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JACK ST. MALO during offshore construction with attending OSV and Floatel VICTORY. C-ENFORCER underway with water cannons flowing. SEVAN LOUISIANA underway when initially entering the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Platform GINA off the California coast. Block Island windfarm with attending CTV. SPARTAN 151 dockside in Seward, AK.

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Policy and Guidance applicable to Floating OCS Facilities (FOFs)

Note: Page tabs may appear collapsed or as a menu near the top of the page on mobile devices or lower screen resolutions.

The content listed below is available on this page. Use the tabs above to view the following categories:

  1) COMDTINST 16000.76, Marine Safety: OCS Inspections (previously MSM Volume II, Section G);

  2) Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs);

  3) National Policy;

  4) District Eight (Gulf of Mexico) Policy;

  5) Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVICs);

  6) USCG Mission Management System (MMS) Work Instructions (WIs);

  7) Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIBs);

  8) Production Facility Applicability Flowchart; and

  9) Inspection job aid (replaced legacy checklists).


 

COMDTINST 16000.76, Marine Safety: OCS Inspections (previously Section G of the Marine Safety Manual, Volume II)

The following chapters of COMDTINST 16000.76, Marine Safety: Outer Continental Shelf Inspections are applicable to FOFs:

  • Chapter 1, Regulations, Policy and Guidance for a Unit Conducting an OCS Activity, and
  • Chapter 4, Procedures Applicable to Floating OCS Facilities.

This Commandant Instruction replaced Marine Safety Manual (MSM), Volume II: Section G - OCS Activities (cancelled 20Sep2021 and listed here for historical reference only). Note that there was no content change with the republishing of MSM Vol II Section G as a separate Commandant Instruction on 20Sep2021, but future content revisions are planned.


 

Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs)

CFRs that pertain to Floating OCS Facilities are as follows:

Primary subchapter -
  ○  33 CFR Subchapter N - Outer Continental Shelf Activities

Additional subchapters that apply -
​  ○  46 CFR Subchapter I-A - Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (Part 107, Subpart C and Part 108 only)
  ○  46 CFR Subchapter F - Marine Engineering
  ○  46 CFR Subchapter J - Electrical Engineering
  ○  46 CFR Subchapter Q - Equipment, Construction and Materials: Specifications and Approval
  ○  46 CFR Subchapter S - Subdivision and Stability
  ○  33 CFR Subchapter C - Aids to Navigation (Parts 66 and 67)
  ○  33 CFR Subchapter H - Maritime Security (Parts 101, 103 and 106; only applies to facilities that fall into the categories listed at §106.105(a))
  ○  33 CFR Subchapter O - Pollution (Parts 151, 153 and 155)

Note that 33 CFR Subchapter A also has applicability in regards to administration and legal actions.

CFRs can be viewed at ecfr.gov (regularly updated online version) or govinfo.gov (annual editions).


 

 

National Policy

National policy letters that apply to floating OCS facilities are listed in the table below, grouped by issuing authority and ordered from newest to oldest (by policy number/original issue date). Click on the policy number to open the document (opens in a new window).

February 2022 Policy Change: Please review CG-OES PL 01-22 and CG-MMS PL 01-22 in conjunction with 87 FR 7716 published on February 10, 2022 for a shift from the way that the CG has historically treated FOFs as "vessels". These policies discuss guidance on determining if a FOF is a vessel or non-vessel, oversight, certification/documents issued, manning requirements and changes related to merchant mariner credentials issued for service on FOFs. These policies came from a multi-year internal review of the USCG's regulations, policies and procedures related to oversight of FOFs on the U.S. OCS. The CG also reviewed recent court rulings related to OCS activities and the 2018 NOSAC report detailing the review and recommendations for CG regulations applicable to OCS units operating on the U.S. OCS (Production Subcommittee Final Report) while developing these policies.

