General FAQs

Copies of approved drilling permits can be viewed by accessing the public eWell query Application for Permit to Drill (APD, AST, ABP). Instructions for using the query tool are available to assist you.

Track the status of Gulf of Mexico permits.

BSEE operates a newly established National Offshore Training Program whose initial focus is keeping experienced inspectors current on new technologies and processes, and ensuring that new inspectors are given the proper foundation for carrying out their duties rigorously and effectively.

BSEE is involved in the approval of oil and gas plans, facilities, and operations. The process includes reviews where there is much emphasis on design, operations, and maintenance.

While BSEE monitors compliance with the regulations throughout the permitting process and operations, nothing compares to having BSEE personnel in the field to ensure operators are complying with the regulations.

The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act assigns the Secretary of the Interior the responsibility for the administration of mineral exploration and development of the OCS. The Act empowers the Secretary to grant leases to the highest qualified responsible bidder on the basis of sealed competitive bids and to formulate regulations as necessary to carry out the provisions of the Act. The Act, as amended, provides guidelines for implementing an OCS oil and gas exploration and development program.

The OCS is all submerged lands lying seaward of state coastal waters which are under U.S. jurisdiction.