[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 5, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5320-5329]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-2721]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

30 CFR Part 250

RIN 1010-AB99


Training of Lessee and Contractor Employees Engaged in Oil and 
Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)

AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Their rule amends MMS regulations governing the training of 
lessee and contractor employees engaged in oil and gas and sulphur 
operations in the OCS. MMS is making this amendment to simplify the 
training options and to provide the flexibility to use alternative 
training methods.

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 7, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Joseph Levine, Information and 
Training Branch, at (703) 787-1033.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 2, 1995, MMS published the 
proposed rule in the Federal Register (60 FR 55683). During the 90-day 
comment period that ended on January 31, 1996, MMS held a workshop. The 
workshop held on December 6, 1995, in New Orleans, Louisiana, received 
excellent participation from industry and training schools. We are 
highlighting the comments we received for the proposed rule in the 
``Response to Comments'' section.

Response to Comments

    MMS received 28 comments on the proposed rule. We appreciate the 
suggestions and comments that we received. We also appreciate the 
positive comments on our new ``plain English'' style of writing 
regulations.
    We reviewed all of the comments, and in some instances, we revised 
the final language based on these comments. MMS grouped the major 
comments and organized them by regulation paragraph number or subject 
as highlighted in the comment table.

                              Comment Table                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Requirement/subject             Comment            MMS response    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
250.210.....................  ``Alternative         Disagree--MMS is not
                               Training''            limiting the       
                               definition is         methods, we're only
                               restrictive.          giving examples by 
                                                     using the term     
                                                     ``such as.''       
250.210, 250.217, 250.222...  Typographical errors  Agree--We noted and 
                               appear in the         corrected the      
                               Federal Register.     errors.            
250.214 (a) and (b).........  MMS should add a 60-  Disagree--MMS wants 
                               day grace period to   to eliminate the   
                               the training limits.  cost and confusion 
                                                     caused by using the
                                                     training           
                                                     ``windows'' of the 
                                                     past.              
250.214(c)..................  The ``combination     Disagree--Although  
                               courses'' have too    the hours have     
                               many hours.           slightly increased,
                                                     we moved small     
                                                     tubing training to 
                                                     well workover.     

[[Page 5321]]

                                                                        
250.214.....................  MMS needs a           Agree--MMS added a  
                               transition table      table to ensure the
                               for the training      smoothest          
                               requirements since    transition to the  
                               each student is on    new training       
                               a different cycle.    requirements       
                                                     [250.214(d)].      
250.219.....................  Clarify that          Agree--Although MMS 
                               temporary employees   did not mean to    
                               need training or a    imply that the     
                               trained individual    trained individual 
                               (not necessarily a    must be classified 
                               supervisor) to        as a supervisor, we
                               supervise them.       adopted the        
                                                     suggestion.        
250.220.....................  Change ``* * * (who   Agree.              
                               can evaluate their                       
                               work) * * *'' to                         
                               ``* * * (who is                          
                               capable of                               
                               evaluating the                           
                               impact of the work                       
                               done''.                                  
250.222.....................  Is the only self-     No, computer-based  
                               paced training that   is only one form of
                               MMS allows computer-  self-paced         
                               based?.               training.          
250.225(a)(2)...............  Delete ``* * *        Agree.              
                               (instructors must                        
                               complete training                        
                               from an approved                         
                               training                                 
                               organization) * *                        
                               *''.                                     
250.225(j)..................  Specify simulator     Agree.              
                               requirements for                         
                               workovers.                               
250.226(a)..................  Schools should not    Disagree--MMS may   
                               need to maintain      need 5 years of    
                               training records      data and we wish to
                               for 5 years because   have the maximum   
                               of the new training   under the statute  
                               period.               of limitations.    
250.228(a)..................  MMS should specify    Agree.              
                               that the instructor                      
                               should only run one                      
                               simulator and have                       
                               teams of three or                        
                               less.                                    
250.229 Table (a) number 21.  Include drilling      Agree.              
                               supervisors in the                       
                               functions.                               
250.229.....................  One commenter wanted  Disagree--Considerin
                               MMS to                g the special      
                               significantly         nature of well     
                               expand the elements   servicing and      
                               in well-servicing     workover, we feel  
                               training and well     that it is not     
                               workover.             appropriate to     
                                                     expand their       
                                                     training at this   
                                                     time.              
No refresher training.......  Keep refresher        Disagree--MMS       
                               training for well     deleted the        
                               control because       refresher          
                               refreshers contain    requirement and    
                               course flexibility    made the basic     
                               to cover recent       course more        
                               field developments.   frequent. With more
                                                     frequent basic     
                                                     courses you can    
                                                     still have the     
                                                     flexibility to     
                                                     cover field        
                                                     developments. Also,
                                                     MMS does not       
                                                     prohibit refresher 
                                                     training.          
Open-book tests.............  Clarify the policy    Agree--We now       
                               on open-versus        specify that we    
                               closed-book tests.    allow open         
                                                     regulations and a  
                                                     formula sheet      
                                                     without examples   
                                                     for well-control   
                                                     tests (Sec.        
                                                     250.227(a)(5)).    
Third-parties...............  The majority of       MMS agrees with the 
                               comments was          comments and       
                               against MMS having    elected not to have
                               third-parties         a third-party      
                               accredit schools.     accredit training  
                               Those against         programs. Instead, 
                               having third-         we plan to move    
                               parties accredit      into a performance-
                               schools cited         based training     
                               additional costs,     program through a  
                               potential conflicts   future rulemaking. 
                               of interest, and                         
                               additional                               
                               management layers                        
                               as their main                            
                               concerns.                                
Testing-out.................  MMS should allow      Disagree--MMS and   
                               employees to take     much of industry   
                               and pass a test in    sees value in      
                               lieu of taking        taking training    
                               training.             even if an employee
                                                     can pass the test. 
                                                     A future rulemaking
                                                     will address       
                                                     performance        
                                                     measures.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Also, MMS is changing the term ``certify'' to ``accredit'' in this 
final rule because it is more accurate in the context of schools.

