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National Academy of Engineering /

National Research Council

Captain Eric P. ChristensenChief, Office of Vessel Activities (CG-543)

United States Coast Guard

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Coast Guard Responsibilities, Safety Oversight of MODUs

Coast Guard Responsibilities-

· Inspection

· Regulations

· Compliance Assurance

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Coast Guard Responsibilities

Coast Guard Inspection Role-Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU)-

· Safety of the Crew

· Safety of systems at the platform level

· Life saving, Fire Fighting

· Hull structure, navigation equipment, electrical hazards

· Safety Management System

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Coast Guard Regulatory Framework

U.S. / International MODU Regulations -

Subchapter I-A (46 CFR 107, 108, & 109)

· Subchapter I-A 46 CFR 107 – Inspection and CertificationPrescribes rules for the design, construction, equipment, inspection and operation of MODU operating under the U.S. flag.

· Subchapter I-A 46 CFR 108 – Design and Equipmentaddresses construction and arrangement of MODU, including Hull, Firefighting, Lifesaving, etc.

· Subchapter I-A 46 CFR 109 – Operations addresses operational aspects of the MODU including required Tests and Drills, Operation and Stowage of Safety Equipment, Reports and Notifications, etc

International Maritime Organization (IMO) MODU Code Ensures level of safety for foreign flagged units & for personnel on board, equivalent to

that required by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

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Coast Guard Compliance Assurance

Ensuring the MODU is-“Fit for Intended Route and Service”

· Inspection for Certification (COI) - U.S. Flagged MODUs

· Certificate of Compliance (COC) Examination - Foreign Flagged MODUs

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Coast Guard Compliance Assurance

Compliance issues discovered?· Deficiency Issued

· Operations Restricted

· Operations Halted

· Certificate Denied/or Revoked

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DEEPWATER HORIZON

Coast Guard Inspection History:· Initial Certificate of Compliance Exam

-August 15, 2001

· Examined annually since that date

· Two deficiencies in nine years

· Next exam required no later than-September 30, 2010

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Coast Guard /Bureau of Ocean Energy

Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE)

Joint Goals, Defined Relationship, Interactions

· Common cause: Safety

· Memorandums of Understanding

· Clearly Delineated Responsibilities

· Quarterly Meetings – Shared Training

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Coast Guard /BOEMRE (Continued)

Joint Goals, Defined Relationship, Interactions

· Common cause: Safety

· Memorandums of Understanding

· Clearly Delineated Responsibilities

· Quarterly Meetings – Shared Training

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Responsibilities-Master and OIM

Coast Guard Perspective:

· Regulations-

· Master w/OIM Endorsement?

· If Master and OIM, who is-in charge in an

emergency?

Marine Crew Self Propelled Vessels

Only

Master *

Mates – Chief, First, etc. *

Able Seamen

Ordinary Seaman

Drilling Crew

Offshore Installation Manager (OIM)

Barge Supervisor

Ballast Control Operator

Driller

Tool Pusher

Roustabouts

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Responsibilities-Master and OIM

(Continued)

Coast Guard Perspective:

· Regulations-

· Master w/OIM Endorsement?

· If Master and OIM, who is-in charge in an

emergency?

Marine Crew Self Propelled Vessels

Only

Master *

Mates – Chief, First, etc. *

Able Seamen

Ordinary Seaman

Drilling Crew

Offshore Installation Manager (OIM)

Barge Supervisor

Ballast Control Operator

Driller

Tool Pusher

Roustabouts

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“Future” Coast Guard MODU/OCS Oversight?

Way-Forward after DEEPWATER HORIZON-

· Formal Investigation

· Recommendations / “Lessons-Learned”

· Incorporated into Regulations

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Questions?