[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 234 (Tuesday, December 7, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 68416-68505]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-30895]



[[Page 68415]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part II





Department of Transportation





_______________________________________________________________________



Coast Guard



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33 CFR Part 140, et al.;



Outer Continental Shelf Activities; Proposed Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 234 / Tuesday, December 7, 1999 / 
Proposed Rules  

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Parts 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, and 147

[USCG 1998-3868]
RIN 2115-AF39


Outer Continental Shelf Activities

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes a major revision of its regulations 
on Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) activities. A revision is needed to 
address new developments in the offshore industry, to fully address 
existing legislation, to effectively implement interagency agreements, 
to respond to comments received from the advanced notice of proposed 
rulemaking, and to address casualty investigation findings. The revised 
regulation will effectively implement existing legislation and 
interagency agreements. This rulemaking improves the level of safety in 
the workplace for personnel engaged in OCS activities.

DATES: Comments and related material must reach the Docket Management 
Facility on or before April 5, 2000. Comments sent to the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) on collection of information must reach OMB 
on or before February 7, 2000.

ADDRESSES: To make sure your comments and related material are not 
entered more than once in the docket, please submit them by only one of 
the following methods:
    (1) By mail to the Docket Management Facility, (USCG-1998-3868), 
U.S. Department of Transportation, room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    (2) By hand delivery to room PL-401 on the Plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The 
telephone number is 202-366-9329.
    (3) By fax to the Docket Management Facility at 202-493-2251.
    (4) Electronically through the Web Site for the Docket Management 
System at http://dms.dot.gov.
    You must also mail comments on collection of information to the 
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and 
Budget, 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20503, ATTN: Desk Officer, 
U.S. Coast Guard.
    The Docket Management Facility maintains the public docket for this 
rulemaking. Comments and material received from the public, as well as 
documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, 
will become part of this docket and will be available for inspection or 
copying at room PL-401 on the Plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 
Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also find this docket 
on the Internet at     http://dms.dot.gov.
    You may inspect the material proposed for incorporation by 
reference at room 1208C, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second 
Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is 
202-267-1082. Copies of the material are available as indicated in the 
``Incorporation by Reference'' section of this preamble.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions on this proposed rule, 
call Mr. James M. Magill, Vessel and Facility Operating Standards 
Division (G-MSO-2), telephone (202) 267-1082, or fax (202) 267-4570. 
For questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call 
Dorothy Walker, Chief, Dockets, Department of Transportation, telephone 
202-366-9329.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Request for Comments

    The Coast Guard encourages you to participate in this rulemaking by 
submitting comments and related material. If you do so, please include 
your name and address, identify the docket number for this rulemaking 
(USCG 1998-3868), indicate the specific section of this document to 
which each comment applies, and give the reason for each comment. You 
may submit your comments and material by mail, hand delivery, fax, or 
electronic means to the Docket Management Facility at the address under 
ADDRESSES; but please submit your comments or material by only one 
means. If you submit them by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an 
unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for 
copying and electronic filing. If you submit them by mail and would 
like to know they reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, self-
addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and 
material received during the comment period. We may change this 
proposed rule in view of them.

Public Meeting

    We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a 
request for one to the Docket Management Facility at the address under 
ADDRESSES explaining why one would be beneficial. If we determine that 
one would aid this rulemaking, we will hold one at a time and place 
announced by a later notice in the Federal Register.

What Is the History of This Rulemaking?

    This rulemaking, USCG-1998-3868 (formerly CGD 84-098, CGD 95-016), 
is the final phase of an ongoing effort by the Coast Guard to update 
the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in 33 CFR chapter I, subchapter 
N, on Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) activities and to implement its 
authority under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 
1978 (Pub. L. 95-372)(the Act). In the first phase, we published in the 
Federal Register a final rule, entitled ``Outer Continental Shelf 
Activities'' (CGD 78-160)(47 FR 9366, March 4, 1982). That rule 
implemented the mandatory provisions of the Act, such as employment of 
personnel in 33 CFR part 141, and reorganized subchapter N to provide a 
framework for the inclusion of other regulations in the future.
    The second phase of this effort began in 1985 with the publication 
of an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) (CGD 84-098) (50 FR 
9290, March 7, 1985). This ANPRM discussed inspection of fixed 
facilities, emergency evacuation, workplace safety and health, 
lifesaving, fire protection, training, and vessels used for OCS 
activities. Because virtually all of the comments received to the ANPRM 
focused on inspection of fixed facilities and emergency evacuation, we 
handled these subjects in two separate rulemakings. On May 26, 1988, we 
published a final rule entitled ``Self Inspection of Fixed OCS 
Facilities'' (CGD 84-098a) (53 FR 18977) and, on May 18, 1989, we 
published a final rule entitled ``Emergency Evacuation Plans for Manned 
OCS Facilities'' (CGD 84-098b) (54 FR 21566).
    The current and final phase of this effort began with the 
publication of a ``Request for Comments'' (CGD 95-016) (60 FR 33185, 
June 27, 1995) describing the broad scope of this rulemaking and asking 
for public comments. The purpose of this request was to focus comments 
on subjects other than self-inspection and emergency evacuation, which 
were addressed in the second phase. The remaining subjects include 
workplace safety and health, lifesaving,

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fire protection, training, operations, and certification.

What Is the Purpose of This Rulemaking?

    The Coast Guard is the lead Federal agency for workplace safety and 
health, other than for matters generally related to drilling and 
production that are regulated by the MMS, on facilities and vessels 
engaged in the exploration for, or development or production of, 
minerals on the OCS. The last major revision of our current OCS 
regulations occurred in 1982. In 1982, the offshore industry was not as 
high tech as today's operations. Offshore activities were in relatively 
shallow water near land, where help was readily available during 
emergency situations. The equipment regulations required only basic 
equipment, primarily for lifesaving appliances and hand-held portable 
fire extinguishers. Since 1982, the requirements in 33 CFR chapter I, 
subchapter N, have not kept pace with the changing offshore technology 
or the safety problems it creates as OCS activities extend to deeper 
water (7,500 feet) and move farther offshore (127 miles). This proposed 
rule is intended to revisit all of our current OCS regulations in 
subchapter N to take advantage of past experiences and new improvements 
to make the OCS a safer workplace.
    In keeping with the Vice President's National Partnership for 
Reinventing Government (using government/industry partnership to reduce 
government regulations), the Coast Guard along with the Minerals 
Management Service (MMS) is promoting voluntary use of Safety and 
Environmental Management Programs (SEMP). This approach has been 
promoted by the Coast Guard and the MMS since 1991. It would help those 
owners who operate equipment under MMS, USCG, and International Safety 
Management standards to have a consistent management program throughout 
their operations, which will certainly promote safety. With SEMP, Outer 
Continental Shelf operators can plan, design, manage, and conduct their 
operations with emphasis on the human element in safety and pollution 
prevention. Companies effectively using SEMP can expect it to result in 
more efficient operations by avoiding or containing accident and 
pollution costs. By promoting SEMP, it is our intent to put overall 
performance ahead of rote equipment testing and reliance on 
prescriptive regulations. See American Petroleum Institute (API) RP 75 
entitled ``Recommended Practice for Development of a Safety and 
Environmental Management Program for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) 
Operations and Facilities'' for further information. RP 75 is available 
from API on the Internet at http://www.api.org for a fee.

What Comments Were Received to the 1985 Advance Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking?

    We received 88 letters in response to the 1985 ANPRM. Of the 88 
letters, 72 contained comments in response to questions published in 
the ANPRM on emergency evacuation plans (EEP's) for manned facilities 
and mobile offshore drilling units (MODU's). These comments were 
discussed in the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on EEP's that was 
published on December 24, 1987 (52 FR 48717).
    Twenty-three letters contained comments concerning the self-
inspection of fixed facilities. These comments were discussed in the 
NPRM on self-inspection of fixed facilities that was published on July 
7, 1987 (52 FR 25392).
    Eleven letters contained comments on the remaining questions in the 
ANPRM. They are addressed below:
    (1) Five comments stated that fire protection on fixed facilities 
is adequately addressed in the MMS regulations and no additional Coast 
Guard regulations are needed.
    We disagree. The 1998 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the 
Coast Guard and MMS assigns to the Coast Guard the responsibility for 
establishing fire protection requirements for all areas on fixed 
facilities, including the wellbay and industrial equipment areas. 
Current regulations do not address requirements for structural fire 
protection in accommodation spaces on fixed facilities. This rulemaking 
will add requirements in this area.
    (2) One comment suggested that the Coast Guard require a fire and 
gas detection system in or near accommodation spaces. They reasoned 
that a fire and gas detection system is needed because of the potential 
fire hazard resulting from flammable liquids or gases handled or 
processed on fixed facilities.
    We agree. Proposed Sec. 143.1050 would require that all 
accommodation spaces on manned fixed facilities be outfitted with a 
fire detection system. Under the 1998 MOU between MMS and the Coast 
Guard, MMS is responsible for establishing gas detection requirements 
on facilities. Gas detection system requirements for accommodation 
areas are found in 30 CFR 250.123(b)(9).
    (3) Five comments stated that fire hazards on a fixed facility are 
not similar to those found on a tank vessel, as stated by the Coast 
Guard in the ANPRM. Rather than apply tank-vessel regulations to fixed 
facilities, the Coast Guard should develop fire protection regulations 
specifically for those facilities.
    We agree and propose new regulations that address the unique fire 
hazards found on fixed facilities. As most fixed facilities do not 
store oil or gas in large quantities, as do tankers, a direct adoption 
of tank-vessel regulations is inappropriate. Fire hazards on fixed 
facilities are similar, in many areas, to those on MODU's, the greatest 
risk for loss of life on both being a blowout or a hydrocarbon fire. 
However, the probability of saving personnel on a fixed facility is 
greater than on a MODU, because the location of the facility is 
permanent and known to the Coast Guard, whereas that of the MODU 
changes. On the other hand, the risk of a blowout or hydrocarbon fire 
is greater on a fixed facility than on a MODU. A fixed facility has a 
connection to a hydrocarbon source year-round, 24 hours a day. A MODU 
has a connection to a hydrocarbon source only 20 to 25 percent of the 
time, as drilling results in a dry hole 75 to 80 percent of the time. 
Therefore, this rulemaking proposes new regulations in part 143, 
subparts K and L, for fixed facilities. They will allow the facility to 
meet either the MODU fire protection regulations or the National Fire 
Protection Association (NFPA) Life Safety Code, NFPA 101, with the 
additional requirement of an independent fire wall.
    (4) One comment stated that there are already industry safety 
standards for most of the items addressed in the ANPRM. The comment 
suggested that we adopt or reference industry standards wherever 
possible, instead of issuing separate Coast Guard standards and 
requiring the use of only Coast Guard-approved equipment.
    We incorporate industry standards into our regulations (proposed 
Sec. 140.30), where appropriate. However, some critical safety 
equipment, such as lifesaving equipment, still needs to be approved by 
the Coast Guard to ensure adequate safety in the event of an emergency.
    (5) Five comments stated that hospital spaces on fixed facilities 
are impractical and should not be required. They claimed that the 
current requirements for first-aid equipment are sufficient to handle 
personnel injuries offshore and that no new regulations are needed. Two 
comments stated that individuals who are seriously injured can be 
evacuated by helicopter to a shore-side hospital within a matter of 
hours. The

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comments stated that many facilities house 10 or fewer people and that 
it is not feasible to require a hospital space on those facilities.
    We agree that a hospital space is not needed for fixed facilities. 
However, it is necessary to have a space to isolate individuals or to 
provide basic first aid treatment while they await evacuation. 
Therefore, proposed Sec. 143.1321 would require that a manned fixed 
facility with quarters for 12 or more persons have a designated medical 
treatment room.
    (6) One comment suggested that first-aid supplies should be 
suitable for, and sized to, the facility's population.
    We agree. Proposed Sec. 143.855 would require that suitable first-
aid supplies are provided in quantities based on a facility's 
population.
    (7) Five comments questioned the need to require the lease holder 
to submit an annual report to the Coast Guard on the size of the worker 
population and total man hours lost as a result of casualties, as 
suggested in the ANPRM. They contend that this information would be 
difficult to obtain because subcontractors often work on fixed-rate 
contracts and do not report man-hours lost to the leaseholder. The 
comments recommended that subcontractors and others should report the 
required information directly to the Coast Guard.
    We can require collection data only from the lease holder and not 
from subcontractors. We currently receive population data from the 
self-inspection and emergency evacuation regulations now in place. We 
propose no change in response to this comment and plan to reassess our 
needs at a later time.
    (8) Four comments suggested that the Coast Guard, MMS, and 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) develop a single 
casualty reporting form to be submitted to all of these agencies. The 
comments stated that the three agencies' current casualty reporting 
requirements are redundant and that the duplication of reporting should 
be eliminated.
    We agree. We have developed and propose a new consolidated form. 
Information about the proposed form is located at the end of the 
discussion of proposed changes.

What Comments Were Received to the 1995 Request for Comments?

    The Coast Guard received a total of seven letters in response to 
our 1995 request for comments (60 FR 33185, June 27, 1995). Two letters 
submitted copies of the minutes for meetings of the National Offshore 
Safety Advisory Committee (NOSAC) subcommittee. Comments contained in 
the other five letters are summarized below:
    Three comments expressed strong support for the Coast Guard's 
efforts to review and revise regulations for activities on the OCS. One 
comment supports operationally sound improvements to current OCS 
regulations. However, one comment stated that current safety 
regulations relative to a fixed structure on the OCS are suitable and 
adequate. It was further suggested that any change to safety 
regulations be justified by a cost/benefit analysis. The Coast Guard 
contends that review and revision of regulations for activities on the 
OCS is necessary. Here is but one example:
    In the current 33 CFR parts 143 and 145, there are no requirements 
for structural fire protection for a fixed facility accommodation 
space. It is conceivable that an accommodation module made from plywood 
and 2x4 wooden studs could provide adequate protection from the 
weather. However, it would not provide adequate fire protection.
    Through our industry partnerships, we discovered that many fixed 
facility owners voluntarily use fire resistant materials in the 
construction of fixed facility accommodation spaces. We incorporated 
several structural and construction fire protection requirements in 
this proposed rule.
    One comment stated that the current regulations in 33 CFR parts 
140-147 were inadequate in the following areas: design and equipment; 
operations; workplace safety and health, including confined-space 
entry; and accident reporting. We agree and propose many new workplace 
safety and health regulations that are similar to recently developed 
OSHA regulations. We also obtained valuable comments and 
recommendations from the NOSAC subcommittee addressing issues related 
to this rulemaking, and many suggestions were incorporated in the 
drafting of this proposed rule.
    Two comments suggest that the Coast Guard consult with OSHA to 
update the 1979 MOU to clearly confirm that redundant jurisdiction and 
regulatory enforcement on the OCS does not exist. One comment contends 
that if the Coast Guard is unwilling to comprehensively address OCS 
issues, then it would be appropriate for it to formally withdraw from 
exercising regulatory jurisdiction over occupational safety and health 
issues on the OCS, leaving such activities to OSHA. The MOU between the 
Coast Guard and OSHA was last updated in 1989. We have a strong 
interagency relationship and regularly communicate on issues of mutual 
interest, thus the current MOU meets our needs at this time. The 1989 
MOU clearly assigns regulatory responsibility and enforcement to the 
jurisdiction of the Coast Guard for workplace safety and health issues 
on the OCS.
    One comment expressed concern about working conditions for U.S. 
citizens employed on board foreign vessels engaged in OCS activity. 
They stated that employees experience the labor standards of the third-
world countries in which the vessels are registered, even when working 
within areas subject to U.S. jurisdiction. They requested the Coast 
Guard provide these U.S. citizens the protection entitled under the 
Act. The workplace safety and health regulations in part 142 apply to 
personnel engaged in operation on the OCS, whether onboard a foreign 
OCS unit or a U.S. OCS unit. The proposed revisions to part 142 will 
add many new workplace safety and health items which should increase 
the level of safety for U.S. citizens employed on foreign units engaged 
in OCS activities.
    One comment stated that the Coast Guard should adopt an underlying 
principal that lifesaving equipment should be capable of keeping 100 
percent of the personnel on a facility out of the water in case of 
abandonment or evacuation. We agree. Current regulations for fixed 
facilities require life floats for 100 percent of facility personnel. 
This is not adequate to protect personnel in the event of a blowout nor 
is it the best available and safest technology for this purpose. See 
proposed Sec. 143.826 for the survival craft requirements for fixed 
facilities. This would align fixed facility requirements with similar 
regulations for MODU's and floating facilities.
    Two comments commend the Coast Guard for working with industry 
groups, reviewing new developments, and creating an environment of 
partnership in safety. One comment specifically supports the Coast 
Guard's work with the NOSAC. The Coast Guard regularly receives 
valuable feedback and recommendations from various safety advisory 
committees. We also use other industry partnerships. For several years, 
the Coast Guard has focused on ways to improve safety and reduce 
incidents caused by human factors. Prevention Through People (PTP) 
continues to be a high priority with the Coast Guard's Office of Marine 
Safety and Environmental Protection. PTP is a people-focused approach 
to reducing casualties and pollution. Although initiated by the Coast 
Guard, PTP finds its strength in its close working relationship with 
the maritime and offshore industries. The Coast Guard

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currently has eight PTP partnerships, and the projects undertaken 
within these partnership groups are mutually beneficial.
    One comment encouraged the Coast Guard to include in this 
regulatory effort any new requirements developed by OSHA for onshore 
locations that may apply offshore. We continually review new OSHA 
regulations to determine applicability to the OCS. Many workplace 
safety and health regulations included in this proposed rule are 
similar to recent regulations developed by OSHA for onshore locations.
    One comment suggests that the Coast Guard address the danger of a 
vessel colliding with a facility. A recent near-miss incident 
emphasizes the importance of this subject. In this case, a tanker lost 
power and nearly collided with a tension leg platform (TLP) production 
facility. The Coast Guard requested that a NOSAC subcommittee address 
this issue. On April 8, 1999, NOSAC reported its findings to the Coast 
Guard. We will review this information and the recommendations. Any 
necessary regulatory revisions would be part of a future rulemaking.
    One comment expressed concern that design requirements for OCS 
units are inadequate. It further stated that workers are being injured 
and killed due to substandard facility design created by a lack of 
written standards. Since we established regulations for OCS activities, 
there are dramatic changes to both the nature of the work and the 
technology used. This proposed rule would address the deficient areas 
in current OCS regulations and improve the level of safety for workers 
engaged in OCS activities.
    One comment stated that current regulations do not contain 
regulations to prevent injuries due to falls. We agree. The proposed 
rule contains requirements for fall-arrest systems in Secs. 142.155 
through 142.160.

Where Are Current OCS Regulations Located in the Proposed Rule?

    When we use the term the ``current OCS regulation(s)'' in this 
preamble, we refer to the current regulation in 33 CFR chapter I, 
subchapter N. Discussion of material from this rulemaking is identified 
as ``proposed.'' Much of the material in the proposed rule is new. 
However, the following table can help you find out where material in 
the current 33 CFR is located in this document. This table does not 
show provisions that are new and did not come from current OCS 
regulations.

BILLING CODE 4910-15-U

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What Are the Major Changes Being Proposed?