Executive Order (E.O.) 12866

    This rule is not a significant rule under E.O. 12866.

E.O. 12988

    The Department of the Interior (DOI) certified to the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) that this rule meets the applicable civil 
justice reform standards provided in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of E.O. 
12988.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    DOI determined and certifies according to the Unfunded Mandates 
Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this rule will not impose a 
cost of $100 million or more in any given year on State, local, and 
tribal governments, or the private sector.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    DOI determined that this rule will not have a significant effect on 
a substantial number of small entities.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rule has been examined under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995 and has been found to contain no new reporting and information 
collection requirements. OMB approved the existing information 
collection requirements under OMB Control No. 1010-0078. An agency may 
not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a 
collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB 
control number. The reporting burden is estimated to average 13.5 hours 
per response. Responses are mandatory. Proprietary data are covered 
under 30 CFR 250.18.
    Send comments regarding any aspect of this collection of 
information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to the 
Information Collection Clearance Officer; Minerals Management Service; 
Mail Stop 2053; 381 Elden Street; Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817 and to 
the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs; OMB; Attention: Desk 
Officer for the Department of the Interior (1010-0078), 725 17th Street 
NW, Washington, D.C. 20503.

Takings Implication Assessment

    DOI determined that this rule does not represent a governmental 
action capable of interfering with constitutionally protected rights. 
Thus, DOI does not need to prepare a Takings Implication Assessment 
pursuant to E.O. 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference with 
Constitutionally Protected Property Rights.

National Environmental Policy Act

    DOI determined that this rule does not constitute a major Federal 
action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment, 
therefore, an

[[Page 5322]]

Environmental Impact Statement is not required.

List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 250

    Continental shelf, Environmental impact statements, Environmental 
protection, Government contracts, Incorporation by reference, 
Investigations, Mineral royalties, Oil and gas development and 
production, Oil and gas exploration, Oil and gas reserves, Penalties, 
Pipelines, Public lands--mineral resources, Public lands--rights-of-
way, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sulphur development and 
production, Sulphur exploration, Surety bonds.

    Dated: January 27, 1997.
Sylvia V. Baca,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Minerals Management 
Service (MMS) is amending 30 CFR part 250 to read as follows:

PART 250--OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER 
CONTINENTAL SHELF

    1. The authority citation for part 250 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1334.

    2. MMS is revising Subpart O to read as follows:

Subpart O--Training

Sec.
250.209  Question index table.
250.210  Definitions.
250.211  What is MMS's goal for well control and production safety 
systems training?
250.212  What type of training must I provide for my employees?
250.213  What documentation must I provide to trainees?
250.214  How often must I provide training to my employees and for 
how many hours?
250.215  Where must I get training for my employees?
250.216  Where can I find training guidelines for other topics?
250.217  Can I get an exception to the training requirements?
250.218  Can my employees change job certification?
250.219  What must I do if I have temporary employees or on-the-job 
trainees?
250.220  What must manufacturer's representatives in production 
safety systems do?
250.221  May I use alternative training methods?
250.222  What is MMS looking for when it reviews an alternative 
training program?
250.223  Who may accredit training organizations to teach?
250.224  How long is a training organization's accreditation valid?
250.225  What information must a training organization submit to 
MMS?
250.226  What additional requirements must a training organization 
follow?
250.227  What are MMS's requirements for the written test?
250.228  What are MMS's requirements for the hands-on simulator and 
well test?
250.229  What elements must a basic course cover?
250.230  If MMS tests employees at my worksite, what must I do?
250.231  If MMS tests trainees at a training organization's 
facility, what must occur?
250.232  Why might MMS conduct its own tests?
250.233  Can a training organization lose its accreditation?

Subpart O--Training


Sec. 250.209  Question index table.

    The table in this section lists frequently asked training questions 
and the location for the answers. The subjects are grouped as follows:
    (a) General training requirements--Secs. 250.211 through 250.216.
    (b) Departures from training requirements--Secs. 250.217 through 
250.222.
    (c) Training program accreditations--Secs. 250.223 through 250.229 
and Sec. 250.233.
    (d) MMS testing information--Secs. 250.230 through 250.232.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Frequently asked questions                  CFR citation 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is MMS's goal for well control and production                      
 safety systems training?...............................   Sec.  250.211
What type of training must I provide for my employees?..   Sec.  250.212
What documentation must I provide to trainees?..........   Sec.  250.213
How often must I provide training to my employees and                   
 for how many hours?....................................   Sec.  250.214
Where must I get training for my employees?.............   Sec.  250.215
Where can I find training guidelines for other topics?..   Sec.  250.216
Can I get an exception to the training requirements?....   Sec.  250.217
Can my employees change job certification?..............   Sec.  250.218
What must I do if I have temporary employees or on-the-                 
 job trainees?..........................................   Sec.  250.219
What must manufacturer's representatives in production                  
 safety systems do?.....................................   Sec.  250.220
May I use alternative training methods?.................   Sec.  250.221
What is MMS looking for when it reviews an alternative                  
 training program?......................................   Sec.  250.222
Who may accredit training organizations to teach?.......   Sec.  250.223
How long is a training organization's accreditation                     
 valid?.................................................   Sec.  250.224
What informaiton must a training organization submit to                 
 MMS?...................................................   Sec.  250.225
What additional requirements must a training                            
 organization follow?...................................   Sec.  250.226
What are MMS's requirements for the written test?.......   Sec.  250.227
What are MMS's requirements for the hands-on simulator                  
 and well test?.........................................   Sec.  250.228
What elements must a basic course cover?................   Sec.  250.229
If MMS tests employees at my worksite, what must I do?..   Sec.  250.230
If MMS tests trainees at a training organization's                      
 facility, what must occur?.............................   Sec.  250.231
Why might MMS conduct its own tests?....................   Sec.  250.232
Can a training organization lose its accreditation?.....   Sec.  250.233
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec. 250.210  Definitions.

