Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)-Fixed and Floating Platforms and Structures and Documents Incorporated by Reference

This rule amends our regulations concerning platforms and structures to include coverage of floating offshore oil and gas production platforms. The rule also incorporates into MMS regulations a body of industry standards pertaining to floating production systems (FPSs). Limited changes are also made to regulations concerning oil and gas production safety systems; and pipelines and pipeline rights-of- way. These changes are needed because of the rapid increase in deepwater exploration and development, and industry's increasing reliance on floating facilities for those activities. Incorporating the industry standards into MMS regulations will save the public the costs of developing separate, and possibly duplicative, government standards, and will streamline our procedures for reviewing and approving new offshore floating platforms.