Office Policy Number Date Issued Subject
Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC; formerly CG-543, G-3PCV, G-PCV, and G-MOC)
CG-CVC 18-04 03Apr2018 Guidance on Implementation of New Standards for Fire Protection, Detection and Extinguishing Equipment
CG-CVC Change Notice 24Jun2014 Policy Cancellations – COMDTCHANGENOTE 16000, CH-1 to MSM Vol II
CG-543 11-04 13Apr2011 Compliance Verification of Alternative Security Program for MTSA Regulated Vessels and Facilities
G-MOC 03-01 11Feb2003 In-Service Inspection Program (ISIP) for Floating Facilities in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)
(CANCELLED, see 25Jun14 Change Notice to MSM Vol II (linked in this table); policy is included here for historical reference purposes only)
G-MOC 02-01 08Feb2002 Regular Compliment Crew Determinations for Vessels Engaged in OCS Activities
(CANCELLED, see 25Jun14 Change Notice to MSM Vol II (linked in this table); policy is included here for historical reference purposes only)
Office of Design and Engineering Standards (CG-ENG; formerly CG-521, G-3PSE, G-PSE, and G-MSE)
CG-ENG 02-23 02Aug2023 USCG Acceptance of IMO Guidelines for Hydrostatic Testing of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Cylinders Associated with Fixed Gas Fire Extinguishing Systems
The referenced IMO guidelines are found in MSC.1/Circ.1318/Rev.1: Revised Guidelines for the Maintenance and Inspections of Fixed Carbon Dioxide Fire-Extinguishing Systems (click on name to access).
CG-ENG 01-23 17Mar2023 Design Basis Agreement Submission Guidance
CG-ENG 03-21 02Aug2021 Acceptance of Helicopter Safety Advisory Committee (HSAC) Recommended Practice (RP) 161, New Build Helideck Design Guidelines
CG-ENG 02-21 01Aug2021 Adoption of ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4 (Level 100 lifejackets deemed equivalent to 46 CFR 160.055 life preservers)
CG-ENG 01-18 01May2018 Equivalency Determination – FRP Gratings Conforming to ASTM F3059
CG-ENG 01-16 29Apr2016 Portable Accommodations Module (PAM) Guidance
CG-ENG 03-15 03Sep2015 Acceptance of CAP-437, Standards for Offshore Helicopter Landing Areas
CG-ENG 02-14 30Apr2014 Approval of Equivalencies to the Requirements for Odorizing Units on Fixed Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishing Systems
CG-ENG 01-13 26Jun2013 Alternate Design and Equipment Standards for Floating Offshore Installations (FOI) and Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Units on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf
Office of Operating and Environmental Standards (CG-OES; formerly CG-522, G-3PSO, G-PSO, and G-MSO)
CG-OES 01-22 04Feb2022 Determination of Whether a Floating Outer Continental Shelf Facility (FOF) is a Vessel
See 87 FR 7716 released on 10Feb2022 for supplementary information.
CG-OES 02-20 14Oct2020 Commercial Diving Operations - Equivalent Levels of Safety
Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing (CG-MMC)
CG-MMC 01-22 04Feb2022 Merchant Mariner Credential Endorsements for Service on Floating Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Facilities
See 87 FR 7716 released on 10Feb2022 for supplementary information.

 

District Eight (Gulf of Mexico) Policy

D8 policy letters that apply to floating OCS facilities are listed in the table below, grouped by issuing authority and ordered from newest to oldest (by policy number/original issue date). Click on the policy number to open the document (opens in a new window).

Note that policy letter numbers for all policies listed from 1999 and earlier do NOT have a policy number referenced on the letter itself, but the policy number listed was assigned by D8 for tracking purposes.

Policy Number Date Issued Subject
Cancellation Notice 26Feb2024 Cancellation of D8(ocs) Policy Letter 01-2020 (Emergency Evacuation Drills on Manned Facilities with Lifeboats)
Cancellation Notice 03Aug2023 Cancellation of D8(ocs) Policy Letter 02-2016 (Structural Integrity Management (SIM) Program)
01-2022, Rev 1 26Feb2024 Verification of Training and Drills for Personnel Assigned Special or Emergency Duties on Floating Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Facilities (FOFs)
Policy Letter 01-2022 (issued 03May2022) is available for historical reference purposes
01-2020 19May2020 Emergency Evacuation Drills on Manned Facilities with Lifeboats
(CANCELLED 26Feb2024 by D8(do) Memo OCS-24010 dated 26Feb2024; policy is included here for historical reference purposes only)
Cancellation Notice 23Aug2019 Policy Cancellation - Maritime Commons blog post detailing the cancellation of D8(ocs) Policy Letter 01-2016
01-2018 05Jun2018 Guidance on Spar Liferaft Installations
04-2016,
Rev 1
07May2018 Lifesaving Inspection and Emergency Evacuation Drills on Manned Facilities (Including Mobile Offshore Drilling Units) on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) 
(CANCELLED 19May2020 by D8(ocs) Policy Letter 01-2020; policy is included here for historical reference purposes only)