    Terms used in this subpart have the following meaning:
    Alternative training methods means self-paced or team-paced 
training that may use a computer-based system such as compact disc 
interactive (CDI), compact disc read only memory (CDROM), or Laser 
Discs.
    Completed training means that the trainee successfully met MMS's 
requirements for that training.
    Employees means direct employees and contract employees of lessees.
    Floorhands means rotary helpers, derrickmen, or their equivalent.
    I or you means the lessee or contractor engaged in oil, gas or 
sulphur operations in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).
    Installing means both installing the original equipment and 
replacing the equipment.

[[Page 5323]]

    Lessee means the person, organization, agent, or designee 
authorized to explore, develop, and produce leased deposits.
    Maintaining means preventive maintenance, routine repair, and 
replacing defective components.
    Operating means testing, adjusting, calibrating, and recording test 
and calibration results for the equipment.
    Production safety systems employee means employees engaged in 
installing, repairing, testing, maintaining, or operating surface or 
subsurface safety devices and the platform employee who is responsible 
for production operations.
    Supervisors means the driller, toolpusher, operator's 
representative, or their equivalent.
    Training means a basic or an advanced class in well control for 
drilling, well completion/well workover, well servicing, and production 
safety systems.
    Training organization means a party approved by MMS to teach well 
control for drilling, well completion/well workover, and well 
servicing, and production safety systems.
    Well-completion/well-workover (WO) well control includes small 
tubing operations.
    Well-servicing (WS) well control means snubbing and coil tubing.
    Well-workover rig means a drilling rig used for well completion/
well workover.


Sec. 250.211  What is MMS's goal for well control and production safety 
systems training?

    The goal is to ensure that employees who work in the following 
areas receive training that results in safe and clean operations:
    (a) Drilling well control;
    (b) WO well control;
    (c) WS well control; and
    (d) Production safety systems.


Sec. 250.212  What type of training must I provide for my employees.

    You must provide training for your employees according to the table 
in this section.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Training                            
      Type of employee            requirements            Comments      
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Drilling floorhand..........  Drilling well-                            
                               control course.\1\                       
                              Complete a well-      You must log the    
                               control drill at      time it took to    
                               the job site within   complete each drill
                               the time limit        in the driller's   
                               prescribed by         log and furnish the
                               company operating     time to the        
                               procedures.\2\.       floorhand.         
                              Participate in well-  You must record the 
                               control drills        date and time it   
                               under subpart D of    took to complete   
                               this part.\2\.        each drill in the  
                                                     driller's log.     
                              Receive copy of a                         
                               drilling well-                           
                               control manual.\2\                       
Drilling supervisor.........  Drilling well-                            
                               control course.\1\                       
                              Qualify to direct                         
                               well-control                             
                               operations.\1\                           
WO floorhands...............  WO well-control                           
                               course.\1\                               
                              Complete the          You must record the 
                               qualifying test       date and time it   
                               consisting of a       took to complete   
                               well-control drill    each drill in the  
                               at the job site       operations log.    
                               within the time                          
                               limit set by                             
                               company                                  
                               procedures.\2\.                          
                              Participate in                            
                               weekly well-control                      
                               drills under                             
                               subparts E and F of                      
                               this part.\2\                            
                              Receive a well-                           
                               control manual.\2\                       
WO supervisors..............  WO well-control                           
                               course.\1\                               
                              Qualify to direct                         
                               well-control                             
                               operations.\1\                           
WS work crews...............  At least one crew     Trained employee    
                               member is trained     must be in work    
                               in WS well            area at all times  
                               control.\1\.          during snubbing or 
                                                     coil tubing        
                                                     operations.        
                              At least one crew                         
                               member must be                           
                               qualified to direct                      
                               well-control                             
                               operations.\1\                           
Production safety systems     Must complete                             
 employees.                    training that                            
                               enables them to                          
                               install, test,                           
                               maintain, & operate                      
                               subsurface safety                        
                               devices.\1\                              
Employees who work in well    Either WO well-                           
 completion operations         control course or                        
 before or during tree         drilling well-                           
 installation.                 control course.\1\                       
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Employee may not work in the OCS unless this requirement is met.    
\2\ Employee must complete this requirement before exceeding 6 months of
  cumulative employment.                                                

Sec. 250.213  What documentation must I provide to trainees?

    You must give your employees documents that show they have 
completed the training course(s) required for their job. The employees 
must carry the documents or keep them at the job site.


Sec. 250.214  How often must I provide training to my employees and for 
how many hours?

    (a) You must ensure that applicable employees complete basic or 
advanced well-control training at least every 2 years. For example, if 
your employees complete a well-control course on October 31, 1998, they 
must again complete the training by October 31, 2000.
    (b) You must ensure that applicable employees complete basic or 
advanced production safety systems training at least every 3 years. For 
example, if your employees complete production safety systems training 
on October 31, 1998, they must again complete the training by October 
31, 2001.
    (c) You must ensure that your employees have at least the amount of 
training listed in the table in Sec. 250.214(c). The maximum number of 
hours per day of well control or production safety instruction time is 
9 hours.

[[Page 5324]]



                             Training Hours                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Surface       Subsea               
                                     option,      option,    No options,
      Basic/advanced course          minimum      minimum      minimum  
                                      hours      hours \1\      hours   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Drilling (D).....................           28           32  ...........
Well Completion/Workover (WO)....           32           36  ...........
Well Servicing (WS)..............  ...........  ...........           18
Combination D/WO.................           40           44  ...........
Combination D/WS.................           44           48  ...........
Combination WO/WS................           48           52  ...........
Combination D/WO/WS..............           55           59  ...........
Production Safety Systems........  ...........  ...........          30 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The subsea option includes the minimum hours from the surface option
  plus 4 hours.                                                         

    (d) For the first training course after March 7, 1997, you must 
ensure that your employee follows the following transition schedule 
table for well control.

