BSEE sets forth regulations and guidance for the design and operation of oil and gas facilities to withstand the extreme conditions of severe weather and hurricanes and protect the men and women who work offshore and the environment. These preventative measures also are designed to minimize disruption of oil and gas production in the wake of a storm.
For more information related to the Hurricane Activity Statistics Updates, contact the BSEE Gulf of Mexico Region Public Affairs Office at (504) 736-2595.
Hurricane Regulations
BSEE's regulatory oversight of offshore oil and gas operators and activities include both preparations for hurricanes, tropical storms, and severe weather, and reporting requirements if such weather events move through an area of the Outer Continental Shelf. Current requirements (Code of Federal Regulations, CFR) and guidelines (Notices to Lessees, NTL) can be found at the links below. Please note the addition of supporting documentation containing Updated Contacts for Hurricane-related NTLs.
- 30 CFR 250.192: Reports and Statistics Submissions related to Hurricane
- 30 CFR 250.417: Use of a Mobile Offshore Unit (MODU)
- 30 CFR 250.715: MODU GPS System Requirements
- 30 CFR 250.720: Well securing requirements
- 250.720 (a)(1)(v): Impending National Weather Service-named tropical storm or hurricane.
- 30 CFR 250.901: Industry Standards for Platforms
- 30 CFR 250.919: In-service Inspection Requirements
- Hurricane and Tropical Storm Effects Reports issued July 27, 2015: NTL 2015-G02. Updated Contacts for Hurricane-related NTLs
- Post-Hurricane Inspection and Reporting issued September 1, 2009: NTL 2009-G30. Updated Contacts for Hurricane-related NTLs
- Guidelines for Jack-up Drilling Rig Fitness Requirements for Hurricane Season issued June 1, 2009: NTL 2009-G10. Updated Contacts for Hurricane-related NTLs
- Guidelines for Tie-Downs on OCS Production Platforms for Upcoming Hurricane Seasons issued May 20, 2009: NTL 2009-G13. Updated Contacts for Hurricane-related NTLs
- Guidelines for Moored Drilling Rig Fitness Requirements for Hurricane Season issued June 1, 2008: NTL 2008-G09 Updated Contacts for Hurricane-related NTLs
- Design of New OCS Platforms and Related Structures for Hurricane Conditions issued December 15, 2007: NTL 2007-G26. Updated Contacts for Hurricane-related NTLs