Floating OCS Facilities (FOFs)

A floating OCS facility, as defined in 33 CFR 140.10, is "a buoyant OCS facility securely and substantially moored so that is cannot be moved without a special effort. This term includes tension leg platforms and permanently moored semisubmersibles or shipshape hulls but does not include mobile offshore drilling units and other vessels." [emphasis added]

Additional 33 CFR 140.10 definitions pertaining to the type of facility that also apply to a FOF include OCS facility, manned facility and unit. §140.10 definitions that do NOT apply to a FOF include manned platform.

Special consideration: In accordance with changes related to USCG policies concerning oversight of FOFs (see CG-OES Policy Letter (PL) 01-22, CG-MMC PL 01-22 and D8(do) PL 01-2022), three floating production units (Turritella, BW Pioneer, and Helix Producer I) have been deemed to be vessels by the D8 OCS OCMI (as also evidenced by documentation issued by the respective vessel's Administrations). These three units meet the definition of an OCS facility, but do not meet the regulatory definition of a floating OCS facility as published at 33 CFR 140.10. However, CG policy and terminology may refer to vessel-type production units as the non-regulatory term of "vessel FOF".

Please use the menu to the left or the links provided below to learn about various types of floating OCS facilities, also commonly referred to as floating offshore installations (FOIs), and the U.S. Coast Guard oversight of these facilities:

  ○ Types of Floating OCS Facilities

  ○ Regulations, Policy and Guidance applicable to FOFs

  ○ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)