                         Well Control Transition                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           If your employees                 Then the employees must    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. Completed a basic course on or after  A. Complete an appropriate     
 [insert date 365 days prior to the       basic course within 2 years to
 effective date of the rule] or           maintain certification, or    
B. Completed a basic course before       B. Complete an appropriate     
 [insert date 365 days prior to the       basic course by [insert date  
 effective date of the rule].             365 days after the effective  
                                          date of the rule].\2\         
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Example A: If the effective date of this regulation is November 1,  
  1996, and your employees completed a basic course in Drilling and     
  Workover/Completion well control on December 9, 1995, your employees  
  must complete a basic Drilling and Workover/Completion well-control   
  course by December 9, 1997.                                           
\2\ Example B: If the effective date of this regulation is November 1,  
  1996, and your employees completed a basic course in Well Servicing   
  [snubbing option] well control on November 15, 1994, your employees   
  must complete a basic course in Well Servicing [snubbing option] by   
  November 1, 1997.                                                     

    (e) For the first training course after March 7, 1997, you must 
ensure that your employee follows the following transition schedule 
table for production.

                          Production Transition                         
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           If your employees                 Then your employees must   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. Completed a basic course on or after  A. Complete a basic course     
 [insert date 545 days prior to the       within 3 years to maintain    
 effective date of the rule], or          certification, or             
B. Completed a basic course before       B. Complete a basic course by  
 [insert date 545 days prior to the       [insert date 545 days after   
 effective date of the rule]              the effective date of the     
                                          rule].                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (f) After your employee completes the transition training specified 
in paragraph (d) or (e) of this section, the training cycle will be 2 
years for well control and 3 years for production training (as shown in 
Sec. 250.214 (a) and (b)).


Sec. 250.215  Where must I get training for my employees?

    You must provide training by a training organization or program 
approved by MMS.


Sec. 250.216  Where can I find training guidelines for other topics?

    You can find guidelines in the subparts shown in the following 
table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Topic                         Subpart of part 250   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pollution control...........................  C                         
Crane operations............................  A                         
Welding and burning.........................  D                         
Hydrogen sulfide............................  D                         
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec. 250.217  Can I get an exception to the training requirements?

    MMS may grant an exception to well control or production safety 
systems training if:
    (a) MMS determines that the exception won't jeopardize the safety 
of your personnel or create a hazard to the environment; and
    (b) You need the exception because of unavoidable circumstances 
that make compliance infeasible or impractical.


Sec. 250.218  Can my employees change job certification?

    Only if you ensure that the employees complete training for the new 
job before entering on duty.


Sec. 250.219  What must I do if I have temporary employees or on-the-
job trainees?

    You must ensure that temporary employees and on-the-job trainees 
complete the appropriate training unless a trained individual is 
directly supervising the employee.


Sec. 250.220  What must manufacturer's representatives in production 
safety systems do?

    A manufacturer's representative who is working on company supplied 
equipment must:
    (a) Receive training by the manufacturer to install, service, or 
repair the specific safety device or safety systems; and
    (b) Have an individual trained in production safety systems (who is 
also capable of evaluating the impact of the work done) accompany her/
him.

[[Page 5325]]

Sec. 250.221  May I use alternative training methods?

    (a) You may receive a 1-year provisional approval from MMS to use 
alternative training methods that may involve team or self-paced 
training using a computer-based system.
    (b) You may receive up to 3 additional years (4 years total) from 
MMS to use alternative training methods (through onsite reviews).


Sec. 250.222  What is MMS looking for when it reviews an alternative 
training program?

    (a) The alternative training must teach methods to operate 
equipment that result in safe and clean operations.
    (b) MMS will determine, through onsite MMS reviews and unannounced 
audits during the provisional period, if the:
    (1) Training environment is conducive to learning;
    (2) Trainees interact effectively with the moderator or training 
administrator,
    (3) Trainees function as a team (for well control only); and
    (4) Tests are challenging and cover all important safety concepts 
and practical procedures to ensure safety.
    (c) MMS may also speak with the trainees to determine if the 
trainees felt the training met their needs for their job.


Sec. 250.223  Who may accredit training organizations to teach?

    MMS may accredit a training organization or program.


Sec. 250.224  How long is a training organization's accreditation 
valid?

    An accreditation is valid for a maximum of 4 years. A training 
organization may apply to MMS before the fourth anniversary of the 
effective accreditation date. The training organization must state the 
changes (additions and deletions) to the last approved training 
curriculum and plan.


Sec. 250.225  What information must a training organization submit to 
MMS?

    (a) Two copies of the detailed plan that includes the:
    (1) Curriculum;
    (2) Names and credentials of the instructors;
    (3) Mailing and street address of the training facility and the 
location of the records;
    (4) Location for the simulator and lecture areas and how the 
training organization separates the areas;
    (5) Presentation methods (video, lecture, film, etc.);
    (6) Percentage of time for each presentation method;
    (7) Testing procedures and a sample test; and
    (8) List of any portions of the course that cover the subsea 
training option instead of the surface training option.
    (b) Two copies of the training manual.
    (c) A cross-reference that relates the requirements of this supbart 
to the elements in the program.
    (d) A copy of the handouts.
    (e) A copy of the training certificate that includes the following:
    (1) Candidate's full name;
    (2) Candidate's social security number,
    (3) Name of the training school;
    (4) Course name (e.g., basic WS well-control course);
    (5) Option (surface or subsea);
    (6) Training completion date;
    (7) Job classification (e.g., drilling supervisor); and
    (8) Certificate expiration date.
    (f) Course outlines identified by:
    (1) Name (e.g., ``WS well-control course'');
    (2) Type (basic or advanced); and
    (3) Option (surface or subsea).
    (g) Time (hours per student) for the following:
    (1) Teaching;
    (2) Using the simulator (for well control);
    (3) Hands-on training (for production safety systems); and
    (4) Completing the test (written and simulator).
    (h) Special instruction methods for students who respond poorly to 
conventional training (including oral assistance).
    (i) Additional materials (for the advanced training option) such as 
advanced training techniques or case studies.
    (j) Information on the 3-D simulator or test wells:
    (1) Capability for surface and/or subsea drilling well control, WO 
and completion training;
    (2) Capability to simulate lost circulation and secondary kicks; 
and
    (3) Types of kicks.