    Many of the current OCS regulations remain unchanged in substance. 
They include the regulations in part 141 for personnel, in part 143 for 
self-inspection of manned fixed facilities and for EEP's, and in part 
147 for safety zones.
    The major changes are in the areas of operations, structural fire 
protection, lifesaving and fire-protection equipment, workplace safety 
and health, training, vessels engaged in OCS activities, and 
accommodation spaces on manned fixed facilities. To the extent 
practicable, we tried to align the regulations for one category of OCS 
unit with those for other categories and to align the regulations for 
foreign OCS units with those for U.S. OCS units.
    We incorporated substantive changes in this proposed rule so OCS 
requirements in subchapter N conform with other applicable requirements 
in OCS regulations. We also aligned sections within subchapter N that 
are similar for various OCS units. The affected sections are as 
follows:

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What Methods Did We Use To Make the Regulations More Readable?

    One of the most noticeable changes in the proposed rule is in its 
organization, arrangement, and style. We use many of the modern 
drafting techniques intended to make regulations easier to locate and 
understand. These techniques include the use of personal pronouns that 
speak directly to the reader; section headings and text in a question/
answer format; common, everyday words, except for necessary technical 
terms; the active voice to clarify who is responsible; short sentences; 
and logical organization. These techniques are consistent with the 
requirements of the Presidential Memorandum, ``Plain Language in 
Government Writing'' (63 FR 31885, June 1, 1998).
    The most comprehensive change to the format of the current OCS 
regulations is the way the material is organized. In the proposed rule, 
all of the requirements that apply to a particular category of what we 
call an ``OCS unit'' (i.e., fixed facility, floating facility, MODU, 
mobile inland drilling unit (MIDU), or vessel) are grouped together in 
a single part of the CFR. For example, all the requirements 
specifically for fixed facilities appear in proposed part 143. Proposed 
part 143 also includes references to the general provisions applicable 
to all OCS units in parts 140, 141, and 142. On the other hand, the 
current OCS regulations group the material by subject, such as 
operations, and all of the operations regulations for all categories of 
OCS units appear in one CFR part. Therefore, the owner of a fixed 
facility has to scan parts 140 through 146 to locate and group together 
all of the regulations applicable to fixed facilities.
    The proposed re-structuring of subchapter N is as follows:
     Part 140, General (applies to all OCS units).
     Part 141, Personnel (applies to all OCS units).
     Part 142, Workplace Safety and Health (applies to all OCS 
units).
     Part 143, Fixed Facilities.
     Part 144, Floating facilities.
     Part 145, MODU's and MIDU's.
     Part 146, Vessels (other than floating facilities, MODU's, 
and MIDU's).
     Part 147, Safety zones (applies to particular structures).
    The subparts within each CFR part are also rearranged, with the 
most frequently used subject placed first. The order of the subparts is 
operations, lifesaving equipment, fire-fighting and fire-protection 
equipment, and design and equipment.
    We are interested in your comments on our efforts to improve the 
readability of this subchapter. We recognize this material is highly 
technical and addressed to a technically trained audience, but we still 
hope to provide reader aids to make the material more readable and 
accessible. When drafting your comments on the style of presentation, 
please provide examples from the proposed rule with section references 
and then detail how you would improve it. We are particularly 
interested in your answers to the following:
     Do you find the question/answer format helpful?
     Do the tables present the information in an understandable 
and useful manner?
     Do you benefit from the reorganization, which presents all 
fixed-facility requirements in one part, all floating-facility 
requirements in another, and so forth?
     Is the level of detail appropriate for the material being 
presented and the intended audience?
    Do you find the wording too technical or too simplified to be 
easily understood?

What Are the Substantive Changes?

    On November 15, 1999, we published a notice of proposed rulemaking 
entitled, Frequency of Inspection, Alternate Hull Examination for 
Certain Passenger Vessels, and Underwater Surveys for Passenger, 
Nautical School, and Sailing School Vessels (64 FR 62017). This notice 
proposes amending its vessel inspection regulations. It also introduces 
a 5-year Certificate of Inspection cycle. The comment period is open 
until December 30, 1999. However, we have not included changes in this 
regulation to reflect the proposed frequency of inspection regulation.
    The following discussion is arranged by CFR part and section 
number, just as those parts and sections are numbered in the proposed 
rule. It does not include all changes and none of the ones related 
solely to format. To help identify what is derived from current OCS 
regulations and what is new, see Table 1 in the preamble.

Part 140--Outer Continental Shelf Activities: General

    The only substantive changes to this part are as follows:
    (1) The references to the ``U.S. Geological Survey'' are replaced 
with ``Minerals Management Service.''
    (2) The definition section is significantly changed. In proposed 
Sec. 140.25, the definitions for the following terms in subchapter N 
are amended:
     Development, fixed facility, floating facility, manned 
facility, marine inspector, mobile offshore drilling unit or MODU, OCS 
activity, Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection or OCMI, operator, 
owner, personnel, production, and unmanned facility.
    The following terms are new:
     Accommodation module, accommodation module that is part of 
a drilling/workover rig package, accommodation space, approval series, 
approved, bloodborne pathogens, drilling/workover rig package, 
facility, floating production system or FPS, floating production 
storage and offloading system or FPSO, foreign, free-fall launching, 
fuel cell, hazardous material, helicopter fuel containment area, 
immersion suit, inflatable, lifejacket, lifesaving equipment, major 
conversion, marine evacuation system, mobile inland drilling unit or 
MIDU, naturally occurring radioactive material or NORM, novel 
lifesaving appliance or arrangement, OCS unit, on-load/off-load release 
mechanism, paint locker, personnel transfer net, platform hydrocarbon 
source, primary means of escape, radiation, registered architect, 
rescue boat, ring life buoy, secondary means of escape, service space, 
sleeping space, spar buoy, survival capsule, survival craft, systems 
fire protection, temporary accommodation module, tension leg platform 
or TLP, and U.S.
    The items of special interest are as follows:
     ``Unit'' is changed to ``OCS unit,'' meaning all things 
covered by these regulations (i.e., fixed facilities, floating 
facilities, MODU's, MIDU's, and vessels).
     ``OCS facility,'' which included MODU's as well as fixed 
and floating facilities, is no longer used. Instead, each type of OCS 
unit is addressed in the regulations by its defined category (i.e., 
``fixed facility,'' ``floating facility,'' ``MODU,'' ``MIDU,'' or 
``vessel'').
     ``Systems fire protection'' is a new term being used in 
subchapter N. It incorporates structural fire protection items as well 
as other items from the Life Safety Code, NFPA 101, to make a complete 
fire protection system.
     ``U.S.,'' as used in the terms ``U.S. floating facility,'' 
``U.S. MODU,'' and ``U.S. vessel,'' includes floating facilities, 
MODU's, and vessels that are not registered, documented, or 
certificated under the laws of any nation. In other words, these units, 
when on the U.S. OCS, must meet the same requirements as their U.S. 
certificated counterparts on the OCS.

[[Page 68430]]

    (3) In proposed Secs. 140.200, 143.110, 145.106, and 146.110, the 
dollar value for property damage is increased from $25,000 to $100,000.

Part 141--Outer Continental Shelf Activities: Personnel

    The only substantive changes to this part are as follows:
    (1) In proposed Sec. 141.15, the definition of the terms ``citizen 
of the United States'' and ``citizen of a foreign nation'' are amended 
to include percentage of vested interests.
    (2) Proposed Sec. 141.23 is new and details the process for 
submitting a request to the Commandant for a determination of the 
percentage of ownership and right to control an OCS unit. This 
determination is related to the employment of personnel on OCS units.

Part 142--Outer Continental Shelf Activities: Workplace Safety and 
Health

    This part contains extensive changes to update OCS requirements in 
subchapter N with applicable requirements as referenced in the 
Comparison Table, to address adequate training of personnel, and to 
establish new workplace safety and health requirements necessary for 
work on the OCS. The substantive changes to this part are as follows:
    (1) In proposed Sec. 142.5, the following definitions are new:
     Certified industrial hygienist, certified marine chemist, 
confined space, dangerous atmosphere, hot work, and Offshore Competent 
Person.
    (2) This proposed rule would impose new requirements for owners or 
operators to inform or provide training to personnel in several key 
areas. These areas include--
     Recognized hazards in the workplace (Sec. 142.20);
     Emergency response and cleanup (Sec. 142.25);
     The proper use of personal protective equipment 
(Sec. 142.110);
     Confined-space entry (subpart D); and
     The use, handling, and storage of hazardous material on 
the facility (subpart E).
    (3) This proposed rule would establish the following new 
requirements:
     Procedures for access to medical monitoring (Sec. 142.30).
     Personal fall arrest systems, including inspection of 
components after a system arrests a fall and before it is returned to 
service (Secs. 142.155 through 142.160).
     Personnel nets (Sec. 142.165).
     Personnel working in an area subject to radiation 
(Secs. 142.175 through 142.179), airborne substances (Secs. 142.180 
through 142.183), infectious material or blood-borne pathogens 
(Sec. 142.185), and noise (Secs. 142.235 through 142.240).
     Safe practices for electrical work (Sec. 142.215).
     Safe use and maintenance of equipment (Sec. 142.255).
     Design, construction, maintenance, and use of personnel 
transfer nets (Secs. 142.265 through 142.280).
     Specification of color codes for signs and tags marking 
physical hazards and dangers (Sec.  142.285).
     Entering and working in an unventilated confined space 
which may contain a dangerous atmosphere (subpart D).
     Hazardous material communication, use, handling, and 
storage (subpart E).
    (4) Proposed subpart D contains precautions for entering and 
working in any unventilated confined space that may contain poisonous 
gases, explosive gases, or an oxygen deficient atmosphere. Fatalities 
continue to occur on facilities when people work in a confined space 
that contains a dangerous atmosphere.
    While gathering information to evaluate the nature and extent of 
this problem, the Coast Guard met with a NOSAC working group at the 
Coast Guard's Eighth District offices in New Orleans, Louisiana. 
Representatives from the offshore facility owners and operators, the 
NFPA, and the Marine Chemist Association participated. The 
recommendation of the group was that regulations are necessary for work 
in confined spaces. The recommendation was to extract applicable 
requirements from OSHA's general industry standards for confined-space 
entry in 29 CFR 1910.146, the Shipyard Confined-space Entry Standards 
in 29 CFR part 1915, subpart B, and U.S. Cargo and Miscellaneous Vessel 
regulations in 46 CFR part 91, subpart 91.50.
    A primary point of discussion revolved around the use of a 
Certified Marine Chemist and or the use of a Competent Person. The 
offshore industry contends that an Offshore Competent Person should 
have the responsibility to perform most of the tests and work for the 
day-to-day entry into confined spaces aboard an OCS unit.
    We agree, but determined that the qualifications of the Offshore 
Competent Person must extend beyond those listed in OSHA's general 
industry standards. In the proposed rule, the authority of the Offshore 
Competent Person was limited to testing for oxygen, flammable gas, 
benzene, total hydrocarbons, and hydrogen sulfide. This is due to both 
the limited education and training of the Offshore Competent Person 
when compared with the Certified Marine Chemist and to the absence of 
an oversight body that assesses the competency of the Offshore 
Competent Person.
    We request comment on the following specific areas:
     Suggestions on ways to create an oversight body for the 
Offshore Competent Person.
     Training and education criteria for an Offshore Competent 
Person.
     Information on atmospheric hazards that may be routinely 
anticipated and thus should be included on the list of toxins for which 
an Offshore Competent Person is authorized to test.
     Information and suggestions on ways to enable and require 
the Offshore Competent Person to identify unexpected hazards and 
hazards which require the expertise of a Certified Marine Chemist. For 
example, rapid consumption of certain anti-corrosion anodes is known to 
produce hydrogen gas in the confined spaces to which the anodes are 
attached. A typical combustible gas indicator will not indicate the 
explosive atmosphere created by the hydrogen gas. Typically, the meter 
will ``peg out'' then return to zero in such an atmosphere. The 
Offshore Competent Person needs to recognize that this is abnormal 
instrument behavior and request the services of the Certified Marine 
Chemist. A second more common situation is the presence of toxic 
hazards that are not anticipated and would not be identified in the 
facility's written confined-space entry program. For example, a typical 
hazard analysis of a diesel fuel oil tank may identify the atmospheric 
hazards as oxygen and flammable gas. However, we have information that 
even fuel oil tanks known to have contained only diesel fuel have 
resulted in atmospheres containing benzene above the action level. More 
commonly, ballast tanks on offshore supply vessels have been found to 
contain benzene or cleaning-solvent vapors above the threshold limit 
values. The presence of these vapors were not a result of the liquids 
being carried in the tanks. Instead, they were present because cleaning 
liquids used topside drained into the tanks or because topside tanks 
overflowed and the liquids found their way into the ballast tanks.
     Information on these and other insidious hazards and 
suggestions on addressing them in this regulation.
    (5) Proposed subpart E would prescribe requirements for hazardous

[[Page 68431]]

material on fixed and floating facilities. The proposed regulation 
would ensure that all personnel on a fixed or floating facility are 
aware of what materials on the facility are hazardous and what hazards 
are associated with their use, handling, and storage.
    On March 10, 1988, the Coast Guard published a final rule entitled 
``Hazardous Materials Used as Ship's Stores On Board Vessels'' (53 FR 
7745). In the preamble discussion, under the heading ``Related 
Projects,'' the Coast Guard stated that it proposed to make the 
hazardous ship's stores regulations applicable to fixed and floating 
facilities. MODU's, offshore supply vessels (OSV's), and other vessels 
are already included in the ship's stores regulations. We reviewed the 
existing programs being used on fixed and floating facilities in the 
U.S. OCS and reviewed the comments from the NOSAC working group. We 
determined that ships' stores regulations were not applicable to fixed 
and floating facilities. We contend that the hazards associated with a 
floating facility are similar to those of a fixed facility.
    The current industry trend incorporates guidance from OSHA's 
requirements when establishing procedures for workers. We determined 
that regulations for hazardous communication similar to 29 CFR 
1910.1200 are appropriate for activities performed on fixed and 
floating facilities.

Part 143--Outer Continental Shelf Activities: Fixed Facilities

    This part contains extensive changes to update OCS requirements in 
subchapter N with applicable requirements as referenced in Table 2 in 
this preamble and to establish new requirements necessary for work on 
the OCS. The substantive changes to this part are as follows:
    (1) We propose the following new requirements:
     Marine casualty reports, including a proposed change of 
form (Sec. 143.115).
     Possession and storage of any firearm or firearm 
ammunition (Sec. 143.130).
     Storage and dispensing of anesthetics, drugs, and other 
prescription medication (Sec. 143.135).
     Assignment of muster stations (Sec. 143.215), emergency 
duties (Sec. 143.220), survival craft assignment (Sec. 143.225), and 
posting of documents (Sec. 143.235).
     Emergency Evacuation Plan (EEP) (subpart D) regarding 
personnel in temporary accommodation modules (Sec. 143.310), and marine 
inspector review, approval, and deficiency issues during oversight 
inspection to the facility (Sec. 143.320). These changes reflect 
current Coast Guard and industry practices.
     Fire drills and abandonment drills (Secs. 143.420 and 
143.425).
     Use of equipment during drills (Sec. 143.435).
     Onboard training and instruction (Sec. 143.510).
     Maintenance and repair of lifesaving, fire-fighting, and 
other equipment (subpart G).
     Tests and inspection of lifesaving, fire-fighting, and 
other equipment (Secs. 143.700 through 143.730, and Sec. 143.750) 
including emergency lighting and power systems (Sec. 143.760), survival 
craft and rescue boat weight testing (Secs. 143.735 through 143.740), 
and recordkeeping of tests or inspections of fire-fighting equipment 
(Sec. 143.755).
     Lifesaving equipment on manned fixed facilities (subpart 
I) including survival craft and rescue boats (Secs. 143.825 and 
143.826), survival craft for temporary personnel (Sec. 143.828), 
approval requirements for lifeboats (Sec. 143.830), free-fall lifeboats 
(Sec. 143.831), inflatable life rafts (Sec. 143.832), rigid life rafts 
(Sec. 143.833), marine evacuation systems (143.834), life floats 
(Sec. 143.835), launching and recovery equipment (Secs. 143.836 and 
143.837), location and arrangement of survival craft (Sec. 143.840), 
rescue boat approval and stowage (Sec. 143.841), embarkation, 
launching, and recovery arrangements (Sec. 143.842), lifejackets 
(Secs. 143.845 through 143.848), ring life buoys (Secs. 143.850 through 
143.852), first aid kit (Sec. 143.855), immersion suits (Sec. 143.870), 
marking of work vests (Sec. 143.877), inflatable lifejackets 
(Sec. 143.881), and marking requirements for lifesaving equipment 
(Sec. 143.885).
     Fire-fighting and fire-protection equipment (subpart K) 
including fire extinguisher approval (Sec. 143.1025), number of fire 
extinguishers required (Sec. 143.1029), fireman's outfits 
(Sec. 143.1035), fire axes (Sec. 143.1040), fire extinguishing systems 
(Sec. 143.1045), automatic fire detection and alarm systems 
(Sec. 143.1050), smoke detection in sleeping spaces (Sec. 143.1050), 
fire main system (Sec. 143.1055), fire-fighting equipment on helicopter 
decks (Sec. 143.1060), helicopter fueling facility fire-fighting 
equipment (Sec. 143.1061), and water supply for helicopter deck fire 
protection (Sec. 143.1062).
     Systems fire protection (subpart L) including fire 
protection in accommodation spaces and modules (Secs. 143.1115 and 
143.1120), design and location of an accommodation space near a 
hydrocarbon source (Sec. 143.1125), ventilation system shutdown 
(Sec. 143.1130), and fire protection for escaping personnel 
(Sec. 143.1135).
     Design and equipment for fixed facilities (subpart M) 
including general alarm systems on manned and unmanned facilities 
(Sec. 143.1215), means of escape (Secs. 143.1220 through 143.1223), 
personnel landings (Sec. 143.1225), stairways (Sec. 143.1231), and 
general noise level design standards (Secs. 143.1235 and 143.1236).
     Design and equipment for manned fixed facilities (subpart 
N) including openings between accommodation spaces and other 
restrictive areas (Sec. 143.1316), sleeping spaces (Sec. 143.1317), 
temporary accommodation modules (Sec. 143.1318), toilet and shower 
spaces (Sec. 143.1319), messroom seating (Sec. 143.1320), medical 
treatment space (Sec. 143.1321), medical treatment room 
(Sec. 143.1322), laundry room (Sec. 143.1323), heating in accommodation 
spaces (Sec. 143.1325), potable water (Sec. 143.1330), wash water 
(Sec. 143.1331), sanitary water (Sec. 143.1332), electrical lighting 
(Sec. 143.1335), emergency lighting and power (Sec. 143.1336), and 
stairways and ladders (Secs. 143.1340 and 143.1341).
     Certification of fixed facilities (subpart O) including 
design plan review (Sec. 143.1410).
    (2) Proposed subpart I would prescribe requirements for lifesaving 
equipment on manned fixed facilities. This new subpart would revise the 
current OCS regulations in 33 CFR part 144, subparts 144.01 and 144.10. 
Much of this information, written as far back as 1956, is outdated 
because it requires mainly life floats, life preservers, ring life 
buoys, and exposure suits. This proposed rule establishes requirements 
for lifeboats and life rafts sufficient to rescue 100 percent of manned 
fixed facility personnel. Life floats are acceptable for use in 
addition to the required lifeboats, in certain conditions. We also 
propose new requirements for launching equipment, rescue boats, 
immersion suits, and work vests. When determining the rescue boat 
requirements, we considered the facility location, the distance from a 
safe haven (another facility or vessel capable of providing rescue), 
and the temperature of the water. Rescue boats, lifeboats, and life 
rafts are the primary sources of rescue. Life floats are used only as a 
secondary means of rescue in warmer waters and are considered an 
acceptable risk within 5.6 kilometers (3 nautical miles) of another 
facility or vessel capable of rescue. On these waters, life floats are 
acceptable since lifeboats would be deployed first and, once deployed, 
would be available to assist in