Policy Letter 04-2016 is also available for historical reference purposes
03-2016 02Jun2016 Interim Coast Guard Eighth District Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Risk-Based Inspection Resource Allocation Methodology
02-2016 19Jan2016 Structural Integrity Management (SIM) Program as an Alternative Hull Inspection for Floating Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Facilities
(CANCELLED 03Aug2023 by
D8(do) Memo OCS-23040; policy is included here for historical reference purposes only)
01-2016 19Jan2016 Interim Guidance on Life Extension (Continued Service) Requirements for Floating OCS Facilities
(CANCELLED 23Aug2019 by Maritime Commons blog post, linked in this table above; policy is included here for historical reference purposes only)
01-2015 14Sep2015 Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Emergency Evacuation Plan (EEP) Approvals
01-2014 10Oct2014 Guidance on Post-Hurricane Inspection Requirements for Floating Offshore Production Facilities
Cancellation Notice 11Jul2014 Policy Cancellations - Memo detailing the cancellation of D8(m) Policy Letters
06-2004 22Dec2004 Guardrail and Storm Rail Requirements for Floating Offshore Installations (FOIs) 
(CANCELLED 11Jul2014 by D8 OCS Memo (linked in this table), incorporated into MSM Vol II, Sec G; policy is included here for historical reference purposes only)
05-2004 17Sep2004 Use of Hose Reels with Non-Collapsible Hard-Rubber Fire Hosed on Floating Offshore Installations 
(CANCELLED 11Jul2014 by D8 OCS Memo (linked in this table), incorporated into MSM Vol II, Sec G; policy is included here for historical reference purposes only)
03-2004 03May2004 In-Service Inspection Program (ISIP) for Floating Facilities in the Outer Continental Shelf 
(CANCELLED 11Jul2014 by D8 OCS Memo (linked in this table), incorporated into MSM Vol II, Sec G; policy is included here for historical reference purposes only)
04-2003 30Sep2003 Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Emergency Evacuation Plan (EEP) Approvals 
(CANCELLED 11Jul2014 by D8 OCS Memo (linked in this table), incorporated into MSM Vol II, Sec G; policy is included here for historical reference purposes only)
08-2001 27Jul2001 Licensing Requirements for Personnel on Non-Self Propelled Floating OCS Facilities 
(CANCELLED by CG-MMC Policy Letter 01-22, dated 04Feb2022; policy is included here for historical reference purposes only)
03-2000,
CH-1
20Oct2000 Policy on Manning of Non-Self Propelled Floating Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Facilities 
(CANCELLED by D8(do) Policy Letter 01-2022, dated 03May2022; policy is included here for historical reference purposes only)
99-19 16Sep1999 MODU Lifeboat Release Gear Overload Tests (alternate testing apparatus)
99-06 03Mar1999 Issuing COI Amendments (CG-858) 
(CANCELLED 11Jul2014 by D8 OCS Memo (linked in this table), incorporated into MSM Vol II, Sec G; policy is included here for historical reference purposes only)
98-26 23Oct1998 OCS Facility Casualty Notification
98-14 27Jul1998 In Service Inspection Plans for Floating OCS Facilities

 

Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVICs)

NVICs that apply to floating OCS facilities are listed in the table below, ordered from newest to oldest (by NVIC number). Click on the NVIC number to open the document (opens in a new window). ALL NVICs can be found on the Official NVIC Page.