Sec. 250.226  What additional requirements must a training organization 
follow?

    (a) The training organization must keep training records for each 
trainee for 5 years. For example, if a trainee completed a well-control 
course in 1996, the training organization may destroy the records at 
the end of the year 2001. The training organization must keep the 
following trainee record information:
    (1) Daily attendance record including complete student sign-in 
sheet and makeup time;
    (2) Written test and retest (including simulator test);
    (3) Evaluation of the trainee's simulator test or retest;
    (4) ``Kill sheets'' for simulator test or retest; and
    (5) Copy of the trainee's certificate.
    (b) Keep records of the training program for 5 years. The 5-year 
timeframe starts with the program approval date. For example, if a 
training program was accredited in 1995, at the end of the year 2000, 
the training organization may destroy the records for 1995. Keep the 
following training record information:
    (1) Complete and current training program plan and a technical 
manual;
    (2) A copy of each class roster; and
    (3) Copies of schedules and schedule changes.
    (c) Supply trainees with current copies of Government regulations 
on the training subject matter.
    (d) Provide a certificate to each trainee who successfully 
completes training.
    (e) Ensure that the subsea training option has an additional 4 
hours of training and covers problems in well control when drilling 
with a subsea blowout preventer (BOP) stack including:
    (1) Choke line friction determinations;
    (2) Using marine risers;
    (3) Riser collapse;
    (4) Removing trapped gas from the BOP after controlling a well 
kick; and
    (5) ``U'' tube effect as gas hits the choke line.
    (f) Ensure that trainees who are absent from any part of a course 
make up the missed portion within 14 days after the end of the course 
before providing a written or simulator test to the trainee.
    (g) Ensure that classes contain 18 or fewer candidates.
    (h) Furnish a copy of the training program and plan to MMS 
personnel for their use during an onsite review.
    (i) Submit the course schedule to the approving organization after 
approval of the training program, annually, and before any program 
changes. The schedule must include the:
    (1) Name of the course;
    (2) Class dates;
    (3) Type of course; and
    (4) Course location.
    (j) Provide all basic course trainees a copy of the training 
manual.
    (k) Provide all advanced course trainees handouts necessary to 
update the manuals the trainee has as a result of previous training 
courses.
    (l) When each course ends, send MMS a letter and a class roster. 
The class roster must contain the following information for each 
trainee:
    (1) Name of training organization;
    (2) Course location (e.g., Thibodeaux, Louisiana);
    (3) Trainee's full name;

[[Page 5326]]

    (4) Name of course (e.g., Drilling well control or WS well 
control);
    (5) Course type (i.e., basic or advanced training);
    (6) Options (e.g., subsea);
    (7) Date trainee completed course;
    (8) Name(s) of instructor(s) teaching the course;
    (9) The trainee's social security number;
    (10) Trainee's employer;
    (11) Actual job title of trainee;
    (12) Job of each awarded certificate; and
    (13) Test scores (including course element scores) for each 
successful trainee.
    (m) Ensure that test scores for combination training have a 
separate score element for each designation and for each option. For 
example, training in subsea drilling and in WO would have separate test 
scores for the drilling, WO, and for the subsea portion.


Sec. 250.227  What are MMS's requirements for the written test?

    (a) The training organization must:
    (1) Administer the test at the training facility;
    (2) Use 70 percent as a passing grade for each course element 
(drilling, well completion, etc.);
    (3) Ensure that the tests are confidential and nonrepetitive;
    (4) Offer a retest, when necessary, using different questions of 
equal difficulty;
    (5) Allow open-book regulations and a formula sheet (without 
examples) for well control only; and
    (6) Allocate no more than the following amount of time to the 
minimum instruction time: 1 hour for a single course, 2 hours for a 
combination of two basic courses, or 2.5 hours for a combination of 
three or more courses.
    (b) A trainee who fails a retest must repeat the training and pass 
the test in order to work in the OCS in their job classification.


Sec. 250.228  What are MMS's requirements for the hands-on simulator 
and well test?

    (a) The training organization must ensure that:
    (1) The test simulates a surface BOP (or subsea stack for the 
subsea option) and the simulator is 3-D with actual gauges and dials.
    (2) The instructor runs only one simulator and has a maximum of 
three students in each team.
    (3) The simulator test time allocated to the minimum instruction 
time is 1 hour per course (i.e., 2 hours for a combination of two basic 
courses, etc.).
    (4) The trainees are able to:
    (i) Kill the well before removing the three;
    (ii) Determine slow pump rates;
    (iii) Recognizes kick warnings sings;
    (iv) Shut in a well
    (v) Complete kill sheets;
    (vi) Initiate kill procedures;
    (vii) Maintain appropriate bottomhole pressure;
    (viii) Maintain constant bottomhole pressure;
    (ix) Recognize and handle unusual well-control situations;
    (x) Control the kick as it reaches the choke line; and
    (xi) Determine if kick gas or fluids are removed.
    (5) In the subsea option, the trainees are able to:
    (i) Determine choke line friction pressures for subsea BOP stacks; 
and
    (ii) Discuss and demonstrate procedures such as circulating the 
riser and removing trapped gas in a subsea BOP stack.
    (6) Offer a retest, when necessary, using different questions of 
equal difficulty.
    (b) A trainee who fails a retest must repeat the training and pass 
the test to work in the OCS in their job classification.


