. The updated Report of Investigation (ROI) for the FPS Auger Lifeboat No. 6 Casualty dated October 2, 2023, was published on November 29, 2023, and 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 Auger LB 6 page. See the Investigation Recommendations tab 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 ROI) and DNV's investigation report (Enclosure (3) to the ROI) are also 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.