NVIC Number Date Issued Subject
2020s
02-24 21Feb2024 Reporting Breaches of Security, Suspicious Activity, Transportation Security Incidents and Cyber Incidents
01-24 20Feb2024 Guidelines for Qualification for National Endorsements for Lifeboatman and Lifeboatman-Limited and STCW Endorsements for Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats and Proficiency in Survival Craft-Limited
Provided for reference for those that choose to voluntarily maintain Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) LB /PSC endorsements.
01-20 26Feb2020 Guidelines for Addressing Cyber Risks at Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) Regulated Facilities
2010s
02-19, CH-2 22Jul2024 CH-2 to Guide to Marine Equipment Approvals Covered by a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) (NVIC 02-19 superseded NVIC 08-04, CH-1)
01-15 21Jul2015 Title 46, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 4 Marine Casualty Reporting Procedures Guide with Associated Standard Interpretations
Note: 46 CFR Part 4 is not specifically applicable but referenced through 33 CFR 140.203 and 146.35.
2000s
10-04 20Aug2004 Guidelines for Handling of Sensitive Security Information (SSI)
05-03 15Dec2003 Implementation Guidance for the Maritime Security Regulations Mandated by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 for Outer Continental Shelf Facilities
6-01 25May2001 Protective Equipment Required for Firefighter’s Outfits
09-00,
CH-1
10Feb2005 CH-1 to NVIC 09-00; Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishing System Safety
1990s
9-97,
CH-1
02Jul2010 CH-1 to NVIC 9-97, Guide to Structural Fire Protection
3-97 - Stability Related Review Performed by the American Bureau of Shipping for U.S. Flag Vessels
1-94 21Jan1994 Marking of Life Preservers and PFDs
13-92 15Dec1992 Captain of the Port Zone Boundaries 
(CANCELLED 15Jul2021, see 
86 FR 37238included here for historical reference purposes only)
11-92 23Oct1992 Guidance for Acceptance of the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI) National Board Inspection Code (NBIC) for Repairs and Alterations to Boilers and Pressure Vessels
10-92,
CH-2
04May2006 CH-2 to NVIC 10-92, Coast Guard Recognition of Registered Professional Engineer Certification of Compliance with Coast Guard Requirements
3-92 24Feb1992 Recommended Program for Protection of Merchant Mariners from Occupational Health Problems
1980s
3-89 07Sep1989 Guidelines for the Presentation of Stability Information for Operating Personnel
6-87 21Sep1987 Recommended Procedures for Control of Asbestos and Other Respiratory Hazards on board Merchant Vessels, Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Facilities and Deepwater Ports
11-86 05Sep1986 Guidelines Governing the Use of Fiberglass Pipe (FGP) on Coast Guard Inspected Vessels
4-86 28Mar1986 Hydraulic Release Units for Liferafts, Life Floats and Buoyant Apparatus and Alternate Float-Free Arrangements
4-85 incl Ch-1 and 2 09Oct1986 Recalls and Other Corrective Measures for Lifesaving Equipment
11-84 20Dec1984 Guidelines for New Construction or Major Modification of U.S. Flag Vessels in Foreign Shipyards
8-84 23Aug1984 Recommendations for the Submittal of Merchant Vessel Plans and Specifications
7-84 07Aug1984 Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Citizenship Requirements; Exemptions from
1-84 03Apr1984 Lack of Topstitching on Some Type I Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
10-83 29Sep1983 Stability Approval and the Issuance of Stability Letters 
(CANCELLED 15Jul2021, see 
86 FR 37238included here for historical reference purposes only)
1-83 10Feb1983 Painters for Life Floats and Buoyant Apparatus
10-82, 
CH-2
18Sep1989 CH-2 to NVIC 10-82, Acceptance of Plan Review and Inspection Tasks Performed by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for New Construction or Major Modification of U.S. Flag Vessels
7-82 13Apr1982 Sample Format of Vessel or Facility Station Bill
9-81 10Aug1981 Coast Guard Guidance Regarding Shipboard Helicopter Facilities
6-81 18Jun1981 Lifeboat Weight Tests
7-80 02Apr1980 Use of Fire Detection Systems which are Not approved under 46 CFR 161.002
2-80 07Feb1980 Poured-Metal Socket Connections for Lifeboat Falls
1-80 14Jan1980 Inspection of Viking On-Load Release Gear on Watercraft America
1970s
5-77 20Dec1977 Inspection of Hydraulic Starting Systems for Lifeboats and Survival Capsules
1960s
1-69 08Jan1969 Automated Main and Auxiliary Machinery
3-68 21Mar1968 Tensile Fasteners
3-67 17May1967 Alteration of Ship’s Structure which May Affect the Adequacy of Installed Safety Devices
2-63 24Jan1963 Guide for Inspection and Repair of Lifesaving Equipment