Sec. 250.229  What elements must a basic course cover?

    See Table (a) of this section for well control and Table (b) of 
this section for production safety systems. The checks in Table (a) 
indicate the required training elements that apply to each job. Tables 
(a) and (b) follow:

                                            Table (a).--Well Control                                            
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Drilling                           WO                              
   Elements for basic training   ----------------------------------------------------------------       WS      
                                       Super           Floor           Super           Floor                    
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Hands-on:                                                                                                    
    Training to operate choke     ..............           ..............           ..............
     manifold.                                                                                                  
    Training to operate stand     ..............           ..............           ..............
     pipe.                                                                                                      
    Training to operate mud room  ..............           ..............  ..............  ..............
     vales.                                                                                                     
2. Care, handling &                                 ..............  ..............  ..............
 characteristics of drilling &                                                                                  
 completion fluids.                                                                                             
3. Care, handling &               ..............  ..............                           
 characteristics of well                                                                                        
 completion/well workover fluids                                                                                
 & packer fluids.                                                                                               
4. Major causes of uncontrolled                                                                                 
 fluids from a well including:                                                                                  
    Failure to keep the hole               ..............           ..............  ..............
     full.                                                                                                      
    Swabbing effect.............           ..............           ..............  ..............
    Loss of circulation.........           ..............           ..............  ..............
    Insufficient drilling fluid            ..............           ..............  ..............
     density.                                                                                                   
    Abnormally pressured                   ..............           ..............  ..............
     formations.                                                                                                
    Effect of too rapidly                  ..............           ..............  ..............
     lowering of the pipe in the                                                                                
     hole.                                                                                                      
5. Importance & instructions of            ..............           ..............  ..............
 measuring the volume of fluid                                                                                  
 to fill the hole during trips.                                                                                 
6. Importance & instructions of            ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
 measuring the volume of fluid                                                                                  
 to fill the hole during trips                                                                                  
 including the importance of                                                                                    
 filing the hole as it relates                                                                                  
 to shallow gas conditions.                                                                                     
7. Filling the tubing & casing    ..............  ..............  ..............           ..............
 with fluid to control                                                                                          
 bottomhole pressure.                                                                                           
8. Warning signals that indicate                                      ..............
 kick & conditions that lead to                                                                                 
 a kick.                                                                                                        
9. Controlling shallow gas kicks           ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
 and using diverters.                                                                                           
10. At least one bottomhole                ..............           ..............  ..............
 pressure well control method                                                                                   
 including conditions unique to                                                                                 
 a surface subsea BOP stack.                                                                                    
11. Installing, operating,                 ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
 maintaining & testing BOP &                                                                                    
 diverter systems.                                                                                              
12. Installing, operating,        ..............  ..............           ..............  ..............
 maintaining & testing BOP                                                                                      
 systems.                                                                                                       
13. Government regulations on:                                                                                  
    Emergency shutdown systems..  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............         
    Production safety systems...  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............         
    Drilling procedures.........           ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    Wellbore plugging &                    ..............           ..............         
     abandonment.                                                                                               
    Pollution prevention & waste                                             
     management.                                                                                                

[[Page 5327]]

