Photos (clockwise from top left): CG Petroleum Engineer (LT Kyle Carter) giving training to CG Marine Inspectors on a Hercules Jack-Up MODU; Edison Chouest OSV; MODU SEVAN LOUISIANA underway in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico; Dockside COC Exam of the SPARTAN 151 in Seward, Alaska; Block Island Windfarm operations; Platform GINA (offshore California).

Recently added or updated resources on this site:

○  New! Updated OCS Accidents and Investigations Information with expanded information and features. See the individual tabs on the page for OCS-related USCG casualty investigation reports, NTSB accident investigation reports and briefs, USCG Safety Alerts/Lessons Learned, and information related to the Deepwater Horizon/Macondo Well blowout and FPS Auger Lifeboat No. 6 accidents.

○  New! April 28, 2021: FAQs for sound signals (i.e., fog horns) on fixed and floating OCS facilities that detail operational and general requirements for the sound signals. View the "Navigational Aids" section on the Fixed Platform FAQs or Floating OCS Facilities FAQs pages for more information.

○  Recent - April 19, 2021: FAQ related to the need to verify that obstruction lights on fixed platforms, floating OCS facilities and self-elevating MODUs are leveled and "focused" See the FAQ on the General FAQs page, or on the FAQ pages for any of the aforementioned unit types that are accessible through main menu links to the left.

○  Recent - April 6, 2021: Drill Down Issue #18, MODU Certificate of Compliance: Option "B" - A Closer Look.

○  Recent - March 30, 2021: Policy Letters and NVICs are now searchable on the respective pages.

○  Recent - March 2021: Information is categorized by unit type (i.e., MODU, Fixed Platforms, Floating OCS Facilities, Support Vessels and Renewable Energy in the main menu to the left. Information is also accessible by subject (i.e., regulatory guidance and frequently asked questions) via the main menu. On pages containing large amounts of information/references, the content is further categorized via tabs.

○  Recent - March 2021: FAQ on the regulatory applicability for cranes on Floating OCS Facilities.

About Us

The Outer Continental Shelf National Center of Expertise (OCSNCOE) is based in Houma, LA and is the repository of Coast Guard expertise and best practices on Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) activities. Like other NCOEs, the OCSNCOE reports to the Chief of the Traveling Inspection Staff (CG-5P-TI) and is focused on raising the competency, capabilities and consistency of Coast Guard inspection/examination and oversight in our area of focus: OCS activities and the various types of units and vessels that conduct and support those activities.

The OCSNCOE is poised to provide training and mission support to the Coast Guard, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and the offshore industry (drilling, production and support vessels). These responsibilities are carried out by regular communication and interaction with industry groups and operators, Coast Guard inspectors/investigators at units involved with OCS-related activities, Coast Guard Headquarters offices and the Force Readiness Command (FORCECOM).

Our unit consists of 6 members (3 active duty and 3 civilian) that are further discussed on the Staff page of this site. We are supported by a civilian Training Specialist, Mr. Mark Gandolfo, who is a detached-duty member of the CG-5P-TI Training Support Staff (tss) located at Training Center Yorktown. He works with the OCSNCOE on all training/workforce development related products.

Contact Information

Click on the member's name below for an e-mail to that member. Please note that members do not have direct phone lines/extensions. Please use the office phone number listed above for contact via telephone.