 

MMS Work Instructions

Mission Management System (MMS) Work Instructions (WIs) that apply to floating OCS facilities are listed in the table below, grouped by issuing authority and ordered numerically by instruction number. All CVC MMS WIs can be viewed and accessed through the CG-CVC MMS page on their site. Click on the policy number to open the document (opens in a new window).

Office WI Number Date Issued Subject
Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC)
CG-CVC CVC-WI-033-1 07Jul2023 Non-Vessel Floating OCS Facilities (FOF) – Compliance Requirements
 
       

 

Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIBs)

MSIBs that apply to FOFs are listed in the table below, grouped by issuing authority and ordered from newest to oldest (by MSIB number/original issue date). Click on the MSIB number to open the document (opens in a new window).

Additional MSIBs issued by USCG Headquarters offices can be found here.

Office MSIB Number Date Issued Subject
Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC)
CG-CVC 03-24 25Mar2024 Amendment to MARPOL Annex V/10: Update to Garbage Record Book Requirements
Office of Design and Engineering Standards (CG-ENG)
CG-ENG 07-22 14Nov2022 Changes to Survival Craft Equipment Requirements for U.S. Vessels
Note: While floating OCS facilities are not the target audience, this MSIB discusses how certain previously type-approved equipment will no longer be type approved.
CG-ENG 06-22 18Oct2022 FM-200 Fire Extinguishing Agent Phasedown
District Eight OCS Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (D8 OCS OCMI)
2020s
D8 22-02 31May2022 Hurricane Season Reporting Requirements
D8 21-02 21May2021 Hurricane Season Reporting Requirements
D8 21-01 13Jan2021 Incident Involving a Fast Rescue Craft
D8 20-03, CH-1 31Jul2020 Extension of Third Party Surveys
D8 20-03 21Apr2020 Extension of Third Party Surveys
D8 20-02 02Apr2020 Novel Coronavirus Reporting Update
D8 20-01 17Mar2020 Novel Coronavirus
2010s
D8 19-04 24Jul2019 Lifeboat Operations on Manned Facilities
D8 19-02 28Jan2019 Lifesaving Appliance Data Plates
D8 19-01 28Jan2019 Marine Casualty Reporting
D8 18-03 08May2018 Procedures for Reporting Unsafe Working Conditions
D8 17-02 28Sep2017 Labeling for Lifesaving Equipment on Floating OCS Facilities and Manned Platforms
D8 17-01 05Sep2017 Coast Guard OCS Routine Correspondence and Points of Contact

 

Production Facility Applicability Flowchart

For a pdf version of the applicability flowchart displayed below, click here.

Flowchart detailing the regulatory applicability for inspection of production facilities on the U.S. OCS

Inspection Job Aid

The following Job Aid pertains to Floating OCS Facilities on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. Job Aids replaced the legacy CG-840 Books and can be a valuable tool for owners and operators to maintain regulatory compliance on their facilities.

Notes: 

Several items listed in the Job Aid may no longer be applicable to FOFs that have been determined NOT to be vessels in accordance with the provisions of CG-OES Policy Letter 01-22. Work has been completed to update the performance qualification standard (PQS) for USCG marine inspectors and the job aid, but the release of these revised documents has not been forecasted.

Job Aids are developed for use by the CG Marine Inspector, following internal CG procedures, and are provided as a convenience (and transparency) to industry. The Pre-Inspection/Pre-Exam and Follow-Up sections mainly pertain to administrative tasks of the Marine Inspector. While "if applicable" is NOT annotated within the Job Aid, there are inspection/exam items listed that may not apply to a particular facility.

Additional Job Aids and Marine Inspector Performance Qualification Standards (PQS) are available on CVC's MI Resources page.