[[Page 68432]]

the rescue of an individual using a life float.
    (3) Proposed Sec. 143.810 would permit lifesaving equipment on a 
fixed facility as of the date of the final rule to be continued in 
service until replaced or until the facility undergoes major 
alterations affecting the equipment.
    (4) Proposed Sec. 143.815 would permit the use of existing 
lifeboats on manned fixed facilities constructed after the effective 
date of this rule, if they are modified to include self-righting 
capability and onload/offload release mechanism within 2 years of the 
effective date of the final rule. Owners who voluntarily installed 
lifeboats on OCS units before the effective date of this rule may now 
use the modified lifeboats as rescue boats, even though the lifeboats 
may not meet the rescue boat requirements.
    (5) Proposed Sec. 143.827 would allow for an existing manned fixed 
facility a 2-year phase-in period to comply with the survival craft and 
rescue boat requirements in subpart I.
    (6) Proposed Sec. 143.842 would prescribe requirements for rescue 
boat embarkation, launching, and recovery arrangements similar to 46 
CFR 108.570. Paragraph (g) allows an onboard crane to launch the rescue 
boat, as an alternative to having a separate rescue boat launching 
system.
    (7) Proposed Sec. 143.855 would prescribe requirements for the 
first aid kit. This section is similar to the current requirement 
located in 33 CFR 144.01-30. We added a requirement for the location of 
the first aid kit, either in the medical treatment space, if there is 
one, or in the custody of the person in charge. We added a requirement 
that each first aid kit contain a copy of ``The Ship's Medicine Chest 
and Medical Aid at Sea'' or ``The American Red Cross First Aid Manual 
and Safety Handbook.''
    (8) Proposed Sec. 143.870 would prescribe requirements for 
immersion suits on manned fixed facilities. This is similar to the 
requirement for immersion suits on MODU's. The requirement for 
immersion suits was first introduced in February 6, 1984. That change 
to the current OCS regulations applied only to MODU's operating on the 
OCS. We did not address immersion suits on fixed facilities at that 
time, because we intended to include this revision in the planned 
revision of subchapter N.
    (9) Proposed Sec. 143.877. This new section would require work 
vests to be marked with retro-reflective material under International 
Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution A.658(16) and approved under 
approval series 164.018.
    (10) Proposed subpart J would prescribe requirements for lifesaving 
equipment on unmanned fixed facilities. This subpart is similar to the 
current requirement located in 33 CFR part 144, subpart 144.10. The 
term ``unmanned platforms'' has been updated to ``unmanned fixed 
facilities.'' This subpart has also been made applicable to floating 
facilities through cross referencing.
    (11) Proposed Sec. 143.915 would prescribe requirements for 
lifejackets on unmanned facilities. This section is similar to the 
current requirement located in 33 CFR 144.10-1(a)(1). We removed the 
references to personal flotation devices and to make the proposed rule 
consistent with SOLAS 74/83. We added an allowance that would require 
lifejackets to be on the facility only when personnel are on board. 
This would help eliminate the expense incurred by the growing practice 
of lifejackets being stolen from unmanned facilities. We also added an 
alternate provision permitting the use of helicopter lifejackets on 
unmanned facilities by personnel while on a short helicopter visit.
    (12) Proposed subpart K would revise and expand the limited current 
OCS regulations on fixed facility fire-fighting and fire-protection 
equipment located in 33 CFR part 145.
    (13) Proposed Sec. 143.1000 allows all fixed facilities, 2 years 
from the effective date of the final rule, to install fire-fighting and 
fire-protection equipment.
    (14) Proposed Sec. 143.1010 would clarify the long standing Coast 
Guard position that only Coast Guard approved fire-fighting and fire-
protection equipment may be used on OCS units, whether or not that 
equipment is in addition to the number of approved items required in 
the regulations. This is similar to the requirements for MODU's located 
in 46 CFR 108.103. We allow exemptions for equivalent items as stated 
in paragraph (b), excess fire-fighting equipment under proposed 
Sec. 143.1015, MMS fire-fighting items permitted under proposed 
Secs. 143.1055(b) and (c) and 143.1062(a), and existing helicopter deck 
fire-protection systems under proposed Sec. 143.1063.
    (15) Proposed Sec. 143.1015 would allow for the use of fire-
fighting equipment for which the Coast Guard has no standard, if the 
equipment does not endanger the facility or personnel and is maintained 
in good working condition.
    (16) Proposed Sec. 143.1020 would prescribe requirements for fire 
extinguishers. This section is similar to the current requirement 
located in 33 CFR 145.05(a) through (c), with the removal of soda and 
water extinguishers and the addition of type B-IV extinguishers from 
the table.
    (17) Proposed Sec. 143.1045 would prescribe requirements for fire-
extinguishing systems for certain enclosed spaces on a manned fixed 
facility, which is similar to current requirements for MODU's. However, 
we considered some significant differences while proposing this 
requirement. MODU's have to drill in harsh environmental areas such as 
the North Sea. Their industrial areas often must be enclosed, requiring 
fire-extinguishing systems for those areas. Many industrial spaces on 
fixed facilities in the U.S. OCS are open to the atmosphere and would 
not require a fire-extinguishing system.
    (18) Proposed Sec. 143.1050 would prescribe requirements for 
automatic fire detection and alarm systems in accommodation and service 
spaces and smoke detectors in the sleeping quarters of a manned fixed 
facility. Fire detection and alarm systems must meet American Petroleum 
Institute (API) standards and NFPA 72 requirements. The requirement for 
smoke detectors in sleeping quarters is new and in addition to current 
MODU regulations. We intend to revise MODU regulations in a future 
rulemaking, to include new requirements for smoke detectors in sleeping 
spaces similar to IMO MODU CODE requirements.
    (19) Proposed Sec. 143.1055 would require manned fixed facilities 
to have a fire main system to protect the accommodation spaces. 
Existing requirements in subchapter N have no provisions for fire mains 
in the accommodation spaces. Existing OCS manned fixed facilities have 
a fire main as part of the firewater system required by MMS for the 
production-handling equipment areas. If the owner or operator elects to 
meet this requirement by making an extension to the existing MMS fire 
main, the new fire main system piping fittings and hardware may meet 
the MMS requirements to maintain compatibility of the necessary 
hardware. If the owner or operator elects to install a new independent 
fire main to meet this requirement, the system design and hardware must 
comply with the MODU regulations in 46 CFR 108.415 through 108.425.
    (20) Proposed Sec. 143.1062 would prescribe requirements for the 
water supply of helicopter deck fire-protection systems. Many operators 
of fixed facilities have voluntarily installed helicopter deck fire 
protection systems, even though they have not been

[[Page 68433]]

required by the Coast Guard regulations. The water supply for these 
voluntarily installed systems is, in most cases, a continuation of the 
MMS firewater system. Some facilities tap into a Coast Guard approved 
independent accommodation fire main system. Either option will meet 
this requirement as long as the design and hardware maintains 
consistency with the fire main being used.
    (21) Section 143.1063 would permit the continued use of non-
approved Coast Guard helicopter deck fire-protection equipment if 
installed on the facility before 2 years after the effective date of 
the final rule. This exemption is required to permit the continued use 
of voluntarily installed systems. However, this equipment will still 
have to meet the requirements in Secs. 143.1060 and 143.1061.
    (22) Proposed subpart L would prescribe requirements for systems 
fire protection for manned fixed facilities. The Coast Guard currently 
has extensive regulations for structural fire protection on MODU's and 
floating facilities; however, there are no requirements in existing 33 
CFR part 145 for structural fire protection of manned fixed facilities 
and fire protection of helicopter decks.
    In accordance with the 1998 MOU between the Coast Guard and MMS, 
the Coast Guard is responsible for regulating fire protection for fixed 
facilities in the areas of accommodation spaces, service spaces, 
control rooms, wellbay areas, and helicopter decks. This subpart would 
address structural fire protection of accommodation spaces and the 
fire-protection requirements for helicopter decks and helicopter 
refueling systems.
    For personnel safety, the proximity of an accommodation space to an 
explosive source or hydrocarbon source is of critical importance in the 
event of a blowout or explosion. Accident statistics show that 78 
percent of all fires, explosions, and blowouts occurring on the OCS 
have occurred on fixed facilities. A likely explanation of this 
statistic is that the majority of fixed facilities are producing and 
flowing oil and gas 24-hours-a-day, whereas most MODU's are performing 
exploratory drilling, where they encounter dry holes 80 percent of the 
time. Many fixed facilities house production facilities capable of 
handling thousands of barrels of oil and millions of cubic feet of gas 
daily, making the threat of fire on a fixed facility greater than or at 
least equal to that of a MODU engaged in OCS activity.
    Coast Guard and MMS accident and casualty data reveals that the 
threat of fire remains a major hazard on fixed facilities. Between 1970 
and 1979, there were 264 fires, explosions, and blowouts on fixed 
facilities, resulting in 42 fatalities. Between 1980 and 1986, there 
were 410 fires, explosions, and blowouts on fixed facilities, resulting 
in 31 fatalities. Between 1987 and 1998, there were 563 fires, 
explosions, and blowouts on fixed facilities, resulting in 10 
fatalities.
    Initially, the Coast Guard intended to write the requirements for 
structural fire protection on a manned fixed facility, similar to Coast 
Guard MODU regulations in 46 CFR part 108, subpart D, and the 1989 IMO 
MODU Code. In the process of determining what requirements to 
establish, the Coast Guard formed a NOSAC working group to address the 
issue of structural fire protection. Many members were of the opinion 
that the ``fixed'' nature of a manned fixed facility made it more like 
a land-based structure than their marine-based counterparts (for 
example, MODU's). Therefore, the working group recommended that the 
requirements for structural fire protection be similar to the existing 
land-based building code requirements. This would provide an equivalent 
level of safety while allowing greater flexibility in construction and 
design. We thoroughly examined one of the land-based building codes, 
the Life Safety Code, NFPA 101. We determined that with a few 
modifications, NFPA 101 requirements could increase the level of 
safety.
    We contend that, in addition to NFPA 101, an independent firewall 
between the accommodation spaces and the wellbore or explosive source 
is absolutely necessary. The requirement for a firewall is an 
acknowledged international requirement brought about by the review of 
the ``Piper Alpha'' accident in the North Sea. This requirement is 
consistent with the IMO MODU Code, which includes a regulation 
requiring the front bulkhead of accommodation spaces to be of A60 
construction if it is within 30 meters of the wellhead. As an 
alternative, this proposed rule allows the owner or operator to use an 
A60 bulkhead on the periphery of the quarters building, as required by 
the MODU regulations in 46 CFR part 108.
    (23) Proposed Secs. 143.1100 and 143.1105 would prescribe 
requirements for fixed facilities, major conversions, relocated 
facilities, accommodation modules, temporary accommodation modules, and 
accommodation modules that are part of a drilling/workover rig package. 
The proposed regulations would apply only if the facility, conversion, 
or module were contracted for or constructed after the effective date 
of the final rule.
    (24) Proposed Secs. 143.1115 and 143.1120 would prescribe 
requirements for systems fire protection for accommodation spaces and 
modules on manned fixed facilities, based on the Life Safety Code, NFPA 
101, with an additional requirement for a fire wall. We also permit the 
owner or operator to elect to meet this requirement by complying with 
46 CFR part 108, subpart B.
    (25) Proposed Sec. 143.1125 would prescribe requirements for the 
design and location of accommodation spaces, accommodation modules, 
temporary accommodation modules, and accommodation modules that are 
part of a drilling/workover rig package with respect to explosive 
sources. This would provide a safe refuge from fires, blowouts, and 
explosions during the time needed to evacuate.
    (26) Proposed Sec. 143.1217 would prescribe requirements for the 
hardware of the general alarm system on a fixed facility. The current 
OCS regulations were deficient in this area. It has long been the Coast 
Guard's standard practice to require a bell for the primary sounding 
device for MODU'S and other U.S. vessels. This is in keeping with 
international maritime standards. However it has been standard practice 
on U.S. fixed facilities to use primary alarm sounding devices that are 
not bells. Floating and fixed facility operations are similar in being 
mostly production operations and different from that of MODU's and 
other U.S. vessels. Because personnel engaged in OCS activity often 
work on both fixed and floating facilities, consistency between the 
general alarm systems is important. This rulemaking allows the use of 
devices other than bells for the primary and supplementary sounding 
device so the signals on a fixed facility will be similar to the signal 
on a floating facility. It further permits the use of system hardware 
that is either Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed, Factory Mutual 
(F.M.) listed, or U.S. Coast Guard approved.
    (27) Proposed Secs. 143.1235 and 143.1236 would prescribe general 
noise level design standards for all new manned fixed facilities. These 
sections are intended to be used in conjunction with proposed 
Secs. 142.235 and 142.240 to result in a general noise standard for all 
new manned fixed facilities. The table of maximum noise levels for 
accommodation spaces in Sec. 143.1235 is taken from the IMO Resolution 
A.468(XII).
    (28) Proposed subpart N would prescribe requirements for 
accommodation spaces, accommodation lighting and power, heating in

[[Page 68434]]

accommodation spaces, service water systems, emergency lighting and 
power, and stairways and ladders on manned fixed facilities contracted 
for or constructed after these rules are finalized. Requirements are 
proposed to establish minimum safety and design standards for those 
areas on fixed facilities within the responsibility of the Coast Guard 
under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and the 1998 MOU between 
the Coast Guard and the MMS. Because many of the potential safety 
hazards on fixed facilities are similar to those on MODU's, 
requirements proposed in this subpart are similar to those applied to 
MODU's under subchapter IA of 46 CFR chapter I. The proposed 
modifications were needed to address differences specific to the nature 
of operations on a fixed facility. This rulemaking is more general in 
nature than that for MODU's, because fixed facilities do not have to 
comply with international marine regulations as do MODU's.
    (29) Proposed Sec. 143.1317 would prescribe general requirements 
for sleeping spaces on manned fixed facilities and modules. Many of the 
paragraphs are similar to the regulations for accommodation spaces on a 
MODU in 46 CFR 108.201 and 108.203. Coast Guard vessel and MODU 
regulations permit only four persons per sleeping space. The Coast 
Guard determined that six persons per sleeping space is acceptable on 
fixed facilities for the following reasons:
    (a) Fixed facilities do not experience wave motion as do vessels 
and MODU's. More space is required in a room where there is vessel 
motion than in a room which does not have motion.
    (b) Fixed facilities do not embark on international ocean voyages 
and therefore do not have to contend with foreign marine manning 
regulations.
    (30) Proposed Sec. 143.1318 would prescribe general requirements 
for temporary accommodation modules used on fixed facilities. The Coast 
Guard determined that eight persons in these sleeping spaces is 
acceptable because the sleeping space would only be used on a temporary 
basis on the rare occasions that personnel are working on the facility.
    (31) Proposed Sec. 143.1321 would require a medical treatment space 
on each manned fixed facility with accommodation spaces for 12 or more 
persons. Also see the comments on this subject in paragraph (5) of the 
discussion of comments to the ANPRM in this preamble.
    (32) Proposed Sec. 143.1322 would allow a medical treatment room to 
be used as a sleeping space or office.
    (33) Proposed Sec. 143.1323 would prescribe requirements for 
laundry rooms. It would require a washer and dryer for every 25 persons 
on the facility or a laundry service could be used instead.
    (34) Proposed Sec. 143.1332 would prescribe requirements for 
sanitary water systems. It is general in nature, the main objective 
being to ensure that sanitary water is properly located and labeled to 
avoid being used for drinking and to avoid its coming into contact with 
food or medical utensils.
    (35) Proposed Sec. 143.1335 would prescribe electrical lighting 
requirements for accommodation spaces, illuminated exit signs, and 
lifeboat and life raft embarkation area floodlights. The requirements 
are intended to ensure that adequate lighting is provided for 
accommodation spaces and for emergency purposes. Paragraph (a) would 
require that the design and installation of the lighting system comply 
with API RP 14F, section 9.
    (36) Proposed Sec. 143.1336 would prescribe emergency lighting and 
power design and installation requirements for emergency lighting and 
power sources. The system design must meet API RP 14F. The purpose of 
this requirement is to ensure that a dependable independent emergency 
power source is available to provide a minimum level of light and power 
during an emergency. The emergency source of power may consist of 
either batteries, a generator, or a combination of both.
    (37) Proposed Sec. 143.1341 would prescribe requirements for 
vertical ladders. It is similar to the vertical ladder requirements for 
MODU's in 46 CFR 108.160. Paragraph (c) on embarkation ladders is an 
additional requirement to that for MODU's. This is added to eliminate 
the potential safety hazard of an escaping person becoming trapped by 
waves in the ladder cage during storm conditions. This rulemaking would 
add a side opening to the cage and the elimination of the cage for the 
bottom 9.15 meters (30 feet).
    (38) Proposed Sec. 143.1410 would require a U.S. registered 
professional engineer or registered architect to review facility design 
plans and specifications of the items prescribed by this subchapter and 
certify that these items comply with the Coast Guard's design 
regulations. This section was proposed in order to allow owners and 
operators to use in-house, as well as third-party, engineers to review 
and certify calculations and drawings. This change is necessary to 
reduce both the time required for plan review by the Coast Guard and 
the cost of plan review for the owner.

