Safety and Pollution Prevention Equipment Quality Assurance Requirements

This rule amends the regulations governing the quality assurance (QA) program for safety and pollution prevention equipment (SPPE) used on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The rule requires lessees to install only QA certified SPPE after April 1, 1998. However, the rule allows the continued use of noncertified SPPE installed prior to April 1, 1998, provided the equipment does not require remanufacturing. Amendments to the rule reduce the paperwork burden on both industry and MMS and ensure that OCS lessees continue to use the best available and safest equipment.