                                                                                                                
    Well completion & well        ..............  ..............           ..............         
     workover requirements                                                                                      
     (Subparts E & F of 30 CFR                                                                                  
     part 250).                                                                                                 
14. Procedures & sequentials                                                                                    
 steps for shutting in a well:                                                                                  
    BOP system..................           ..............           ..............         
    Surface/subsurface safety     ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............         
     system.                                                                                                    
    Choke manifold..............           ..............           ..............  ..............
15. Well control exercises with   ..............  ..............           ..............  ..............
 a simulator suitable for                                                                                       
 modeling well completion/well                                                                                  
 workover.                                                                                                      
16. Well control exercises with            ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
 a simulator suitable for                                                                                       
 modeling drilling.                                                                                             
17. Instructions & simulator or            ..............           ..............  ..............
 test well experience on                                                                                        
 organizing & directing a well                                                                                  
 killing operation.                                                                                             
18. At least two simulator                 ..............           ..............  ..............
 practice problems (rotate the                                                                                  
 trainees & have teams of 3 or                                                                                  
 less members).                                                                                                 
19. Care, operation, & purpose                                        ..............
 [& installation (for                                                                                           
 supervisors)] of the well                                                                                      
 control equipment.                                                                                             
20. Limitations of the equipment           ..............           ..............         
 that may wear or be subjected                                                                                  
 to pressure.                                                                                                   
21. Instructions in well control                                                                                
 equipment, including:                                                                                          
    Surface equipment...........           ..............           ..............         
    Well completion/well                   ..............           ..............         
     workover, BOP & tree                                                                                       
     equipment.                                                                                                 
    Downhole tools & tubulars...           ..............           ..............  ..............
    Tubing hanger, back pressure           ..............  ..............  ..............         
     valve (threaded/profile),                                                                                  
     landing nipples, lock                                                                                      
     mandrels for corresponding                                                                                 
     nipples & operational                                                                                      
     procedures for each, gas                                                                                   
     lift equipment & running &                                                                                 
     pulling tools operation.                                                                                   
    Packers.....................           ..............           ..............  ..............
22. Instructions in special                                                                                     
 tools & systems, such as:                                                                                      
    Automatic shutdown systems    ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............         
     (control points, activator                                                                                 
     pilots, monitor pilots,                                                                                    
     control manifolds &                                                                                        
     subsurface systems).                                                                                       
    Flow string systems (tubing,  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............         
     mandrels & nipples, flow                                                                                   
     couplings, blast joints, &                                                                                 
     sliding sleeves).                                                                                          
    Pumpdown equipment (purpose,  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............         
     applications, requirements,                                                                                
     surface circulating                                                                                        
     systems, entry loops & tree                                                                                
     connection/flange).                                                                                        
23. Instructions for detecting             ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
 entry into abnormally pressured                                                                                
 formations & warning signals.                                                                                  
24. Instructions on well                   ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
 completion/well control                                                                                        
 problems.                                                                                                      
25. Well control problems during                                                                                
 well completion/well workover                                                                                  
 including:                                                                                                     
    Killing a flow..............  ..............  ..............           ..............  ..............
    Simultaneous drilling,        ..............  ..............           ..............  ..............
     completion & workover                                                                                      
     operations on the same                                                                                     
     platform.                                                                                                  
    Killing a producing well....  ..............  ..............           ..............  ..............
    Removing the tree...........  ..............  ..............           ..............  ..............
26. Calculations on the                                                                                         
 following:                                                                                                     
    Fluid density increase that            ..............           ..............  ..............
     controls fluid flow into                                                                                   
     the wellbore.                                                                                              
    Fluid density to pressure              ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
     conversion & the danger of                                                                                 
     formation breakdown under                                                                                  
     the pressure caused by the                                                                                 
     fluid column especially                                                                                    
     when setting casing in                                                                                     
     shallow formations.                                                                                        
    Fluid density to pressure     ..............  ..............           ..............  ..............
     conversion & the danger of                                                                                 
     formation breakdown under                                                                                  
     the pressure caused by                                                                                     
     fluid column.                                                                                              
    Equivalent pressures at the            ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
     casing seat depth.                                                                                         
    Drop in pump pressure as               ..............           ..............  ..............
     fluid density increases; &                                                                                 
     the relationship between                                                                                   
     pump pressure, pump rate, &                                                                                
     fluid density.                                                                                             
    Pressure limitations on                ..............           ..............  ..............
     casings.                                                                                                   
    Hydrostatic pressure &                 ..............           ..............  ..............
     pressure gradient.                                                                                         
27. Unusual well control                                                                                        
 situations, including the                                                                                      
 following:                                                                                                     
    Drill pipe is off the bottom           ..............           ..............  ..............
     or out of the hole/work                                                                                    
     string is off the bottom or                                                                                
     out of the hole.                                                                                           
    Lost circulation occurs.....           ..............           ..............  ..............
    Drill pipe is plugged/work             ..............           ..............  ..............
     string is plugged.                                                                                         
    There is excessive casing              ..............           ..............  ..............
     pressure.                                                                                                  
    There is a hole in drill               ..............           ..............  ..............
     pipe/hole in the work                                                                                      
     string/hole in the casing                                                                                  
     string.                                                                                                    
    Multiple completions in the   ..............  ..............           ..............  ..............
     hole.                                                                                                      
28. Special well-control                                                                                        
 problems-drilling with a subsea                                                                                
 stack (subsea students)                                                                                        
 includes:                                                                                                      
    Choke line friction                    ..............           ..............  ..............
     determinations.                                                                                            
    Using marine risers.........           ..............           ..............  ..............
    Riser collapse..............           ..............           ..............  ..............
    Removing trapped gas from              ..............           ..............  ..............
     the BOP stack after                                                                                        
     controlling a well kick.                                                                                   
    ``U'' tube effect as gas               ..............           ..............  ..............
     hits the choke line.                                                                                       
29. Mechanics of various well                                                                                   
 controlled situations,                                                                                         
 including:                                                                                                     
    Gas bubble migration &                 ..............           ..............  ..............
     expansion.                                                                                                 
    Bleeding volume from a shut-           ..............           ..............  ..............
     in well during gas                                                                                         
     migration.                                                                                                 
    Excessive annular surface              ..............           ..............  ..............
     pressure.                                                                                                  
    Differences between a gas              ..............           ..............  ..............
     kick & a salt water and/or                                                                                 
     oil kick.                                                                                                  

[[Page 5328]]