Part 144--Outer Continental Shelf Activities: Floating Facilities

    Fixed and floating facilities have many regulations in common, so 
some subparts and sections in part 144 refer to requirements in part 
143. Existing regulations for floating facilities were very limited. 
Many new and novel types of floating facilities, such as TLP's and Spar 
Buoys, have appeared since subchapter N was last revised. This new part 
addresses these new types of floating facilities, as well.
    (1) This proposed rule would establish new requirements for all 
floating facilities in the following areas:
     Notice of arrival or relocation (Sec. 144.110).
     Operating manuals (Sec. 144.210).
     Lifesaving equipment for manned U.S. floating facilities 
(subpart D), including immersion suits (Sec. 144.310).
     Lifesaving equipment for unmanned U.S. floating facilities 
(subpart E).
     Fire fighting and fire protection for floating facilities 
(subpart F), including temporary accommodation modules on a manned 
floating facility (Sec. 144.510) and fire-fighting and fire-protection 
equipment for U.S. unmanned floating facilities (Sec. 144.515).
     Equipment requirements for U.S. floating facilities 
(subpart G), including the general alarm system (Secs. 144.605 and 
144.610).
     Design and equipment requirements for manned and unmanned 
U.S. floating facilities (subpart H), including conversions, 
relocations (Sec. 144.700), TLP's (Sec. 144.710), and FPSO's 
(Sec. 144.715).
     Plan and approval requirements for manned and unmanned 
U.S. floating facilities (subpart I), including initial submission 
(Sec. 144.815), plan submission (Sec. 144.820), in-service inspection 
(Sec. 144.830), and new or novel hull designs (Secs. 144.835 and 
144.840).
     Inspection and certification requirements for U.S. 
floating facilities (subpart J), including Certificates of Inspection 
(COI) (Sec. 144.910), drydocking (Sec. 144.915), and the revocation of 
a COI (Sec. 144.920).
     Foreign floating facility requirements (subpart K), 
including operational requirements (Sec. 144.1005), EEP's 
(Sec. 144.1010), operating manuals (Sec. 144.1015), design equipment 
and inspection requirements (Sec. 144.1020), FPSO's (Sec. 144.1025), 
Letter of Compliance (LOC) (Sec. 144.1030), mid-

[[Page 68435]]

period inspection (Sec. 144.1035), and the revocation of a LOC 
(Sec. 144.1040).
    (2) Proposed Sec. 144.105 would prescribe requirements for manned 
and unmanned floating facilities. The owner or operator of a floating 
facility would have to comply with the same operational requirements as 
the owner or operator of a fixed facility. There is one exception; the 
notice of arrival or relocation requirement is specific to manned and 
unmanned floating facilities.
    (3) Proposed Sec. 144.305 would prescribe the requirements for 
lifesaving equipment. Currently, the owner or operator of a floating 
facility must comply with all of 46 CFR part 108. This proposed rule 
would exempt the portions of 46 CFR part 108 that are not applicable to 
floating facilities.
    (4) Proposed Sec. 144.310 would prescribe the requirements for 
immersion suits. This requirement applies to any floating facility 
located north of 32 degrees north latitude. It may effect floating 
facilities located along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the 
continental United States. It will not effect any floating facility 
located in the Gulf of Mexico. This requirement will improve the level 
of safety of personnel in the event they are forced to spend time in 
the water.
    (5) Proposed subpart E would prescribe the requirements for 
lifesaving equipment for unmanned U.S. floating facilities. The 
requirements are the same as those for unmanned fixed facilities in 
proposed part 143, subpart J.
    (6) Proposed Sec. 144.510 would permit temporary accommodation 
modules used on a manned floating facility that meet the same 
requirements as modules for manned fixed facilities. Present regulation 
requires any temporary accommodation module used on a floating facility 
to meet the requirements for MODU's in 46 CFR part 108.
    (7) Proposed Secs. 144.605 and 144.610 would prescribe equipment 
requirements for a U.S. floating facility. These sections would make 
equipment requirements for a floating facility similar to those for a 
fixed facility, except that the general alarm system for a floating 
facility must meet the electrical engineering requirements in 46 CFR 
chapter I, subchapter J. Floating facilities would use Coast Guard-
approved hardware, rather than UL or F.M. listed hardware. However, 
TLP's would meet the fixed facility requirements.
    (8) Proposed subpart H would prescribe the design and equipment 
requirements for manned and unmanned U.S. floating facilities. This 
subpart would revise and expand the current requirement in 33 CFR 
143.120(b), which states in general terms that floating facilities must 
comply with 46 CFR part 108. We incorporate in subpart H additional 
requirements from the ``MVI Policy Letter No. 13-92,'' which details 
the design and equipment requirements for FPSO's. We also incorporate 
the requirements of API RP 2FPS for floating production systems and API 
RP 2T for TLP's.
    (9) Proposed Sec. 144.810 would require that if construction of a 
U.S. floating facility began before the plans were approved, then any 
discrepancies between the final construction and the approved plans 
must be rectified.
    (10) Proposed Sec. 144.830 would require in-service inspection 
plans to be submitted at the same time as the design basis. This early 
stage submittal will facilitate minimum cost and effort for any 
structural design changes that are necessary for proper inspection.
    (11) Proposed Sec. 144.1025 would require a foreign FPSO operating 
on the U.S. OCS to comply with OPA 90 regulations, which will align 
with U.S. FPSO requirements.

Part 145--Outer Continental Shelf Activities: Mobile Offshore Drilling 
Units and Mobile Inland Drilling Units

    We combined the requirements for U.S. and foreign MODU's located in 
33 CFR part 143, subpart C, part 144, subparts 144.20 and 144.30, and 
part 146, subpart C, with new regulations for MIDU's. We have left much 
of the current MODU regulations unchanged, but we have added some new 
requirements, expanded the current OCS regulations in areas where they 
were very general, and made some modifications. The substantive changes 
to this part are as follows:
    (1) This proposed rule would establish new requirements in the 
following areas:
     Excess emergency equipment for MODU's (Sec. 145.125).
     Operational testing of emergency equipment for MODU's 
(Sec. 145.130).
     Two-year LOC for foreign MODU's (Sec. 145.425).
     Revocation of a foreign MODU's Letter of Compliance (LOC) 
(Sec. 145.430), mid-period inspection of foreign MODU's (Sec. 145.435), 
and fees for an LOC examination of foreign MODU's (Sec. 145.440).
     Operational, training, and drill requirements for U.S. 
MIDU's (Sec. 145.510), arrival and relocation notification 
(Sec. 145.515), EEP (Sec. 145.520), lifesaving equipment 
(Sec. 145.525), fire fighting and fire protection (Sec. 145.530), 
design, equipment, and inspection requirements (Sec. 145.535), LOC 
(Sec. 145.540), revoking of an LOC (Sec. 145.545), and re-inspection 
requirements (Sec. 145.550).
    (2) Proposed Sec. 145.210 would prescribe immersion suit 
requirements for U.S. MODU's. On October 1, 1998, we published a final 
rule on lifesaving equipment (63 FR 52802) that established new 
requirements for immersion and exposure suits on U.S. MODU's in 46 CFR 
part 108. Before these regulations were established, immersion-suit 
requirements for MODU's were located in 33 CFR 144.20-5. When the MODU 
regulations in 46 CFR part 108 were revised to include immersion-suit 
requirements, the requirements located in 33 CFR 144.20-5 (a) through 
(e) became obsolete. Therefore, proposed Sec. 145.210 cross-references 
the MODU immersion-suit requirements in 46 CFR part 108.
    As for exposure suits, our regulations in 46 CFR part 160, subpart 
160.071, have been removed. Immersion suit regulations under 46 CFR 
part 160, subpart 160.171, have replaced those for exposure suits, 
because of the similarity between the two suits and because SOLAS uses 
the term ``immersion suit.'' Paragraph (a) is similar to the first 
sentence of the current requirement located in 33 CFR 144.20-5, but 
would revise the geographical areas where immersion suits are required.
    This section cross-references the requirements for immersion suits 
for manned fixed facilities (Sec. 143.870), unmanned fixed facilities 
(Sec. 143.925), manned floating facilities (144.310), unmanned floating 
facilities (Sec. 144.420), U.S. vessels (Sec. 146.200), and foreign 
vessels (Sec. 146.210). MODU's and other OCS units engaged in OCS 
activity would be required to have immersion suits when operating in 
waters North of 32 degrees North latitude in both the Atlantic and 
Pacific Oceans. Current regulations in 33 CFR 144.20-5 and 144.30-5 
require suits when operating North of 32 degrees in the Atlantic and 
North of 35 degrees in the Pacific. A study conducted by the Coast 
Guard determined that temperatures in the Pacific Ocean near the West 
Coast of the United States at 32 degrees North latitude were colder 
than they were in the Atlantic Ocean at the same latitude. There was no 
reason, therefore, to allow 35 degrees North latitude for the Pacific 
Ocean. This proposed rule would change the geographical areas to 32 
degrees North for both oceans.
    (3) Proposed Sec. 145.215 would establish immersion suit 
requirements for foreign MODU's. The intent is to have identical 
requirements, or at least

[[Page 68436]]

equivalent requirements, on all MODU's (U.S. or foreign). There are two 
ways that a foreign MODU may satisfy the requirements. They may use--
    (a) U.S. approved suits; or
    (b) Their own nation's immersion suits, anti-exposure suits, or 
other similar suits approved by the MODU's flag-state, provided the 
suits are accepted by the Coast Guard as equivalent to U.S. approved 
suits.
    (4) Proposed 145.425(c) would amend the current requirement located 
in 33 CFR 143.210(b) to allow a 2-year term for the LOC. This would 
align that term with the 2-year term for a COI.
    (5) Proposed subpart F would establish regulations for MIDU's 
operating on the OCS. This proposed rule implements an established 
policy that has been operating successfully for several years. When 
operating on the OCS, a MIDU would have to comply with portions of the 
requirements for a manned fixed facility, the requirements for arrival 
and relocation notification for a floating facility, and the 
requirements for EEP plans for a MODU. Also, they would be required to 
obtain an LOC and undergo annual inspections to certify compliance with 
these limited regulations.
    (6) Proposed Sec. 145.525 would require MIDU's operating on the OCS 
to comply with lifesaving equipment requirements for manned fixed 
facilities. The section does not specifically address immersion suits; 
however, immersion suits are part of the lifesaving equipment for a 
manned fixed facility. When a MIDU operates on the OCS North of 32 
degrees North latitude, it must comply with the immersion suit 
requirements for a manned fixed facility.
    (7) Proposed Sec. 145.535 would require that MIDU's operating on 
the OCS have an LOC. An LOC would be issued to a MIDU for operations 
inside the defined area. An LOC would be issued based on an inspection 
to establish that the MIDU meets the lifesaving, fire fighting, and 
operational requirements for a manned fixed facility and proposed part 
145, subpart F. A foreign MIDU is not permitted to operate on the OCS.

Part 146--Outer Continental Shelf Activities: Vessels

    We combined the current requirements in 33 CFR part 143, subpart D 
(Vessels), with those in part 143, subpart E (Standby Vessels), to form 
this one part for all vessels operating on the OCS, other than MODU's, 
MIDU's, and floating facilities. Some sections were added to make this 
an all-inclusive set of regulations for OCS vessels. The substantive 
changes to this part are as follows:
    (1) Proposed Secs. 146.115 and 146.120 would revise the current 
requirement in 33 CFR 146.303, which requires an owner or operator of a 
foreign vessel to comply with the casualty notice for fixed and 
floating facilities. We propose a revision that would require foreign 
vessels to meet the general U.S. vessel requirements for notice of 
casualty located in 46 CFR 4.05.
    (2) Proposed Sec. 146.205 would establish lifesaving equipment 
requirements for all foreign vessels engaged in OCS activities, other 
than foreign MODU's and floating facilities. Our intent is to require 
the owner or operator of a foreign vessel to meet the same lifesaving 
requirements or ones equivalent to those for a U.S. vessel. For foreign 
vessels, we propose the option of using any one of the three 
alternatives for satisfying the lifesaving equipment requirements. The 
owner or operator of a foreign vessel may meet either the U.S. 
lifesaving regulations, their own nation's regulations, if they have 
been reviewed and approved by the Commandant, or the lifesaving 
requirements in SOLAS.
    (3) Proposed Sec. 146.305 would establish fire-fighting and fire-
protection regulations for foreign vessels while engaged in OCS 
activities. The current OCS regulations have no requirements in this 
area, and this has created the possibility that foreign vessels may be 
operating on the OCS with a lower standard of fire protection than that 
of a similar type of U.S. vessel. The intent is to require foreign 
vessels, while engaged in OCS activities, to have a standard of fire 
protection the same as or equivalent to that for a U.S. vessel. The 
proposed regulation is organized similar to the requirements for 
lifesaving equipment for foreign vessels in proposed Sec. 146.205 by 
providing the option of one of three alternatives to comply with this 
requirement.
    (4) Proposed Sec. 146.405 would require the owner or operator of a 
foreign vessel, while engaged in OCS activities, to comply with the 
design, equipment, and inspection requirements applicable to U.S. 
vessels under proposed Sec. 146.400 or the standards of the vessel's 
nation if accepted and approved by the Coast Guard. The intent is to 
ensure that all vessels engaged in OCS activities have a minimum level 
of safety at least equal to that of a U.S. vessel of similar type.
    (5) Proposed Sec. 146.420 would require foreign vessels, while 
engaged in OCS activities, to obtain an LOC similar to that required 
for foreign MODU's in current 33 CFR 143.210 and in proposed 
Sec. 145.425.
    (6) Proposed subpart F would revise and enlarge the current OCS 
regulations for standby vessels in 33 CFR part 143, subpart E. The 
intent is to produce a complete set of regulations for standby vessels. 
The standby vessel regulations were added as part of the EEP 
regulations published on May 18, 1989 (54 FR 21566). Standby vessels 
would also be subject to applicable vessel regulations of part 146.

Proposed Form CG-RMAID

    The Coast Guard, MMS, and OSHA worked together to develop the 
proposed form entitled ``Casualty Report of Accident, Injury, 
Occupational Illness, or Death on a Facility, Excluding Mobile Offshore 
Drilling Units.'' We intend to streamline the reporting process by 
using one form to report to each agency. The form number, CG-RMAID, is 
temporary and will be replaced by the proper Coast Guard form number in 
the final rule. We encourage comments on the use and clarity of this 
form.

BILLING CODE 4910-15-U 

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BILLING CODE 4910-15-C

[[Page 68440]]

Incorporation by Reference

    Material proposed for incorporation by reference appears in 
proposed Sec. 140.30. You may inspect this material at U.S. Coast Guard 
Headquarters where indicated under ADDRESSES. Copies of the material 
are available from the sources listed in proposed Sec. 140.30.
    Before publishing a binding rule, we will submit this material to 
the Director of the Federal Register for approval of the incorporation 
by reference.

Regulatory Evaluation

(a) Introduction

    This proposed rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 and does not require an 
assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of 
that Order. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has not reviewed 
it under that Order. It is not ``significant'' under the regulatory 
policies and procedures of the Department of Transportation (DOT) (44 
FR 11040, February 26, 1979).
    A draft Regulatory Evaluation under paragraph 10e of the regulatory 
policies and procedures of DOT will be available in the docket as 
indicated under ADDRESSES on January 6, 2000. The Regulatory Evaluation 
is included in the document entitled ``Economic Supporting Data.'' A 
summary of the Evaluation follows:

(b) Summary

    Subchapter N regulations apply to all activities occurring on the 
OCS. The types of unit that engage in OCS activities are diverse and 
include fixed facilities, floating facilities, mobile offshore drilling 
units, mobile inland drilling units, and vessels (i.e., offshore supply 
vessels, industrial vessels, pipe lay barges, and derrick barges). The 
proposed rule is a comprehensive effort to provide a complete 
rulemaking package to meet the needs of today's OCS, with sufficient 
flexibility to handle tomorrow's emerging technology. The primary 
changes for OCS units are in workplace safety and health, lifesaving, 
fire-fighting, and fire-protection equipment, and structural fire 
protection.
    The benefit-to-cost ratio for this proposed rule is 0.86-to-1. The 
cost of the rule in present value dollars over the 10-year period of 
analysis (2000-2009) is $82.8 million, which includes $81.9 million in 
costs to industry and $0.9 million in costs to the government. The 
present value benefits in the form of avoided deaths, injuries, and 
accidents are $71 million.
    The component parts of the proposed rule have the following 
benefit-to-cost ratios:
     Part 142, 10.5-to-1;
     Part 143, .28-to-1; and
     Parts 144 through 146, which account for approximately 2 
percent of the costs, have benefits expressed qualitatively.
    The Coast Guard included several measures to accommodate small 
entities and others affected by this proposed rule with phase-in 
periods, exemptions, and options to meeting some proposed requirements.

(c) Costs Evaluation

(1) Costs to the Offshore Industry
    When you review the proposed rule, you will note that the substance 
of many current OCS regulations remains unchanged. The following is a 
list of parts identifying where you will find proposed changes that 
impact the industry.
     Part 140 No changes that impact the industry costs.
     Part 141 No changes that impact the industry costs.
     Part 142 Contains 17 changes which impact costs. General 
categories are training, personal fall arrest systems, and confined-
space entry.
     Part 143 Contains 28 changes which impact costs. General 
categories are lifesaving equipment, fire-fighting and fire-protection 
equipment, and structural fire protection.
     Part 144 Contains 5 changes which impact costs.
     Part 145 Contains 3 changes which impact costs.
     Part 146 Contains 2 changes which impact costs.
     Part 147 No changes that impact the industry costs.
    Costs incurred by the industry under this proposed rule are 
comprised of first-year one-time costs, 2-year phase-in costs, and 
recurring costs to all OCS units and new build manned fixed facilities 
involving workplace safety and health, lifesaving, fire-fighting, and 
fire-protection equipment. The accumulated present value costs of this 
rule to industry are $81.9 million. Total first-year costs to industry 
are $33.7 million. Two-year phase-in costs to industry are $21.6 
million and recurring annual costs are $5.2 million.
    Together Part 142 (Workplace Safety and Health) and Part 143 (Fixed 
Facilities) comprise $80 million (present value) or 98 percent of the 
total industry cost. Parts 144-146 (floating facilities, MODU's and 
MIDU's, and foreign vessels) comprise the remaining $1.9 million 
(present value) or 2 percent of the total industry cost.
(2) Government Costs
    The estimated annual costs to the Federal government are $124,288. 
The costs would include Coast Guard personnel time and resources to 
review and approve the following:
     In-service inspection plans for tension leg platforms 
(TLP) and spar buoys (SPARS).
     Design basis documents for floating facilities.
     Inspections for letter of compliance issuance for MIDU's 
and foreign vessels.

(d) Benefits Evaluation

    According to the MMS FY95 report to Congress, a noticeable increase 
of accidents and injuries have occurred to personnel engaged in OCS 
activities due to the rapid increase of oil exploration and production 
over the last 20 years. The proposed rule would provide benefits 
through implementing workplace safety and health, lifesaving and fire-
fighting equipment, and structural fire protection requirements. Also, 
the proposed rule would require the owner or operator of a foreign 
vessel or foreign floating facility engaged in OCS activities to comply 
with requirements similar to those imposed on U.S. OCS units.
    Most accidents on the OCS occur during drilling or production. 
Trends show that the two main causes of incidents are equipment failure 
and human error. The proposed rule would provide benefits by reducing 
the number of accidents or decreasing the severity of injury to 
personnel. We did not include the valuation of property damage from 
blowouts, fires, and explosions as a potential benefit due to 
insufficient data to support accurate assumptions. Some of the proposed 
measures that will reduce the likelihood of deaths and injuries include 
improved workplace safety and health requirements, structural fire 
protection, and additional lifesaving, fire-fighting, and fire-
protection equipment. The following is a discussion presenting the 
quantifiable benefits, the qualitative benefits, and the total benefits 
summary.
    To determine potential benefits, we examined both the Coast Guard 
and Mineral Management databases for accidents involving personnel on 
OCS units and identified the trends. This data is summarized in Table 3 
in this preamble.


