NTL1996-G05 - Departures for Testing Blowout Preventers (BOP) - September 20, 1996

In early April 1996, the Minerals Management Service (MMS) began granting departures for testing BOP equipment on a 14-day interval. The purpose for these departures was to gather data on BOP performance. The MMS and five oil and gas trade organizations hired a contractor to analyze these data and prepare a report on BOP performance. The MMS will use the study to determine if a 14-day test interval provides an equal or better degree of protection, safety, and performance when compared to the current requirement for a 7-day test interval.