BSEE on the move

Guardians of America’s Offshore Energy:
The Vital Role of BSEE Inspectors in Ensuring American Energy Dominance

On the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), far beyond the shoreline and even farther from most headlines, a small but critical force is at work.

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) inspectors—trained, trusted, and tireless—keep watch over America’s offshore oil and gas operations. Whether it’s checking pressure gauges or investigating safety risks, their mission is simple: protect people, the environment, and America’s energy future.

Often found among towering rigs and production facilities miles from land, these inspectors ensure that natural oil and gas, the backbone of modern life, are extracted safely and responsibly.

While most people focus on fuel prices, few understand what happens before oil reaches the pump. Behind every gallon is a complex system of production, protection, and oversight—where environmental stewardship, and energy security all intersect. BSEE diligently promotes safety, protects the environment, and conserves resources offshore through regulatory oversight of all energy operations on the U.S. OCS.

Modern life runs on petrochemicals—basic chemicals made from oil and natural gas. They’re used to create everything from plastics and fertilizers to synthetic fabrics and lifesaving drugs. Without them, phones wouldn’t work, crops wouldn’t grow, and ambulances wouldn’t run. These hydrocarbons are the building blocks of a world we often take for granted.

The scale of these products shows just how much the nation depends on a stable, reliable oil and gas supply. But extracting these resources is far from easy, and it comes with many potential hazards. Offshore platforms sit miles from shore, surrounded by saltwater, storms, and high-pressure systems. One failure can ripple across lives, industries, and entire coastlines.

At the heart of BSEE's mission are its inspectors— trained to spot risks others might miss, from worn valves to unsafe work habits. With technical expertise, operational insight, and field-tested experience, they’re the quiet force behind safe offshore production.

On the Frontlines: Jason Bowens’ Offshore Routine

Jason Bowens, a native of Slidell, Louisiana, is one of about 120 BSEE inspectors nationwide. He works out of the New Orleans District, one of just a few offices responsible for roughly 20,000 component inspections across more than 2,000 facilities in the Gulf of America, Pacific, and Alaskan waters.

"My day starts before most people are even up," Bowens said. Like many inspectors, he’s in the office by 6 a.m., reviewing weather reports and planning the day's inspections.

"If the day goes as planned, I’m flying by 8 a.m., and back from offshore by 2 or 3 in the afternoon," Bowens said. "I use the rest of the day to wrap up reports and get organized for tomorrow."

Bowens inspects about 30 facilities each year, and also assists with sites flagged for increased safety risks. BSEE inspectors receive an annual list of assignments but stay flexible to respond where they’re needed most.

"It's not just about checking boxes," Bowens said. "It's about understanding how the operation works, spotting potential hazards, and making sure the operators take safety seriously."

BSEE inspectors look for signs of wear, weakness, or potential failure. It’s a high-pressure job—literally and figuratively—and it demands precision.

"We might spend a week going back and forth to a single facility just to inspect all its components properly," Bowens said.

Safety Meets Sustainability

Beyond personnel safety, BSEE inspectors also protect the environment—monitoring pressure valves, testing emergency systems, and watching how crews work in real time.

BSEE’s oversight goes beyond immediate risks. It’s also about long-term sustainability. Bowens explained that by enforcing federal standards and promoting best practices, the agency helps shape a culture of safety and environmental responsibility across the industry. That culture supports long-term sustainability—helping companies operate safely, protect the environment, and strengthen American energy dominance.

"I worked in the industry before joining BSEE," Bowens said. "It's important to me to know that what I do makes a positive impact."

Responding to the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry

BSEE operates in one of the fastest-changing sectors in the world. As offshore technology advances—allowing companies to drill deeper and farther than ever—inspection protocols and regulations must keep pace. That means constant adaptation, updated tools, and ongoing training.

But it’s not just about technology. Limited resources and staffing can also stretch the agency’s capacity to meet rising demands. Still, BSEE remains committed to providing strong, effective oversight to support safe operations and protect America’s energy security.

It’s a continuous learning process, and BSEE is committed to staying ahead, delivering strong oversight in a growing and increasingly complex sector to help protect the nation's energy security.

Meeting these challenges requires a multifaceted approach. Continuous investment in training and technology is essential to keep BSEE inspectors equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to keep pace with industry developments.

Collaboration with industry, academia, other government agencies, and so many others is crucial for sharing best practices and driving innovation. Some BSEE staff travel internationally to study new and effective ways to address the complex challenges of the OCS.

But collaboration isn’t just about technology and learning—it’s also about trust.

Building public trust through transparency and accountability

BSEE understands that public trust is essential. That’s why the agency operates transparently, engages openly with stakeholders, and keeps the public informed. Offshore safety isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a public responsibility.

BSEE's work often goes unseen, overshadowed by the more visible aspects of the oil and gas industry. But its impact is clear. The agency's regulatory oversight is essential to meeting the nation's energy needs safely.

For inspectors like Jason Bowens, that mission is personal.

Bowens enlisted in the U.S. Navy right out of high school. After serving, he looked for a way to keep giving back—and found it at BSEE in 2013. "I'm proud of the work I do," Bowens said. "There’s real satisfaction in knowing my job helps people get home safely to their families after working offshore."

The Bigger Picture

As demand for petrochemicals grows, so does the importance of BSEE's mission. From deepwater wells to global safety trends, inspectors like Jason Bowens are the frontline of responsible energy. Their work keeps platforms safe, environments protected, and America’s energy future secure. BSEE inspectors remain the critical link between the nation's energy needs and environmental protection. Their dedication and expertise help strike the balance between energy production and protection—making sure the resources that power our world are extracted safely and responsibly. As Inspector Bowens sees it, his job is simple: keep people safe, protect the planet, and make sure the systems behind the scenes don’t miss a beat. His role might not make headlines—but offshore energy doesn’t run without inspectors like him.