[[Page 68441]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07DE99.012



    From this data, we extracted cases meeting the following criteria--
    (1) Fatalities that had occurred ``on or around'' an OCS unit;
    (2) Critical or severe injury that occurred ``on or around'' an OCS 
unit; and
    (3) Injuries ``on or around'' an OCS unit that involved fire, 
water, or human-error related incidents.
    A query of the Coast Guard's Marine Safety Information System 
(MSIS) yielded 94 incidents between 1992-1998 that met the criteria. A 
MMS query yielded 61 fatality cases that met the criteria. The 
following adjustments have been made:
    (1) We used MMS fatality cases as our primary data source for 
fatalities. We cross-referenced all of the Coast Guard's Marine Safety 
Management System (MSMS) fatality cases with the MMS cases to avoid 
double-counting.
    (2) We used MSIS as our data source for injuries. MSIS data had 
more information and allowed us to make a better criteria match.
    From the combined data sources, we identified a total of 47 
accidents likely to benefit from the proposed requirements.
    We then assigned one of the following effectiveness measures to 
each incident:
    (1) 85 percent for incidents with a high possibility of prevention;
    (2) 50 percent for incidents with a medium possibility of 
prevention; or
    (3) 25 percent for incidents with a low possibility of prevention.
    The effectiveness measures assigned to individual incidents were 
based on-- (a) the actual details of the incident, (b) the positive 
effects of measures or regulations currently in place to avert 
occurrences, i.e., SEMP, and, (c) the professional estimates used to 
determine the degree of applicability.
    The benefits estimate for each incident is determined by 
multiplying the effectiveness measure and the dollar value for 
society's willingness to pay (WTP) to avert a fatality. The benefits of 
the proposed rule would be measured based on an estimated dollar value 
for society's WTP to avert a fatality. According to the Department of 
Transportation, the value is $2.7 million per fatality averted. The 
Department of Transportation's memorandum, dated January 8, 1993, 
``Treatment of Value of Life and Injuries in Preparing Economic 
Evaluations'' provides percentages of society's WTP for severe and 
critical injuries. Injuries averted are derived as a fraction of the 
value of an averted fatality. Because of the subjectiveness in 
determining whether an injury is severe or critical (e.g., multiple 
injuries to neck, head, or spinal), the mean of these two injury levels 
is calculated as $1,282,500 and is applied as the value of an averted 
injury.
(1) Quantifiable Benefits
    Quantifiable benefits accruing from this proposed rule include 
reductions in deaths and injuries due to improved workplace safety and 
health requirements, and additional lifesaving, fire-fighting, and 
fire-protection equipment. These potential benefits are determined 
based on the analysis of accident cases from the MSIS and MMS 
databases. The proposed requirements that would have potentially 
reduced the likelihood of accidents that occurred on the OCS and 
provided a quantifiable benefit are discussed here.
    (i) Workplace Safety and Health (Part 142). Based on the review of 
accident narratives over the period of analysis, 24 deaths and 5 
injuries might have been prevented or diminished in severity by the 
proposed workplace safety and health requirements. Proposed 
requirements that would impact incidents similar to our criteria base 
are: increase training, improve work practices, upgrade fall arrest 
systems, and require guardrails, fencing, or other means necessary to 
avert a fall.
    The following table summarizes the effectiveness measures applied 
to accidents that occurred during the period of analysis. Annual 
benefits from avoided deaths and injuries for this component are $7.1 
million.


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    (ii) Fixed Facilities (Part 143). Below are the estimated benefits 
for lifesaving equipment, and fire-fighting and fire-protection 
equipment. These two sections are reviewed separately because they 
represent a significant share of the proposed requirements. We found 
zero (0) quantifiable benefit for the remaining proposed requirements 
under the fixed facilities component, i.e., medical treatment room and 
emergency lighting and power source. However, they are discussed later 
as qualitative benefits.
    Lifesaving equipment for fixed facilities. Based on the review of 
accident narratives, 9 deaths and 5 injuries might have been prevented 
or diminished in severity by the proposed lifesaving equipment 
requirements. The following table summarizes the effectiveness measures 
applied to accidents that occurred during the period of analysis. 
Annual benefits from avoided deaths and injuries for this component are 
$2.3 million.

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07DE99.014


    Currently, 67 percent of industry voluntarily complies with 
survival craft and rescue boat requirements. Survival crafts and rescue 
boats are needed to provide a means for personnel to abandon a facility 
during a blowout, explosion, or fire. Blowouts, which are an 
uncontrollable flow of hydrocarbon from a wellhead, have occurred more

[[Page 68443]]

frequently in recent years--as shown in Table 6. On average, the number 
of fires in 1997 and 1998 totaled 109. Although most of these incidents 
were considered minor, the occurrences posed a risk to human safety.
    Data reports provided by Survival Systems International include 
emergency offshore incidents requiring evacuation of crewmembers, using 
their survival craft. On 5 different incidents during the period from 
1994 to 1997, more than 156 persons were evacuated by rescue boats. The 
incidents were primarily a result of fire and explosion. Exposure to 
risk and danger increases with the likelihood of emergency abandonment 
of facilities. The availability of rescue boats is critical to a safe 
and expeditious evacuation.

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07DE99.015


    Fire-fighting and fire-protection equipment for fixed facilities. 
Based on the review of accident narratives over the period of analysis, 
1 death and 3 injuries might have been prevented or diminished in 
severity by the proposed fire-fighting and fire-protection equipment 
requirements. The following table summarizes the effectiveness measures 
applied to accidents that occurred during the period of analysis. 
Annual benefits from avoided deaths and injuries for this component are 
$660,053.

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07DE99.016


    The most significant fire in the last decade was the 1988 Piper 
Alpha incident in the North Sea. We did not quantify benefits from the 
Piper Alpha for this rulemaking; however, we mention it to show the 
presence of risk. The night of July 6, 1988, a series of events 
resulted in a catastrophic fire. These events include human error, 
operational failure, design deficiencies, and system failures. Of the 
226 people onboard, 165 died. We reviewed reports on this incident and 
incorporated several requirements in the proposed rule to provide 
increased safety and reduce the risk of this type of incident happening 
on the U.S. OCS in the future. These proposed items include, but are 
not limited to, personnel training, fire and emergency drills, means of 
escape, fire-protection systems, fire-fighting equipment, a fire main, 
structural fire protection, emergency lighting and power, and design 
certification.
    We reviewed other MMS narratives describing fire-related incidents 
that did not result in injuries or fatalities, but might have been 
prevented or diminished in severity by the proposed

[[Page 68444]]

fire-fighting and fire-protection equipment requirements. The proposed 
on-site fire main system might have been effective in the following 
scenarios--
     On November 12, 1995, the night production operator 
noticed a pipeline pump engulfed in flames, which were spreading into 
the wellbay. The temperature safety element located above the pump 
burned out and activated the emergency shut-down system. The general 
alarm was sounded to alert all personnel. The fire-fighting deluge 
system was activated by the emergency shut down. After about 5 minutes 
the fire was extinguished using the fire pump water and a No. 30 
extinguisher.
     On September 20, 1996, a steel hull shrimp trawler 
collided with a satellite well resulting in an explosion and fire. All 
personnel abandoned the vessel and were rescued. Safety devices 
operated properly and closed the well stream flow. Gas or liquid gas 
was shut in at the production facility. The fire was extinguished with 
the fire water system aboard the rescue vessel. The collision and 
subsequent explosion resulted in severe damage to the satellite well.
    Total benefits for fixed facilities. The total estimated benefits 
for part 143 are $3 million annually. This estimate represents the 
quantifiable benefits from lifesaving, fire-fighting, and fire-
protection equipment.
(2) Qualitative Benefits
    Many proposed requirements were difficult to quantify but, if 
implemented, should provide benefits to industry through a safer work 
environment, decreased risk of death, injury, or property damage. Here 
are some examples.
     Training. When personnel are trained 1) to recognize 
hazards in the workplace, the risk of incident due to lack of 
preparedness decreases; 2) to properly use and wear appropriate 
personal protective equipment, the risk of injury decreases; and 3) to 
know the methods and procedures to avoid exposure, the risk of 
contamination from blood-borne pathogens or other infection material 
decreases.
     Protective equipment, guards, warning signs, and hazardous 
communication program. Conducting a noise level survey or otherwise 
identifying hazards, posting appropriate warning signs, and providing 
appropriate personal protective equipment will promote a safer work 
environment.
     Offshore Competent Person and confined-space entry 
program. Having a trained Offshore Competent Person to recognize 
confined spaces and the dangers they may contain, to test the space, to 
identify restrictions for working in the space, and to ensure that 
personnel conduct confined-space entry in accordance with the written 
program in Sec. 142.375, the risk of property damage, injury, or death 
resulting from an incident within a confined space will decrease.
     Training and drills. When drills are conducted regularly 
and personnel are trained in lifesaving procedures, survival when 
overboard, use of lifesaving equipment, and duties assigned under the 
station bill, the risk of injury, death, or property damage is 
diminished in the event of emergencies. When emergency situations 
occur, the training will minimize confusion and human error as people 
follow the procedures they have learned and practiced.
     Maintenance, equipment inspection, and weight testing. 
Maintenance and equipment inspection ensures proper function in the 
event of emergency. Weight testing will ensure survival craft falls are 
operational and ready for emergency use. When equipment is operating 
properly and used by trained personnel following established 
procedures, the risk of injury, death, and property damage is 
diminished.
     Lifesaving equipment and immersion suits. Maintained and 
operational lifesaving equipment will increase the probability of 
rescue. Immersion suits will increase the probability of survival in 
the event personnel spend time in cold water.
     Fire-fighting, fire-protection, fire-extinguishing 
equipment, fire main systems, fire-extinguishing systems, structural 
fire protection, and emergency lighting and power systems. Fireman's 
outfits, fire axes, fire main systems and fire-extinguishing systems 
will greatly increase the probability that fire is contained, 
controlled, and extinguished in a timely manner. Detection and alarm 
systems will provide fast, effective notification to personnel so they 
can act immediately as trained, either fighting the fire or evacuating 
the facility. Structural fire protection will increase safety and slow 
the spread of fire. Emergency lighting and power systems may provide 
power in the event a fire damages the main power generator, keeping 
lights, alarms, and communication systems operational. These things 
would decrease the risk of injury or death and decrease property 
damage.
     In-service inspection plan for floating facilities. 
Currently a floating facility must undergo drydocking every 2 years. 
The option to use an in-service inspection plan would allow the 
facility to remain on station during its field depletion lifetime. 
Current technology results in the location of larger oil fields, 
requiring longer on station time for depletion. It is costly to 
shutdown operations, undergo drydocking, and return to station to 
resume operations. In-service inspection will ensure an adequate level 
of safety while allowing the facility to continue production.

(e) Total Benefit-Cost Estimate

    Total benefit estimate for this proposed rule over the 10-year 
period of analysis is $71 million. This estimate reflects the outcome 
of the effectiveness measures and WTP values of the 47 accident cases 
found likely to benefit from the proposed requirements.
    The following table illustrates the total quantifiable costs and 
benefits resulting from the implementation of this proposed rule. The 
ratios are derived using present value benefits and costs for the 10-
year period of 1999 through 2009.


[[Page 68445]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07DE99.017



    Accumulated present value benefits attributable to the proposed 
rule are estimated to total $70,978,307 for the 10-year period. 
Accumulated present value costs to industry attributable to the 
proposed rule are estimated to total $81,937,888 for the 10-year 
period.

Small Entities

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we 
considered whether this proposed rule would have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. The term ``small 
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations 
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their 
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 
50,000.
    This proposed rule considered impacts for small business owners and 
operators of OCS units, such as fixed and floating facilities and 
foreign vessels engaged in OCS activity that are held by small 
companies. Based on the Small Business Administration's classification, 
a small entity in the oil and gas extraction industry is a company with 
500 employees or less. A MMS report (dated Feb. 27, 1998) that 
addresses small entities regulated under its offshore program, 
identifies approximately 130 owners or operators of OCS units. Of 
these, we estimate 13 (10 percent) are small entities.
    While an entity connected to this industry is classified as small 
based on its number of employees, an enormous monetary effort is 
essential to develop even the smallest of fixed facilities. The 
following table shows an estimate of the project cost of developing an 
oil field.

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07DE99.018


    The maximum cost an owner or operator of a facility or vessel might 
incur to comply with the proposed regulation is shown in Table 10 as 
implementation or one-time costs, recurring costs, and total costs 
extending the 10-year period of analysis. This maximum cost would only 
apply if a facility were not currently in compliance with any of the 
proposed requirements. In 1991, the MMS introduced the Safety and 
Environmental Management Program (SEMP) as a voluntary approach to 
improving safety and environmental protection on OCS facilities. In 
1996, MMS conducted a comprehensive survey of the offshore industry, to 
determine the effectiveness of SEMP. Ninety-six percent of all OCS 
operators responded, which represented over 99 percent of total OCS oil 
and gas production at that time. The results of the survey indicated 
that OCS operators have SEMP plans or were well on their way to 
implementing SEMP plans. Based on this information, for the purpose of 
this analysis, we assumed that 95 percent of the owners or operators 
currently meet the proposed workplace safety and health requirements 
proposed in Part 142. Total cost to any of these facilities over

[[Page 68446]]

a 10-year period is determined to be less than 1 percent of development 
cost of a fixed facility.
    There are currently 513 OSV's owned by approximately 170 individual 
companies. Of these 170 companies, we estimate approximately 90 
percent, or 153, are small entities. For those OSV's not in compliance 
with any of the proposed measures, the total 10-year cost in present 
value dollars is expected to be $3,317 dollars as shown in Table 10. 
Current (1999) day rates for these vessels depend on the size of the 
vessel, but are in the $2,500 to $6,000 range. Therefore, the cost of 
this rule over the next 10 years for an OSV not in compliance is 
approximately the cost of 1 day of operation.
    There are currently 190 MODU's and MIDU's operating on the OCS 
owned by approximately 15 individual companies. Of these companies, no 
more than 2 are small entities. For those OCS units not in compliance 
with any of the proposed measures, the total 10-year cost in present 
value dollars is $43,792 for a MODU and $76,580 for a MIDU (as shown in 
Table 10). The day rates for MODU's vary from $30,000 to $180,000. 
Therefore, the cost of this rule over the next 10 years for a MODU is 
approximately the cost of one day of operation. The day rates for 
MIDU's range from $10,000 to $15,000. Therefore, the cost of this rule 
over the next 10 years for a MIDU ranges from approximately 5 to 8 days 
of operation.

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07DE99.019


    To help offset burdens on small businesses caused by this proposed 
rulemaking, the Coast Guard has included several measures to 
accommodate small business needs and provide flexibility to small 
entities affected by this rulemaking.
     The Coast Guard would allow a floating facility to use an 
in-service inspection plan in place of the 2-year drydocking 
requirement. This would allow a floating facility to remain on station 
during its field depletion lifetime. This is a cost-saving measure 
considering the effort involved in moving an operational floating 
facility.
     All lifesaving equipment on an existing fixed facility may 
be continued in use and need not meet the proposed requirements if it 
has been accepted by the OCMI for use on the facility. However, if the 
lifesaving equipment is replaced or the facility undergoes major 
repairs, alterations, and modifications, the new lifesaving equipment 
must meet the new requirements. This flexibility would allow businesses 
to not have to purchase new lifesaving equipment upon the effective 
date of this rule.
     Existing lifeboats on any fixed facility would not need to 
meet the proposed lifeboat requirement provided it is modified to 
include self-righting capability and an onload/offload release 
mechanism within 2 years of the effective date of the final rule. If 
the existing lifeboats already meet the aforementioned requirement, 
then the need for a rescue boat or lifeboat meeting the rescue boat 
requirements is not required. Survival craft and its davit and winch 
also have exemption, which would lessen the regulatory burden. The 
expense of modifying a lifeboat would be less burdensome than 
purchasing a new lifeboat. If a new lifeboat is purchased, the cost may 
be phased-in over a 2-year period.
     For fire-fighting and fire-protection equipment, manned 
fixed facilities would have a 2-year phased-in period to meet the 
proposed requirements.
     Accommodation modules, temporary accommodation modules and 
temporary accommodation modules that are part of a platform/workover 
package on existing fixed facilities would be exempt from structural 
fire protection requirements.
     Existing helicopter landing deck fire protection systems 
on manned fixed facilities would have a 2-year exemption period, after 
the effective date of the final rule, to be used without having Coast 
Guard equipment approval.
     The fire main system required under this proposed 
rulemaking for manned fixed facilities include an option whereby it may 
be part of the required MMS firewater system. This flexibility would 
lessen the burden involved with this requirement.
     Fire drills and emergency evacuation or emergency drills 
may be conducted in sequence as long as all functions required for each 
drill are performed. This would provide small businesses an opportunity 
to minimize the disruption to production operations thereby decreasing 
potential costs.
    The Coast Guard has given consideration to small entities and 
others affected by this proposed rule. Due to the flexibility provided 
by the alternatives, the Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) 
that if

[[Page 68447]]

implemented, the proposed rule would not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities.
    If you think that your business, organization, or governmental 
jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this rule would have 
a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment to the 
Docket Management Facility at the address under ADDRESSES. In your 
comment, explain why you think it qualifies and how and to what degree 
this rule would economically affect it. Recommendations on workable 
alternatives that would help minimize the economic impact are also 
solicited.

Assistance for Small Entities

    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small 
entities in understanding this proposed rule so that they can better 
evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. If the 
rule would affect your small business, organization, or governmental 
jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or 
options for compliance, please consult Mr. James M. Magill, Vessel and 
Facility Operating Standards Division (G-MSO-2), telephone (202) 267-
1082, or fax (202) 267-4570.
    Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal 
employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal 
regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory 
Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory 
Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and 
rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to 
comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR 
(1-888-734-3247).

Collection of Information

    This proposed rule would call for a collection of information under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). As defined 
in 5 CFR 1320.3(c), ``collection of information'' comprises reporting, 
recordkeeping, monitoring, posting, labeling, and other, similar 
actions. The title and description of the information collections, a 
description of those who must collect the information, and an estimate 
of the total annual burden follow. The estimate covers the time for 
reviewing instructions, searching existing sources of data, gathering 
and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the 
collection. The Coast Guard is currently requesting a revision of 
current collections of information, under OMB control numbers 2115-0569 
and 2115-0580.
    Title: Outer Continental Shelf Activities.
    Summary of the Collection of Information: This proposed rule 
requires the owner or operator of a facility or a foreign vessel 
engaged in OCS activity to meet standard design requirements as well as 
report or record information that is necessary for the safe operation 
of a facility or a foreign vessel. This includes:

(1) Confined-space entry permit;
(2) Confined-space entry certificate of training;
(3) Offshore competent person certificate;
(4) In-service inspection plans;
(5) Floating facility plan approval;
(6) Design basis report;
(7) Design certification;
(8) Fire drill report;
(9) Report of lifesaving equipment record;
(10) Weight testing written attestment;
(11) Record of fire-fighting equipment;
(12) Emergency evacuation plans for MIDU's;
(13) Letter of compliance for MIDU's; and
(14) Letter of compliance for foreign vessels.