                                                                                                                
    Special well control                   ..............           ..............  ..............
     techniques (such as, but                                                                                   
     not limited to, barite                                                                                     
     plugs & cement plugs).                                                                                     
    Procedures & problems                  ..............           ..............  ..............
     involved when experiencing                                                                                 
     lost circulation.                                                                                          
    Procedures & problems                  ..............           ..............         
     involved when experiencing                                                                                 
     a kick while drilling in a                                                                                 
     hydrogen sulfide (H2S)                                                                                     
     environment.                                                                                               
    Procedures & problems--                ..............           ..............  ..............
     experiencing a kick during                                                                                 
     snubbing, coil-tubing, or                                                                                  
     small tubing operations and                                                                                
     stripping & snubbing                                                                                       
     operations with work string.                                                                               
30. Reasons for well completion/                                                                                
 well workover, including:                                                                                      
    Reworking a reservoir to      ..............  ..............           ..............         
     control production.                                                                                        
    Water coning................  ..............  ..............           ..............  ..............
    Completing from a new         ..............  ..............           ..............         
     reservoir.                                                                                                 
    Completing multiple           ..............  ..............           ..............         
     reservoirs.                                                                                                
    Stimulating to increase       ..............  ..............           ..............         
     production.                                                                                                
    Repairing mechanical failure  ..............  ..............           ..............         
31. Methods on preparing a well                                                                                 
 for entry:                                                                                                     
    Using back pressure valves..  ..............  ..............           ..............  ..............
    Using surface & subsurface    ..............  ..............           ..............         
     safety systems.                                                                                            
    Removing the tree & tubing    ..............  ..............                           
     hangar.                                                                                                    
    Installing & testing BOP &    ..............  ..............           ..............         
     wellhead prior to removing                                                                                 
     back pressure valves &                                                                                     
     tubing plugs.                                                                                              
32. Instructions in small tubing                                                                                
 units:                                                                                                         
    Applications (stimulation     ..............  ..............           ..............  ..............
     operations, cleaning out                                                                                   
     tubing obstructions, and                                                                                   
     plugback and squeeze                                                                                       
     cementing).                                                                                                
    Equipment description         ..............  ..............           ..............  ..............
     (derrick & drawworks, small                                                                                
     tubing, pumps, weighted                                                                                    
     fluid facilities, and                                                                                      
     weighted fluids).                                                                                          
    BOP equipment (rams,          ..............  ..............           ..............  ..............
     wellhead connection, and                                                                                   
     check valve).                                                                                              
33. Methods for killing a                                                                                       
 producing well, including:                                                                                     
    Bullheading.................  ..............  ..............           ..............         
    Lubricating & bleeding......  ..............  ..............           ..............         
    Coil tubing.................  ..............  ..............           ..............         
    Applications (stimulation     ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............         
     operations, initiating                                                                                     
     flow, & cleaning out sand                                                                                  
     in tubing).                                                                                                
    Equipment description (coil   ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............         
     tubing, reel, injecting                                                                                    
     head, control assembly &                                                                                   
     injector hosit).                                                                                           
    BOP equipment (tree           ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............         
     connection or flange, rams,                                                                                
     injector assembly &                                                                                        
     circulating system).                                                                                       
    Snubbing....................  ..............  ..............           ..............         
    Types (rig assist & stand     ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............         
     alone).                                                                                                    
    Applications (running &       ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............         
     pulling production or kill                                                                                 
     strings, resetting weight                                                                                  
     on packers, fishing for                                                                                    
     lost wireline tools or                                                                                     
     parted kill strings &                                                                                      
     circulating cement or                                                                                      
     fulid).                                                                                                    
    Equipment (operating          ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............         
     mechanism, power supply,                                                                                   
     control assembly & basket,                                                                                 
     slip assembly, mast &                                                                                      
     counterbalance winch &                                                                                     
     access window).                                                                                            
    BOP equipment (tree           ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............         
     connection or flange, rams,                                                                                
     spool, traveling slips,                                                                                    
     manifolds, auxiliary--full                                                                                 
     opening safety valve inside                                                                                
     BOP, maintenance & testing).                                                                               
34. The purpose & use of BOP                                                                                    
 closing units, including the                                                                                   
 following:                                                                                                     
    Charging procedures include            ..............           ..............  ..............
     precharge & operating                                                                                      
     pressure.                                                                                                  
    Fluid volumes (useable &               ..............           ..............  ..............
     required).                                                                                                 
    Fluid pumps.................           ..............           ..............  ..............
    Maintenance that includes              ..............           ..............  ..............
     charging fluid & inspection                                                                                
     procedures.                                                                                                
35. Instructions on stripping &            ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
 snubbing operators & using the                                                                                 
 BOP system for working pipe in                                                                                 
 or out of a wellbore under                                                                                     
 pressure.                                                                                                      
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                  Table (b)--Production Safety Systems                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Government Regulations:                                              
    Pollution prevention & waste management                             
    Requirements for well completion/well workover operations           
2. Instructions in the following: (contained in, but not limited to, API
 RP 14C):                                                               
    Failures or malfunctions in systems that cause abnormal conditions &
     the detection of abnormal conditions                               
    Primary & secondary protection devices & procedures                 
    Safety devices that control undesirable events                      
    Safety analysis concepts                                            
    Safety analysis of each basic production process component          
    Protection concepts                                                 
3. Hands on training on safety devices covering, installing, operating, 
 repairing or maintaining equipment:                                    

[[Page 5329]]

                                                                        
    High-low pressure sensors                                           
    High-low level sensors                                              
    Combustible gas detectors                                           
    Pressure relief devices                                             
    Flow line check valves                                              
    Surface safety valves                                               
    Shutdown valves                                                     
    Fire (flame, heat, or smoke) detectors                              
    Auxiliary devices (3-way block & bleed valves, time relays, 3-way   
     snap acting valves, etc.)                                          
    Surface-controlled subsurface safety valves &/or surface-control    
     equipment                                                          
    Subsurface-controlled subsurface safety valves                      
4. Instructions on inspecting, testing & maintaining surface &          
 subsurface devices & surface control systems for subsurface safety     
 valves                                                                 
5. Instructions in at least one safety device that illustrates the      
 primary operation principle in each class for safety devices:          
    Basic operations principles                                         
    Limits affecting application                                        
    Problems causing equipment malfunction & how to correct these       
     problems                                                           
    A test for proper actuation point & operation                       
    Adjustments or calibrations                                         
    Recording inspection results & malfunctions                         
    Special techniques for installing safety devices                    
6. Instructions on the basic principle & logic of the emergency support 
 system:                                                                
    Combustible & toxic gas detection system                            
    Liquid containment system                                           
    Fire loop System                                                    
    Other fire detection systems                                        
    Emergency shutdown system                                           
    Subsurface safety valves                                            
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec. 250.230  If MMS tests employees at my worksite, what must I do?

    (a) You must allow MMS to test employees at your worksite.
    (b) You must identify your employees by:
    (1) Current job classification;
    (2) Name of the operator;
    (3) Name of the most recent basic or advanced course taken by your 
employees for their current job; and
    (4) Name of the training organization.
    (c) You must correct any deficiencies found by MMS. Steps for 
correcting deficiencies may include:
    (1) Isolating problems by doing more testing; and
    (2) Reassigning employees or conducting training (MMS will not 
identify the employees it tests).


Sec. 250.231  If MMS test trainees at a training organization's 
facility, what must occur?

    (a) Training organizations must allow MMS to test trainees.
    (b) The trainee must pass the MMS-conducted test or a retest in 
order for MMS to consider that the trainee completed the training.


Sec. 250.232  Why might MMS conduct its own tests?

    MMS needs to identify the effectiveness of a training program that 
provides for safe and clean operations.


Sec. 250.233  Can a training organization lose its accreditation?

    Yes, an accredited organization can lose its accreditation. MMS may 
revoke or suspend an organization's accreditation for noncompliance 
with regulations or conditions of its accredited program, or assess 
civil penalties under subpart N of this part.

[FR Doc. 97-2721 Filed 2-4-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-M