BSEE Updates Hurricane Reporting Requirements

BSEE is providing updated guidance for the current and future hurricane seasons through a Notice to Lessees (NTL) released July 27, 2015. NTL 2015-G02 clarifies reporting requirements related to personnel evacuation, production curtailment, and shut-in activity. These reports are received and processed within BSEE’s hurricane response team and is required to help mitigate risks associated with hurricanes and tropical storms on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

Offshore oil and gas operators determine when to activate their severe weather plans for their drilling rigs and production platforms. Once activated, operators are required to report daily to BSEE’s hurricane response team. Reporting and monitoring continues during these storms and until operations return to normal following the severe weather. Through an interagency collaboration, US Coast Guard is embedded within BSEE’s hurricane response team to better coordinate response activities should they be required.

Current reporting requirements spelled out in 30 CFR 250.192 including: preparations for hurricanes, tropical storms, and severe weather, and reporting requirements can be found here along with more about how BSEE’s hurricane response team operates.