These recordkeeping and reporting requirements are consistent with good 
commercial practices and the maintenance of vital equipment.
    Need for Information: The primary use of this information is to 
determine if a facility or foreign vessel is in compliance with 
requirements. Additionally, the information is necessary to implement 
the Best Available and Safest Technology concept of Section 21 of the 
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.
    Proposed Use of Information: This information can be used to 
determine in cases where a casualty resulted, whether failure to meet 
these regulations contributed to the casualty.
    Estimate of Total Annual Burden: The estimated reporting burden to 
industry is 3,095 hours.
    As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
3507(d)), we have submitted a copy of this proposed rule to the Office 
of Management and Budget (OMB) for its review of the collection of 
information.
    We ask for public comment on the proposed collection of information 
to help us determine how useful the information is; whether it can help 
us perform our functions better; whether it is readily available 
elsewhere; how accurate our estimate of the burden of collection is; 
how valid our methods for determining burden are; how we can improve 
the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the information; and how we can 
minimize the burden of collection.
    If you submit comments on the collection of information, submit 
them both to OMB and to the Docket Management Facility where indicated 
under ADDRESSES, by the date under DATES.
    You need not respond to a collection of information unless it 
displays a currently valid control number from OMB. Before the 
requirements for this collection of information become effective, we 
will publish notice in the Federal Register of OMB's decision to 
approve, modify, or disapprove the collection.

Federalism

    We have analyzed this proposed rule under E.O. 13132 and have 
determined that this rule does not have implications for federalism 
under that Order.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) 
governs the issuance of Federal regulations that require unfunded 
mandates. An unfunded mandate is a regulation that requires a State, 
local, or tribal government or the private sector to incur direct costs 
without the Federal Government's having first provided the funds to pay 
those costs. This proposed rule would not impose an unfunded mandate.

Taking of Private Property

    This proposed rule would not effect a taking of private property or 
otherwise have taking implications under E.O. 12630, Governmental 
Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property 
Rights.

Civil Justice Reform

    This proposed rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 
3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, 
eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.

Protection of Children

    We have analyzed this proposed rule under E.O. 13045, Protection of 
Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is 
not an economically significant rule and does not concern an 
environmental risk to health or risk to safety that may 
disproportionately affect children.

[[Page 68448]]

Environment

    We considered the environmental impact of this proposed rule and 
concluded that, under figure 2-1, paragraph (34) (c), (d) and (e), of 
Commandant Instruction M16475.lC, this proposed rule is categorically 
excluded from further environmental documentation. The environmental 
impact associated with requiring additional equipment, training, and 
improved facilities will be insignificant. A ``Categorical Exclusion 
Determination'' is available in the docket where indicated under 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects

33 CFR Part 140

    Continental shelf, Incorporation by reference, Investigations, 
Marine safety, Occupational safety and health, Penalties, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.
33 CFR Part 141
    Citizenship and naturalization, Continental shelf, Employment, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

33 CFR Part 142

    Continental shelf, Marine safety, Occupational safety and health, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

33 CFR Part 143

    Continental shelf, Fire prevention, Fixed facilities, Lifesaving 
equipment, Marine safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

33 CFR Part 144

    Continental shelf, Fire prevention, Floating facilities, Lifesaving 
equipment, Marine safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

33 CFR Part 145

    Continental shelf, Fire prevention, Lifesaving equipment, Marine 
safety, Mobile offshore drilling units, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

33 CFR Part 146

    Continental shelf, Fire prevention, Lifesaving equipment, Marine 
safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Vessels.

33 CFR Part 147

    Continental shelf, Marine safety, Navigation.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes 
to revise 33 CFR chapter I, subchapter N, as follows:

SUBCHAPTER N--OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF ACTIVITIES

PART 140--OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF ACTIVITIES: GENERAL

Subpart A--General

Sec.

140.1  What is the purpose of this subchapter?
140.5  What and who does this subchapter apply to?
140.10  What does this subchapter not do?
140.15  Who administers and enforces this subchapter?
140.20  What OCS units also have to meet Minerals Management Service 
regulations?
140.25  How are terms used in this subchapter defined?
140.30  How can I get a copy of a publication referenced in this 
subchapter?
140.35  What is the Coast Guard publication for equipment type 
approval and where can I obtain it?
140.40  How may I appeal an action or decision of the OCMI or 
District Commander?
140.45  What is the procedure for judicial review?
140.50  What are the penalties for noncompliance with these 
regulations?
140.55  How are penalty cases processed?
140.60  To rectify emergencies, can the person in charge use actions 
not in the regulations?

Subpart B--Inspections

140.100  Are all OCS units subject to Coast Guard inspection?
140.105  What review, drills, and inspection procedures should I 
prepare for?
140.110  For a foreign OCS unit, what certificates will the Coast 
Guard recognize?
140.115  For a fixed facility, who conducts the initial inspection?
140.120  For a fixed facility, what are the requirements for annual 
self-inspection?
140.125  For a fixed facility, what form must I use for the annual 
self-inspection results, and when must I send it to the Coast Guard?
140.130  What must I do with defective lifesaving and fire-fighting 
equipment?
140.135  What is the procedure to correct a deficiency or hazard 
discovered during a Coast Guard inspection?
140.140  For a fixed facility, what procedures must I follow to 
correct a deficiency or hazard discovered during annual self-
inspection?
140.145  What action will the Coast Guard take if I do not correct a 
deficiency or hazard?

Subpart C--Investigations

140.200  What OCS activity incidents will the Coast Guard 
investigate?
140.205  What investigation procedures will the Coast Guard follow?
140.210  To what extent does the Minerals Management Service 
participate in Coast Guard investigations?
140.215  Are investigation reports made available to the public?
140.220  What subpoena powers does the Coast Guard investigating 
officer have?

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1333(d)(1), 1348(c), 1356; 49 CFR 1.46.

Subpart A--General


Sec. 140.1  What is the purpose of this subchapter?

    The purpose of this subchapter is to--
    (a) Promote safety of life and property and protect the marine 
environment on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS); and
    (b) Implement the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331 
et seq.), as amended.


Sec. 140.5  What and who does this subchapter apply to?

    (a) This subchapter applies to OCS units (i.e., fixed facilities; 
floating facilities; mobile offshore drilling units (MODU's); mobile 
inland drilling units (MIDU's); and vessels, including, but not limited 
to, pipelay barges, derrick barges, offshore supply vessels, and 
oceanographic research vessels) that are on the OCS for the purposes of 
engaging in OCS activities, as the term ``OCS activity'' is defined in 
Sec. 140.25.
    (b) Unless otherwise specified, the owner or operator of an OCS 
unit must ensure that the requirements of this subchapter are complied 
with on that unit.


Sec. 140.10  What does this subchapter not do?

    This subchapter does not do the following:
    (a) Regulate drilling or production equipment on any OCS unit. 
Drilling and production equipment are regulated by the Minerals 
Management Service under 30 CFR part 250.
    (b) Establish design requirements for fixed facilities, except--
    (1) For requirements relating to navigation or workplace safety or 
health; and
    (2) For requirements relating to accommodation spaces, 
accommodation modules, temporary accommodation modules, accommodation 
modules that are part of a drilling/workover rig package, lifesaving 
equipment, structural fire protection, and fire-protection equipment.


Sec. 140.15  Who administers and enforces this subchapter?

    The Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, (OCMI) is responsible for 
enforcing this subchapter within that OCMI's marine safety zone. The 
OCMI may delegate this authority as necessary.

[[Page 68449]]

Sec. 140.20  What OCS units also have to meet Minerals Management 
Service regulations?

    (a) Each facility, MODU, and MIDU, when in contact with the seabed 
of the OCS, must meet the requirements of this subchapter, the 
regulations and orders of the Minerals Management Service (MMS), 
including those under 30 CFR part 250, and other MMS regulations and 
orders that are applicable to facilities, MODU's, and MIDU's for 
exploration or exploitation of subsea resources.
    (b) If you find a conflict between the requirements of the Coast 
Guard and MMS, you should notify the OCMI.


Sec. 140.25  How are terms used in this subchapter defined?

    (a) Quotation marks around terms in this section mean that those 
terms are defined in this section.
    (b) As used in this subchapter--
    Accommodation module means a module with one or more 
``accommodation space'' that is individually contracted for and may be 
used on one or more ``facility''. The term does not include ``temporary 
accommodation module'' and ``accommodation module that is part of a 
drilling/workover rig package.''
    Accommodation module that is part of a drilling/workover rig 
package means a module with one or more ``accommodation space'' that is 
individually contracted for, that may be used on one or more ``fixed 
facility'' or ``floating facility'' and that is used as part of a 
``drilling/workover rig package.'' The term does not include 
``accommodation module'' and ``temporary accommodation module.''
    Accommodation space means living quarters, including sleeping, 
mess, medical treatment, recreational, toilet, washing, shower, and 
office spaces, and corridors serving living quarters.
    Act means the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of 1953 (43 U.S.C. 
1331 et seq.), as amended.
    Approval series means the first six digits of a number assigned by 
the Coast Guard to approved equipment. Where approval is based on a 
subpart of 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter Q, the approval series 
corresponds to the number of the subpart. A listing of approved 
equipment, including all of the approval series, is published 
periodically by the Coast Guard in Equipment Lists (COMDTINST M16714.3 
series), available from Commandant (G-MSE), 2100 Second Street SW., 
U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20593-0001.
    Approved means approved by the ``Commandant.'' See Sec. 140.35.
    Attending vessel means a ``vessel'' that is moored close to and 
readily accessible from an ``OCS unit'' for the purpose of providing 
power, fuel, or other services to the operation being conducted on the 
unit.
    Bloodborne pathogens means pathogenic microorganisms that are 
present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens 
include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human 
immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
    Commandant means Commandant of the Coast Guard or that individual's 
authorized representative.
    Development means those activities that take place following 
discovery of ``minerals'' in paying quantities, including, but not 
limited to, geophysical activity, drilling, and ``facility'' 
construction, and that are for the purpose of ultimately producing the 
``minerals'' discovered.
    District Commander means an officer who commands a Coast Guard 
District described in part 3 of this chapter or that individual's 
authorized representative.
    Drilling/workover rig package means a modular group of moveable 
components, including tanks, accommodation modules, and equipment for 
hoisting, rotating, pumping, and power generation, that is designed for 
engaging in drilling and workover operations supporting ``exploration'' 
or exploitation of ``mineral'' resources from a ``facility'' ``MODU,'' 
or ``MIDU.''
    Exploration means the process of searching for ``minerals,'' 
including, but not limited to--
    (1) Geophysical surveys where magnetic, gravity, seismic, or other 
systems are used to detect or imply the presence of the ``minerals;'' 
and
    (2) Any drilling, whether on or off of known geological structures, 
including the drilling of a well in which a discovery of oil or natural 
gas in paying quantities is made and the drilling of any additional 
delineation well after the discovery which is needed to delineate any 
reservoir and to enable the lessee to determine whether to proceed with 
development and production.
    Facility means--
    (1) An installation or other device that is fixed or floating, is 
permanently or temporarily attached to the subsoil or seabed of the 
``Outer Continental Shelf,'' and is erected for the purpose of 
``exploration,'' ``development,'' or ``production'' of resources from 
the subsoil or seabed, or
    (2) An installation or other device (other than a ``vessel'') that 
is erected for the purpose of transporting those resources. The term 
includes ``fixed facilities'' and ``floating facilities.'' The term 
does not include ``mobile offshore drilling units,'' ``mobile inland 
drilling units,'' ``vessels,'' pipelines, or deepwater ports (as the 
term ``deepwater port'' is defined in 33 U.S.C. 1502).
    Fixed facility means a bottom founded ``facility'' permanently 
attached to the seabed or subsoil of the ``OCS.'' The term includes, 
but is not limited to, artificial islands, platforms, guyed towers, and 
articulated gravity platforms.
    Floating facility means a buoyant ``facility'' that is securely and 
substantially moored so that it cannot be moved without a special 
effort. The term includes, but is not limited to--
    (1) ``Tension leg platforms,'' ``floating production systems,'' 
``floating production storage and off loading systems,'' and ``spar 
buoys'' that are site-specific and not intended for periodic relocation 
and
    (2) Permanently moored semisubmersibles or shipshape hulls. The 
term does not include ``mobile offshore drilling units,'' ``mobile 
inland drilling units,'' and ``vessels.''
    Floating production system or FPS means a ``floating facility'' 
that produces hydrocarbons from the well and processes them on board 
but does not store them within its hull or directly offload them to 
another vessel.
    Floating production storage and offloading system or FPSO means a 
``floating facility'' that produces hydrocarbons from the well, 
processes them on board, stores the processed products within its hull, 
and has the capability to offload them directly to another vessel.
    Foreign, as used in the terms foreign floating facility, foreign 
MODU, and foreign vessel, means a ``floating facility,'' ``MODU'', or 
``vessel'' that is registered, documented, or certificated under the 
laws of a nation other than the United States.
    Free-fall launching means the method of launching a survival craft 
whereby the craft, with its full complement of persons and equipment on 
board, is released and allowed to fall into the sea without any 
restraining apparatus.
    Fuel cell means an electrochemical device that uses a continuous 
flow of fuel and oxidant to convert a chemical into electrical energy 
via an isothermal process.
    Hazardous material means a substance or material that, under normal 
conditions of use or in an emergency, poses a physical hazard or a 
health risk to persons in the workplace.
    Helicopter fuel containment area means the area around a helicopter 
fuel

[[Page 68450]]

storage tank, fuel transfer pump, and fuel hose reel that is designed 
to contain fuel in the event of a leak or spill.
    Immersion suit means an insulated, buoyant suit approved under 46 
CFR part 160, subpart 160.171, worn to prevent shock upon entering cold 
water and to lessen the chances of incurring hypothermia.
    Inflatable means having non-rigid chambers that are capable of 
being inflated with a gas but that are normally uninflated until ready 
for use.
    Investigating officer means an individual assigned by the 
``Commandant,'' a ``District Commander,'' or an ``Officer in Charge, 
Marine Inspection,'' to conduct an investigation of an accident, 
casualty, or other incident.
    Lifejacket means a flotation device approved under Sec. 143.845 as 
a life preserver or lifejacket.
    Lifesaving equipment means a device, such as a ``survival craft,'' 
``lifejacket,'' ``ring life buoy,'' ``rescue boat,'' ``immersion 
suit,'' or first aid kit, designed to protect persons or enhance their 
chance of survival and includes the component parts of the device and 
its accessories, such as launching equipment and oars.
    Major conversion, of a ``fixed facility'' or a ``floating 
facility,'' means a conversion of the ``facility'' that, as determined 
by the ``Commandant,''--
    (1) Substantially changes the dimensions of the ``facility;''
    (2) If a ``fixed facility,'' substantially changes the water depth 
capability of the ``facility;''
    (3) If a ``floating facility,'' substantially changes the carrying 
capacity of the ``facility;''
    (4) Changes the type of ``facility;''
    (5) Substantially prolongs the life of the ``facility;'' or
    (6) Otherwise so changes the ``facility'' that it is essentially a 
new ``facility.''
    Manned facility means a ``facility'' on which at least one person 
occupies an ``accommodation space'' for more than 30 accumulative days 
in any successive 12-month period.
    Marine evacuation system means an appliance designed to rapidly 
transfer a large number of people from an embarkation station by means 
of a passage to a floating platform for subsequent transfer to a 
``survival craft.''
    Marine inspector means an individual designated as such by an 
``Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection,'' to perform inspections of OCS 
units to determine whether or not the requirements of Coast Guard 
regulations or laws administered by the Coast Guard are met.
    Minerals includes oil, gas, sulfur, geopressured-geothermal and 
associated resources, and all other ``minerals'' that are authorized by 
an Act of Congress to be produced from public lands, as the term 
``public lands'' is defined in section 103 of the Federal Lands Policy 
and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702(e)).
    Mobile inland drilling unit or MIDU means a ``vessel,'' other than 
a ``mobile offshore drilling unit'' or a public vessel of the United 
States, that is capable of engaging in drilling operations for 
``exploration'' or exploitation of subsea resources and is designed and 
intended for use in U.S. State waters, rivers, inland lakes, bays, or 
sounds.
    Mobile offshore drilling unit or MODU means a ``vessel,'' other 
than a ``mobile inland drilling unit'' or public vessel of the United 
States, that is capable of engaging in drilling operations for 
``exploration'' or exploitation of subsea resources.
    Naturally occurring radioactive material or NORM means a nuclide 
that is radioactive in its natural physical state (i.e., not man-made) 
and that may occur during an ``OCS activity'' not expressly designed to 
produce radiation.
    Novel lifesaving appliance or arrangement means one that has new 
features not fully covered by this subchapter but providing an equal or 
higher standard of safety.
    OCS activity means any activity that occurs on the ``Outer 
Continental Shelf'' and is associated with the ``exploration'' for, or 
``development'' or ``production'' of, ``minerals.''
    OCS unit means a ``fixed facility,'' ``floating facility,'' 
``MODU,'' ``MIDU,'' or ``vessel'' engaged in ``OCS activities.''
    Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, or OCMI means an individual 
who commands a Marine Inspection Zone described in part 3 of this 
chapter and who is immediately responsible for the performance of 
duties with respect to inspections, enforcement, and administration of 
regulations governing ``OCS units.''
    On-load/off-load release mechanism means a release mechanism that 
is designed to release a lifeboat when the load is off the hook, but 
not release the lifeboat when the hook is under load unless the safety 
mechanism is purposely overridden.
    Operator means--
    (1) For a ``vessel,'' a charterer by demise or other person who is 
responsible for the operation, manning, and supplying of the 
``vessel;'' or
    (2) For a ``facility,'' ``MODU,'' or ``MIDU,'' the operator as 
defined in 30 CFR 250.2(gg).
    Outer Continental Shelf or OCS means all submerged lands lying 
seaward and outside of the area of lands beneath navigable waters (as 
the term ``lands beneath navigable waters'' is defined in section 2(a) 
of the Submerged Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1301(a)) and of which the subsoil 
and seabed appertain to the United States and are subject to its 
jurisdiction and control.
    Owner means a person holding title to or, in the absence of title, 
other evidence of ownership of an ``OCS unit.'' However, the term does 
not include a person who holds evidence of ownership primarily to 
protect a security interest in, and who does not participate in the 
management or operation of, the ``OCS unit.''
    Paint locker means an enclosed space that is used primarily for the 
storage of paint and paint accessories but may be used for the storage 
of other flammable or combustible liquids, gases, or solids.
    Person means an individual, association, partnership, consortium, 
joint venture, government entity, or private, public, or municipal firm 
or corporation.
    Person in charge means the master or other individual designated as 
such by the ``owner'' or ``operator'' under Secs. 143.100 or 146.100 of 
this chapter or 46 CFR 109.107.
    Personnel means individuals who are employed by lease holders, 
permit holders, ``operators,'' ``owners,'' contractors, or 
subcontractors and who are on an ``OCS unit'' by reason of their 
employment.
    Personnel transfer net means a net or device used for the transfer 
of ``personnel'' between ``OCS units.''
    Platform hydrocarbon source means a wellhead or process equipment 
and pipeline risers that contain produced hydrocarbons.
    Primary means of escape means a fixed stairway, or fixed ladder, of 
steel or equivalent construction, used in evacuating a ``facility.''
    Production means those activities that take place after the 
successful completion by the removal of ``minerals,'' including, but 
not limited to, the removal, field operations, transfer of ``minerals'' 
to shore by pipeline, operation monitoring, and well workover 
activities.
    Radiation includes alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, X-
rays, neutrons, high-speed electrons, high-speed protons, and other 
atomic particles. The term does not include sound or radio waves or 
visible, infrared, or ultra-violet light.
    Rebuilt means having had substantial alteration or reconstruction 
of the hull or principal structural component.

