The Minerals Management Service (MMS) regulates the oil and gas exploration, development and production operations in the US offshore sector. The main regulation is the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) on Mineral Resources particularly 30CFR Part 250 which relate to oil and gas and sulphur operations in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).
The Regulations require that the operator submit information and documentation on various issues to the MMS for approval for installation, modification or repair of a platform. The information to be submitted must include:
Ø Platform location
Ø Platform dimensions, orientation and elevation
Ø Complete set of structural drawings
Ø Summary of environmental data
Ø Summary of engineering design data
Ø Loading data
In relation to health, safety and the environment, the regulations (30CFR Part 250.107) state that the best available and safest technology (BAST) should be used on all exploration, development and production operations. The Regulations refer to various standards which can be used to achieve this objective.
MMS operates a Safety and Environmental Program (SEMP) which is a voluntary complement to compliance with the MMS operating regulations. The American Petroleum INstitute (API), in cooperation with MMS, developed Recommended Practice 75 - Development of a Safety and Environmental Management Program for Outer Continental Shelf Operations and Facilities - as a detailed guide for building a SEMP.
Further information on the regulations can be found on the U.S. Government Printing Office website.