[[Page 68451]]

    Registered architect means an individual who meets the statutory 
registration requirements through established Board Rules and 
Regulations of the State in which the individual has sought 
registration.
    Rescue boat means a boat intended for use in rescuing persons from 
the water and to marshal ``survival craft.''
    Ring life buoy means a ring-shaped flotation device intended to be 
thrown from an ``OCS unit'' to rescue personnel from the water.
    Secondary means of escape means a ``marine evacuation system,'' a 
portable flexible ladder, a knotted man rope, or a similar device 
determined by the ``Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection,'' to provide 
a means for evacuating a ``facility'' that is equivalent to or better 
than these devices.
    Service space means a space used for a galley, pantry containing 
cooking appliances, storeroom, or workshop other than those in 
industrial areas and trunks to those spaces.
    Sleeping space means a space provided with bunks for sleeping.
    Spar buoy means a ``floating facility'' that is held in place by a 
permanent mooring system, has a center of gravity below its center of 
buoyancy, and has a deep and narrow underwater shape designed to reduce 
vessel motions and excursions.
    Standby vessel means a ``vessel'' meeting the requirements of part 
146, subpart F, of this chapter and specifically designated in an 
Emergency Evacuation Plan under part 143, subpart D, Sec. 144.205(b), 
or Sec. 145.115 of this chapter to rapidly evacuate ``personnel'' in an 
emergency.
    Survival capsule means a lifeboat whose waterplane shape is a 
circle or an ellipse.
    Survival craft means a craft capable of sustaining the lives of 
persons in distress after abandoning an OCS unit. The term includes 
lifeboats, life rafts, life floats, and ``survival capsules'' but does 
not include rescue boats, unless the ``rescue boats'' are also approved 
as lifeboats.
    Systems fire protection means structural fire protection items and 
other items from the Life Safety Code, National Fire Protection 
Association (NFPA) 101.
    Temporary accommodation module means a module with one or more 
``accommodation spaces'' that is individually contracted for, that may 
be used on one or more ``facilities'' and that is intended for use on a 
``facility'' for short periods of time, not to exceed 12 months. The 
term does not include ``accommodation modules'' and ``accommodation 
modules that are part of drilling/workover rig packages.''
    Tension leg platform or TLP means a ``floating facility'' that is 
held in place by tendons that facilitate a large buoyancy force to be 
used to provide reduced vessel motions and excursions.
    Unmanned facility means a ``facility'' that is not a ``manned 
facility'' even though an ``attending vessel'' may continuously service 
it.
    U.S., as used in the terms U.S. floating facility, U.S. MODU, or 
U.S. vessel, means a ``floating facility,'' ``MODU,'' or ``vessel'' 
that is registered, documented, or certificated under the laws of the 
United States or that is not registered, documented, or certificated 
under the laws of any nation.
    Vessel means every description of watercraft or other artificial 
contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of 
transportation on water.


Sec. 140.30  How can I get a copy of a publication referenced in this 
subchapter?

    (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this 
subchapter with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register 
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other 
than that specified in paragraph (b) of this section, the Coast Guard 
must publish notice of change in the Federal Register; and the material 
must be available to the public. All approved material is available for 
inspection at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street NW., suite 700, Washington, DC, and at the U.S. Coast Guard, 
Office of Operating and Environmental Standards, 2100 Second Street 
SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001, and is available from the sources 
mentioned in paragraph (b).
    (b) The material approved for incorporation by reference in this 
subchapter, and the sections affected, are as follows:
American Industrial Hygienists Association (AIHA)
    2700 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 250, Fairfax, VA 22031 or at http://
www.aiha.org/pubs.html.
    AIHA publication ``Respiratory Protection--A Manual and Guideline'' 
163-PC-91 (1991)--142.152
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
    11 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036 or on the Internet at 
http://www.ansi.org.
    ANSI A10.11-1989 (R1998), Safety Nets Used During Construction, 
Repair, and Demolition Operations--142.165
    ANSI A14.3-1992, Ladders--Fixed--Safety Requirements--143.1341
    ANSI S1.13-1995, Measurement of Sound Pressure Levels in Air--
142.235
    ANSI 12.36-1990 (R1997), Survey Methods for the Determination of 
Sound Power Levels of Noise Sources--142.235
    ANSI S12.6-1997, Methods for Measuring the Real-Ear Attenuation of 
Hearing Protectors--142.135
    ANSI Z359.1-1992, Safety Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest 
Systems, Subsystems, and Components--142.156; 142.157
    ANSI Z41-1991, Personal Protection-Protective Footwear--142.130
    ANSI Z87.1-1989, Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and 
Face Protection--142.115
    ANSI Z88.2-1992, Respiratory Protection--142.150; 142.151; 142.152
    ANSI Z89.1-1997, Industrial Head Protection--142.125; 143.1035
American Petroleum Institute (API)
    Order Desk, 1220 L Street, NW., Washington, DC, 20005-4070 or on 
the Internet at http://www.api.org.
    API RP 2FPS, Planning, Designing and Constructing Floating 
Production Systems--144.705; 144.710
    API RP 2T, Planning, Designing, and Constructing Tension Leg 
Platforms, Second Edition, August 1997 (ANSI/API RP 2T-1997)--144.710
    API RP 14C, Analysis, Design, Installation and Testing of Basic 
Surface Safety Systems for Offshore Production Platforms, Sixth 
Edition, March 1998--143.1050
    API RP 14F, Design and Installation of Electrical Systems for 
Offshore Production Platforms, Third Edition, September 1991 (ANSI/API 
RP14F-1993)--143.1335; 143.1336
    API RP 14G, Fire Prevention and Control on Open Type Offshore 
Production Platforms, Third Edition, December 1993--143.1050; 143.1055
    API RP 54, Occupational Safety and Health for Oil and Gas Well 
Drilling and Servicing Operations, and Servicing Operations, Second 
Edition, May 1, 1992--142.265
    API RP 500, Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations 
for Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities Classified as 
Class I, Division 1 and Division 2, Second Edition, November 1997 
(ANSI/API RP 500-1998)--143.1336
    API RP T-1, Orientation Programs for Personnel Going Offshore for 
the First Time, Fourth Edition, October 1995--143.515
    API RP T-4, Training of Offshore

[[Page 68452]]

Personnel in Nonoperating Emergencies, Second Edition, November 1995--
143.515
    API RP T-7, Training of Personnel in Rescue of Persons in Water, 
Second Edition, October 1995. 143.515
American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM)
    100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.
    ASTM E 1529, Standard Test Methods for Determining the Effects of 
Large Hydrocarbon Pool Fires on Structural Members and Assemblies--
143.1115
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
    IMO Sales, New York Nautical Instrument and Service Corp., 140 W. 
Broadway, New York, NY 10013.
    IMO Resolution A.414(XI), Code for Construction and Equipment of 
Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 1979--144.1020; 145.105; 145.205; 
145.305; 145.410
    IMO Resolution A.468(XII), Code on Noise Levels On Board Ships, 
1981--142.235
    IMO Resolution A.520(13), Code of Practice for the Evaluation, 
Testing and Acceptance of Prototype Novel Lifesaving Appliances and 
Arrangements, 1983--143.45; 144.50
    IMO Resolution A.649(16), Code for the Construction and Equipment 
of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 1989--144.1005; 144.1020; 145.105; 
145.205; 45.305; 145.410
    IMO Resolution A.658(16), Use and Fitting of Retro-Reflective 
Materials on Lifesaving Appliances, dated 20 November 1989--143.845; 
143.850; 143.877
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
    Secretary, Standards Council, National Fire Protection Association, 
1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269-9101.
    National Electrical Code (NEC), 1996 Edition--143.1336
    NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, 1996 Edition--
143.1050
    NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, 1997 Edition--140.25; 
143.1115
    NFPA 306, Standard for the Control of Gas Hazards on Vessels, 1997 
Edition--142.331; 142.335; 142.351; 142.352; 142.371
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
    Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue, 
SW., Washington, DC 20201.
    NIOSH publication No. 87-116, ``Guide to Industrial Respiratory 
Protection'' (1987)--142.152
Public Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
    Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, DC 20402.
    DHHS Publication No. (PHS) 84-2024, ``The Ship's Medicine Chest and 
Medical Aid at Sea,'' revised 1984--143.135


Sec. 140.35  What is the Coast Guard publication for equipment type 
approval and where can I obtain it?

    (a) Where equipment in this subchapter is required to be of an 
approved type, the equipment requires the specific approval of the 
Commandant. Approvals are published in COMDTINST M16714.3 (Series), 
Equipment List, available from Commandant (G-MSE), 2100 Second Street 
SW., U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20593-0001.
    (b) Specifications for certain items required to be of an approved 
type are contained in 46 CFR parts 160 through 164.


Sec. 140.40  How may I appeal an action or decision of the OCMI or 
District Commander?

    (a) Any person directly affected by an action or decision of the 
OCMI under the Act or the regulations in this subchapter may request 
reconsideration of that action or decision. If still dissatisfied, that 
person may appeal the action or decision of the OCMI within 30 days to 
the District Commander of the District in which the action was taken or 
the decision made. The District Commander issues a decision after 
reviewing the appeal submitted under this paragraph.
    (b) Any person not satisfied with the decision of a District 
Commander may appeal that decision within 30 days to the Commandant, 
who issues a ruling after reviewing the appeal submitted under this 
paragraph. Rulings of the Commandant constitute final agency action.
    (c) An appeal to the District Commander or Commandant--
    (1) Must be made in writing, except in an emergency when an oral 
appeal may be accepted;
    (2) Must be submitted to the District Commander of the District in 
which the action was taken or the decision made;
    (3) Must describe the decision or action being appealed;
    (4) Must state the reason(s) why the action or decision should be 
set aside or modified; and
    (5) May contain any supporting document(s) and evidence that the 
appellant wishes to have considered.
    (d) Pending determination of any appeal, the action or decision 
appealed remains in effect, unless suspended by the District Commander 
to whom the appeal was made or by the Commandant.


Sec. 140.45  What is the procedure for judicial review?

    (a) Nothing in this subchapter may be construed to prevent any 
interested party from seeking judicial review as authorized by law.
    (b) Judicial review of the regulations in this subchapter, or any 
final ruling or order of the Commandant or that person's delegate under 
the Act or the regulations in this subchapter, is governed by the 
judicial review provisions of section 23 of the Act (43 U.S.C. 1349).


Sec. 140.50  What are the penalties for noncompliance?

    (a) Any person who fails to comply with one of the following, after 
notice of the failure and after expiration of any reasonable period 
allowed for corrective action, is liable for a civil penalty of not 
more than $10,000 for each day the failure continues:
    (1) Any provision of the Act.
    (2) Any regulation in this subchapter.
    (3) Any order issued under the Act or this subchapter by the 
Commandant, a District Commander, or an OCMI.
    (b) Any person who knowingly and willfully commits one of the 
following will, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not more than 
$100,000, imprisonment for not more than 10 years, or both:
    (1) Violates any provision of the Act.
    (2) Violates any regulation in this subchapter designed to protect 
health, safety, or the environment.
    (3) Violates any order of the Commandant, District Commander, or 
OCMI issued under the Act or this subchapter that is designed to 
protect health, safety, or the environment.
    (4) Makes any false statement, representation, or certification in 
any application, record, report, or other document filed or required to 
be maintained under the Act or this subchapter.
    (5) Falsifies, tampers with, or renders inaccurate any monitoring 
device or method of record required to be maintained under this Act or 
this subchapter.
    (6) Reveals any data or information required to be kept 
confidential by the Act.
    (c) Each of the following is a separate violation under paragraph 
(b) of this section:

[[Page 68453]]

    (1) Each day that a violation under paragraph (b)(1), (b)(2), or 
(b)(3) continues.
    (2) Each day that any monitoring device or data recorder remains 
inoperative or inaccurate because of any activity described in 
paragraph (b)(5).
    (d) Whenever a corporation or other entity is subject to 
prosecution under paragraph (b), any officer or agent of the 
corporation or entity who knowingly and willfully authorized, ordered, 
or carried out the prescribed activity is subject to the same fines, 
imprisonment, or both, as provided for under paragraph (b).
    (e) The penalties in this section are concurrent and cumulative. 
The exercise of one penalty does not preclude the exercise of the 
others. Furthermore, the penalties in this section are in addition to 
other penalties, if any, under other laws or regulations.


Sec. 140.55  How are penalty cases processed?

    Apparent violations of this subchapter are processed under part 1, 
subpart 1.07, of this chapter on civil and criminal penalty 
proceedings, except as follows:
    (a) The District Commander refers a civil penalty case to the 
Secretary of the Interior, or that person's delegate, who, under the 
Act, assesses, collects, and compromises civil penalties.
    (b) If a possible violation investigated by the Coast Guard carries 
both a civil and a criminal penalty, the District Commander determines 
whether to refer the case to the U.S. Attorney for criminal prosecution 
or to the Secretary of the Interior, or that person's delegate, for 
civil penalty proceedings.
    (c) When the U.S. Attorney declines to institute criminal 
proceedings, the District Commander decides whether to refer the case 
to the Secretary of the Interior, or that person's delegate, for civil 
penalty proceedings or to close the case.


Sec. 140.60  To rectify emergencies, can the person in charge use 
actions not in the regulations?

    In the event of an emergency, the person in charge may take any 
action necessary to resolve the emergency, even though the action may 
not comply with the regulations in this subchapter.

Subpart B--Inspections


Sec. 140.100  Are all OCS units subject to Coast Guard inspection?

    (a) Yes. Each OCS unit is subject to inspection by the Coast Guard.
    (b) Under the direction of the OCMI, marine inspectors may inspect 
OCS units to determine whether the requirements of this subchapter are 
met. A marine inspector may inspect, with or without advance notice, at 
any time deemed necessary by the OCMI.


Sec. 140.105  What review, drills, and inspection procedures should I 
prepare for?

    A marine inspector may review records and may require and observe 
the conduct of an emergency drill and other test or procedure to 
demonstrate that the OCS unit and its equipment are in compliance with 
applicable Coast Guard regulations. The marine inspector consults with 
the person in charge of the unit before requiring a drill or other test 
or procedure to minimize disruption of the unit activities and risk to 
life or property.


Sec. 140.110  For a foreign OCS unit, what certificates will the Coast 
Guard recognize?

    For the inspection of foreign OCS units, the Coast Guard recognizes 
valid international certificates accepted by the United States, 
including Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), Loadline, and IMO MODU Code 
certificates for matters covered by the certificates, unless there is 
clear indication that the condition of the OCS unit or its equipment 
does not correspond substantially with the particulars of the 
certificate. These deficiencies must be corrected to the satisfaction 
of the marine inspector.


Sec. 140.115  For a fixed facility, who conducts the initial 
inspection?

    Coast Guard marine inspectors conduct an initial inspection of each 
fixed facility to determine whether the facility is in compliance with 
the requirements of this subchapter.


Sec. 140.120  For a fixed facility, what are the requirements for 
annual self-inspection?

    (a) The owner or operator of each fixed facility must ensure that 
the facility is inspected, at intervals of 12 months, to determine 
whether the facility is in compliance with the requirements of this 
subchapter. The inspection may be conducted within 2 months before to 2 
months after the date the inspection is due. However, the inspection is 
credited as of 12 months after the previous due date.
    (b) Except for initial inspections under Sec. 140.115, unannounced 
inspections by Coast Guard marine inspectors do not meet the 
requirements for an inspection under paragraph (a) of this section.


Sec. 140.125  For a fixed facility, what form must I use for the annual 
self-inspection results, and when must I send it to the Coast Guard?

    Except for initial inspections under Sec. 140.115, you must record 
the results of the inspection on Form CG-5432 ``Fixed OCS Facility 
Inspection Report.'' You may obtain a Form CG-5432 from the OCMI. The 
owner or operator must submit the completed Form CG-5432 to the OCMI 
within 30 days after completion of the inspection.


Sec. 140.130  What must I do with defective lifesaving and fire-
fighting equipment?

    You must, in the presence of the Coast Guard inspector, mutilate or 
make unusable any lifesaving and fire-fighting equipment that, in the 
opinion of the inspector, is defective or damaged beyond repair. If you 
discover defective lifesaving and fire-fighting equipment when an 
inspector is not present, mutilate it in the presence of the person 
making the determination that it is defective or beyond repair, remove 
it from the OCS unit, replace it with non-defective equipment, and 
notify the OCMI on Form CG-5432.


Sec. 140.135  What is the procedure to correct a deficiency or hazard 
discovered during a Coast Guard inspection?

    The Coast Guard marine inspector reports any deficiency or hazard 
discovered during an inspection to the OCS unit's owner or operator. 
The owner or operator must correct each deficiency or hazard as soon as 
practicable and within the time specified by the Coast Guard marine 
inspector for each item.


Sec. 140.140  For a fixed facility, what procedures must I follow to 
correct a deficiency or hazard discovered during annual self-
inspection?

    (a) You must correct or eliminate each deficiency or hazard 
discovered during an inspection of a fixed facility under Sec. 140.120. 
If practicable, correct or eliminate all possible items before you 
submit Form CG-5432 to the OCMI. Be sure that any items not corrected 
or eliminated are clearly marked ``outstanding'' on the form.
    (b) The owner or operator must contact the OCMI to request a time 
period for the repair of any lifesaving and fire-fighting equipment 
marked ``outstanding'' on Form CG-5432. Include in the comment section 
of Form CG-5432, a description of the deficiency and the time period 
for repair or correction specified by the OCMI.
    (c) Upon receipt of a Form CG-5432 with a deficiency or hazard 
outstanding, the OCMI sends a letter to the owner or operator 
identifying each deficiency or hazard and specifying the time period to 
correct or eliminate them.

[[Page 68454]]

Sec. 140.145  What action will the Coast Guard take if I do not correct 
a deficiency or hazard?

    The OCMI initiates appropriate enforcement measures if a deficiency 
or hazard remains outstanding after the time specified for its 
correction.

Subpart C--Investigations


Sec. 140.200  What OCS activity incidents will the Coast Guard 
investigate?

    Under the direction of the OCMI, investigating officers investigate 
the following incidents resulting from OCS activities:
    (a) Death.
    (b) Injury resulting in substantial impairment of any body part or 
bodily function.
    (c) Fire causing death, serious injury, or property damage 
exceeding $100,000.
    (d) Oil spillage creating a sludge, sheen, or emulsion on or 
beneath the water.
    (e) Other injuries, casualties, accidents, complaints of unsafe 
working conditions, fires, pollution, and incidents occurring as a 
result of OCS activities as the OCMI deems necessary to promote the 
safety of life or property or to protect the marine environment.


Sec. 140.205  What investigation procedures will the Coast Guard 
follow?

    As far as practicable, investigations conducted under this 
subchapter must follow the procedures of 46 CFR part 4.


Sec. 140.210  To what extent does the Minerals Management Service 
participate in Coast Guard investigations?

    Representatives of the Minerals Management Service may participate 
in investigations under this subchapter. This participation may 
include, but is not limited to--
    (a) Participating in a joint on-scene investigation;
    (b) Making recommendations concerning the scope of the 
investigation;
    (c) Calling and examining witnesses; and
    (d) Submitting or requesting additional evidence.


Sec. 140.215  Are investigation reports made available to the public?

    Upon completion of agency action, reports of investigations 
conducted under this subchapter must be made available to the parties 
in the investigation and to the public.


Sec. 140.220  What subpoena powers does the Coast Guard investigating 
officer have?

    (a) In any investigation conducted under this subchapter, the 
investigating officer may administer necessary oaths, subpoena 
witnesses, and require the production of books, papers, documents, and 
other evidence.
    (b) Attendance of witnesses or the production of books, papers, 
documents, or any other evidence is compelled by a process similar to 
that used in the District Courts of the United States.

PART 141--OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF ACTIVITIES: PERSONNEL

Subpart A--Restrictions on Employment

Sec.
141.1  What is the purpose of this subpart?
141.5  What does this subpart apply to?
141.10  What does this subpart not apply to?
141.15  Where can I find the definition of a term used in this part?
141.20  How is the percentage of ownership and right to control an 
OCS unit determined?
141.23  How may I request a determination under Sec. 141.20?
141.25  Do I have to employ only U.S. citizens and resident aliens 
to work on my OCS unit?
141.30  Can I get an exemption from Sec. 141.25 so I can employ 
foreign citizens?
141.35  What are the procedures and details that I must include in 
my exemption request?
141.40  Where must I send my exemption request?
141.45  Upon receiving the request, what procedures does the Coast 
Guard follow to process and issue a certification of exemption?
141.50  How long is a certification of exemption valid?
141.55  Are there some foreign citizens for whom I do not need a 
request?
141.60  What can I accept from a prospective employee as evidence of 
U.S. citizenship?
141.65  If the person does not have any of the documents listed in 
Sec. 141.60, what other evidence will the Coast Guard accept?
141.70  What does the Coast Guard do in cases where doubt exists 
concerning evidence of U.S. citizenship?
141.75  What can I accept from a prospective employee as evidence of 
status as a resident alien?
141.80  What records of proof of U.S. citizenship or resident alien 
status must I keep?

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1356; 49 CFR 1.46.

Subpart A--Restrictions on Employment


Sec. 141.1  What is the purpose of this subpart?

    The purpose of this subpart is to prescribe rules governing 
restrictions on the employment of personnel on Outer Continental Shelf 
(OCS) units engaged in OCS activities.


Sec. 141.5  What does this subpart apply to?

    This subpart applies to employment of personnel on OCS units, 
except as provided in Sec. 141.10.


Sec. 141.10  What does this subpart not apply to?

    This subpart does not apply to employment of personnel on any--
    (a) Vessel subject to the citizenship requirements of 46 U.S.C. 
8103 for pilots, licensed officers, and unlicensed crew when the vessel 
is transiting to or from a facility or a United States port;
    (b) Vessel subject to the citizenship requirements of 46 U.S.C. 
7102 and 8103 for officers and crew on Federally subsidized or 
documented vessels; or
    (c) OCS unit over 50 percent of which is owned by one or more 
citizens of a foreign nation or with respect to which one or more 
citizens of a foreign nation have the right effectively to control, 
except to the extent and to the degree that the President determines 
that the government of the foreign nation or any of its political 
subdivisions has implemented, by statute, regulation, policy, or 
practice, a national manning requirement for equipment engaged in the 
exploration, development, or production of oil or gas in its offshore 
areas.


Sec. 141.15  Where can I find the definition of a term used in this 
part?

    (a) See Sec. 140.25 of this chapter for the definition of a term 
used in this part, other than the terms in paragraph (b).
    (b) As used in this part--
    Citizen of a foreign nation means--(1) In the case of an 
individual, one who is not a citizen of the United States;
    (2) In the case of a partnership, unincorporated company, or 
association, one in which more than 50 percent of the controlling 
interest is vested in citizens of a nation other than the United 
States; or
    (3) In the case of a corporation, one which is incorporated under 
the laws of a nation other than the United States so long as--
    (i) The title to a majority of the stock in the corporation is free 
from any trust or fiduciary obligation in favor of any citizen of the 
United States;
    (ii) The majority of the voting power in the corporation is not 
vested in any citizen of the United States;
    (iii) Through any contract or understanding, the majority of the 
voting power is not to be exercised directly or indirectly on behalf of 
any citizen of the United States; or
    (iv) By any other means, control of the corporation is not 
conferred upon or permitted to be exercised by any citizen of the 
United States; or

[[Page 68455]]

    (4) In the case of any other entity not mentioned in paragraphs (1) 
through (3) of this definition, one in which more than 50 percent of 
the controlling interest is vested in citizens of a nation other than 
the United States.
    Citizen of the United States means--(1) In the case of an 
individual, one who is a native born, derivative, or fully naturalized 
citizen of the United States;
    (2) In the case of a partnership, unincorporated company, or 
association, one in which 50 percent or more of the controlling 
interest is vested in citizens of the United States;
    (3) In the case of a corporation, one which is incorporated under 
the laws of the United States or of any State thereof; or
    (4) In the case of any other entity not mentioned in paragraphs (1) 
through (3) of this definition, one in which 50 percent or more of the 
controlling interest is vested in citizens of the United States.
    Regular complement means those personnel necessary for the routine 
functioning of an OCS unit, including marine officers and crew; 
industrial personnel on the unit, such as toolpushers, drillers, 
roustabouts, floor hands, crane operators, derrickmen, mechanics, 
motormen, and general maintenance personnel; and support personnel on 
the unit, such as cooks, stewards, and radio operators. The term does 
not include specialists, professionals, or other technically trained 
personnel called in to handle emergencies or other temporary operations 
that fall outside the normal operations of the unit; extra personnel on 
the unit for training; and other personnel temporarily on the unit for 
specialized operations, such as construction, alteration, well logging, 
or unusual repairs or emergencies.
    Resident alien means an alien lawfully admitted to the United 
States for permanent residence in accordance with section 101(a)(20) of 
the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as amended, (8 U.S.C. 
1101(a)(20)).


Sec. 141.20  How is the percentage of ownership and right to control an 
OCS unit determined?

    (a) The Commandant may, upon request or upon that person's own 
initiative, determine whether over 50 percent of a particular OCS unit 
is owned by citizens of a foreign nation or whether citizens of a 
foreign nation have the right effectively to control the unit.
    (b) In determining whether ownership or a right effectively to 
control exists, the Commandant may consider operational control of an 
OCS unit, management responsibility, title, lease and charter 
arrangements, and financial interests.
    (c) The owner or operator of any OCS unit affected is notified of 
the Commandant's determination.


Sec. 141.23  How may I request a determination under Sec. 141.20?

    (a) To request a determination under Sec. 141.20, you must submit 
the following to the address in Sec. 141.40:
    (1) A certification, in the form of an affidavit, and supporting 
certified documentation, signed by an authorized officer of the entity 
(individual, partnership, unincorporated company, association, 
corporation, or other entity) owning the OCS unit, certifying that the 
entity is organized under the laws of a foreign nation. The 
certification must identify the nation involved.
    (2) If the owner of the OCS unit is an individual, the supporting 
certified documentation must establish that the individual is a citizen 
of a foreign nation.
    (3) If the owner of the OCS unit is a partnership, the supporting 
certified documentation must establish that each general partner, if 
any, is a citizen of a foreign nation and that ownership and control of 
a majority of the equity in the partnership is vested, free and clear 
of any trust or fiduciary obligation in favor of a citizen of the 
United States, in a partner or partners, each of whom is a citizen of a 
foreign nation.
    (4) If the owner of the OCS unit is an unincorporated company or an 
association, the supporting certified documentation must establish that 
the chief executive officer and the chair of the board (committee or 
body) are citizens of a foreign nation, that a majority of a quorum of 
the board (or equivalent) are citizens of a foreign nation, and that a 
majority of the voting power is vested, free and clear of any trusts or 
fiduciary obligation in favor of a citizen of the United States, in the 
citizens of a foreign nation.
    (5) If the owner of the OCS unit is a corporation, the supporting 
certified documentation must establish the citizenship of each director 
and each member of the board and the certification must certify also 
that--
    (i) The president or other chief executive officer and the chair of 
the board of directors are citizens of a foreign nation;
    (ii) A majority of a quorum of the board of directors are citizens 
of a foreign nation;
    (iii) The title to a majority of the stock in the corporation is 
vested, free and clear of any trust or fiduciary obligation in favor of 
a citizen of the United States, in citizens of a foreign nation;
    (iv) The majority of the voting power in the corporation is vested 
in citizens of a foreign nation;
    (v) There is no contract or understanding through which the 
majority of the voting power may be exercised, directly or indirectly, 
on behalf of any person who is a citizen of the United States; and
    (vi) There are no other means whatsoever in which control of the 
corporation is conferred upon or permitted to be exercised by a citizen 
of the United States.
    (6) If the owner is an entity not mentioned in paragraphs (a)(1) 
through (a)(5) of this section, the supporting certified documentation 
must establish that the ownership and control of a majority of the 
equity in the entity is vested, free and clear of any trust or 
fiduciary obligation in favor of a citizen of the United States, in 
citizens of a foreign nation.
    (b) If any owner is an entity that is owned, in whole or in part, 
by one or more other entities, each tier of entity ownership must 
consist of majority ownership vested in citizens of a foreign nation. A 
certificate meeting requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(6) of 
this section for the type of entity in question must be submitted for 
each tier of ownership.
    (c) If any owner is an entity that is controlled, in whole or in 
part, by one or more other entities, each tier of entity control must 
consist of majority control vested in citizens of a foreign nation. A 
certificate meeting the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) through 
(a)(6) for the type of entity in question must be submitted for each 
tier of control.
    (d) All contractual arrangements that the OCS unit will be 
operating under must also be submitted. These include, but are not 
limited to, any charter party or operating contracts between the owner 
of the OCS unit and any other entity. If a contractual arrangement 
vests the right effectively to control the OCS unit in an entity other 
than the owner, then that entity must also conform to the requirements 
of paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section.


Sec. 141.25  Do I have to employ only U.S. citizens and resident aliens 
to work on my OCS unit?

    (a) Each employer of personnel on an OCS unit must employ, as 
members of the regular complement of the unit, only citizens of the 
United States or resident aliens, except as provided by Sec. 141.30.
    (b) The OCMI may determine whether a particular individual or 
position is part of the regular complement of an

[[Page 68456]]

OCS unit. A copy of the determination is provided to the owner or 
operator of the unit affected.


Sec. 141.30  Can I get an exemption from Sec. 141.25 so I can employ 
foreign citizens?

    An employer may request an exemption from the restrictions on 
employment in Sec. 141.25 in order to employ persons other than 
citizens of the United States or resident aliens as part of the regular 
complement of the OCS unit under the following circumstances:
    (a) When specific contractual provisions or national registry 
manning requirements in effect on September 18, 1978, provide that a 
person other than a citizen of the United States or a resident alien is 
to be employed on a particular OCS unit.
    (b) When there is not a sufficient number of citizens of the United 
States or resident aliens qualified and available for the work.
    (c) When the President determines with respect to a particular OCS 
unit that the employment of only citizens of the United States or 
resident aliens is not consistent with the national interest.


Sec. 141.35  What are the procedures and details that I must include in 
my exemption request?

    A request under Sec. 141.30 must be in writing, identify the 
provision of Sec. 141.30 relied upon, and--
    (a) If involving specific contractual provisions under 
Sec. 141.30(a), list the persons claimed exempt and contain a copy of 
the contract;
    (b) If involving persons without an H-2 Visa under Sec. 141.30(b), 
list the persons or positions sought to be exempted; or
    (c) If under Sec. 141.30(c), identify the unit involved and contain 
any information in support of the claim.


Sec. 141.40  Where must I send my exemption request?

    Send requests under Sec. 141.30 to the Commandant (G-MOC), U.S. 
Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-
0001.


Sec. 141.45  Upon receiving the request, what procedures does the Coast 
Guard follow to process and issue a certification of exemption?

    (a) Upon receipt of a request under Sec. 141.30(b), the Coast Guard 
seeks information from the Department of Labor concerning whether there 
are citizens of the United States or resident aliens qualified and 
available for work. If information is provided that citizens of the 
United States or resident aliens are qualified and available, the 
employer may be required to seek their employment before the request is 
approved.
    (b) Upon receipt of a request under Sec. 141.30(c) and after 
consulting with other Federal agencies as appropriate, the Commandant 
forwards the request and the comments of the Coast Guard and other 
interested agencies to the President for determination.
    (c) Upon approval by the President for a request under 
Sec. 141.130(c) or by the Coast Guard for all other requests, the Coast 
Guard issues a certification of the exemption.


Sec. 141.50  How long is a certification of exemption valid?

    (a) A certification issued under Sec. 141.30 is valid for one year 
from the date of issuance.
    (b) If, within 30 days of receipt by the Coast Guard of a request 
under Sec. 141.30(b), the Coast Guard does not make a determination or 
advise the employer that additional time for consideration is 
necessary, the request is considered approved for a period of 90 days 
from the end of the 30-day period.


Sec. 141.55  Are there some foreign citizens for whom I do not need a 
request?

    You do not need a request for persons who are not citizens of the 
United States or resident aliens and who--
    (a) Are employed under the national registry manning requirements 
exception in Sec. 141.30(a); or
    (b) Have been classified and admitted to the United States as 
temporary workers under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii) for work in a 
position for which admitted.


Sec. 141.60  What can I accept from a prospective employee as evidence 
of U.S. citizenship?

    The employer may accept as sufficient evidence that a person is a 
citizen of the United States any one of the following documents and no 
others:
    (a) A merchant mariner's document issued by the Coast Guard under 
46 CFR part 12 which shows the holder to be a citizen of the United 
States.
    (b) An original or certified copy of a birth certificate or birth 
registration issued by a state or the District of Columbia.
    (c) A United States passport.
    (d) A Certificate of Citizenship issued by the Immigration and 
Naturalization Service.
    (e) A Certificate of Naturalization issued by a Naturalization 
Court.
    (f) A letter from the Coast Guard issued under Sec. 141.65(b).


Sec. 141.65  If a person does not have any of the documents listed in 
Sec. 141.60, what other evidence will the Coast Guard accept?

    (a) If a person does not have one of the documents listed 
Sec. 141.60(a) through (f), that person may appear in person before an 
OCMI and submit one or more of the following documents that may be 
considered as evidence that the applicant is a citizen of the United 
States:
    (1) A Certificate of Derivative Citizenship or a Certificate of 
Naturalization of either parent and a birth certificate of the 
applicant or other evidence satisfactorily establishing that the 
applicant was under 21 years of age at the time of the parent's 
naturalization.
    (2) An original or certified copy of a birth certificate from a 
political jurisdiction outside the United States that demonstrates 
citizenship status.
    (3) A Baptismal certificate or parish record recorded within 1 year 
after birth.
    (4) A statement of a practicing physician certifying that the 
physician attended the birth and has a record showing the date on which 
the birth occurred.
    (5) A commission, or evidence of commission, in the Armed Forces of 
the United States that shows the holder to be a citizen of the United 
States.
    (6) A continuous discharge book or certificate of identification, 
issued by the Coast Guard or the former Bureau of Marine Inspection, 
that shows that the applicant produced satisfactory evidence of 
citizenship at the time the document was issued.
    (7) A delayed certificate of birth issued under a State seal, if 
there are no collateral facts indicating fraud in its procurement.
    (8) A report of the Census Bureau showing the earliest available 
record of the applicant's age or birth.
    (9) Affidavits of parents, relatives, or two or more responsible 
citizens of the United States; school records; immigration records; 
insurance policies; or other records that support the citizenship 
claim.
    (b) If the OCMI determines that documents submitted under paragraph 
(a) of this section are sufficient evidence that the applicant is a 
citizen of the United States, the Coast Guard issues the applicant a 
letter acknowledging this determination.


Sec. 141.70  What does the Coast Guard do in cases where doubt exists 
concerning evidence of U.S. citizenship?

    In any case where doubt exists concerning evidence of citizenship 
submitted under Sec. 141.65(a), the OCMI may refer the matter to the 
United States Immigration and Naturalization Service for an advisory 
opinion.

[[Page 68457]]

Sec. 141.75  What can I accept from a prospective employee as evidence 
of status as a resident alien?

    The employer may accept, as sufficient evidence that a person is a 
resident alien, any one of the following documents and no others:
    (a) A merchant mariner's document issued by the Coast Guard under 
46 CFR part 12.
    (b) An alien registration receipt card issued by the Immigration 
and Naturalization Service certifying that the card holder has been 
admitted to the United States as an immigrant.
    (c) A declaration of intention to become a citizen of the United 
States issued by the Naturalization Court.


Sec. 141.80  What records of proof of U.S. citizenship or resident 
alien status must I keep?

    (a) The employer of personnel subject to this subpart must 
maintain, and make available to the Coast Guard upon request, a record 
identifying which of the documents listed in Secs. 141.60, 141.65, and 
141.75 were relied upon for each employee. The record must consist of 
either a copy of the document or the following information on the 
document:
    (1) For a merchant mariner's document or a United States passport, 
the document's title and identification number.
    (2) For a birth certificate or birth registration, the document's 
title and the employee's date and place of birth.
    (3) For all other documents listed in Secs. 141.60, 141.65, and 
141.75, the document's title and date and place of issuance.
    (b) The employer of personnel subject to this subpart must maintain 
a written list of the positions that make up the regular complement of 
the unit and the name and nationality of the individual filling each 
employee position. This list may be in summary form and any simple 
format.

PART 142--OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF ACTIVITIES: WORKPLACE SAFETY AND 
HEALTH

Subpart A--General

Sec.
142.1  What is the purpose of this part?
142.3  Who does this part apply to?
142.5  Where can I find the definition of a term used in this part?
142.10  Where can I get a copy of a publication referenced in this 
part?
142.15  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
part?
142.20  What workplace-safety information and training must I 
provide?
142.25  What emergency response training is required?
142.30  Who controls access to medical monitoring and exposure 
records?
142.35  To whom can I report a possible workplace safety or health 
violation?
142.40  After learning of a possible violation, what does the OCMI 
do?
142.45  If I report a violation, will the Coast Guard keep my 
identity confidential?

Subpart B--Personal Protective Equipment

142.100  What is the purpose of this subpart?
142.110  Who is responsible for ensuring that personnel use or wear 
protective equipment and are trained in its use?

Eye and Face

142.115  When must I wear eye and face protection?
142.120  Where must eyewash equipment be located?

Head

142.125  Who must wear head protection and how must it be marked?

Feet

142.130  What shoes must I wear?

Hearing

142.135  When must I wear hearing protectors? What standards must 
they meet?

Clothing

142.140  When must I wear protective clothing?

Electrical

142.145  What training must I have?

Respiratory

142.150  When must I wear respiratory protection equipment?
142.151  What training must I have before I use respiratory 
protection equipment?
142.152  To what standard must respiratory protection equipment be 
approved, used, and maintained?

Fall Arrest

142.155  When must I use a personal fall arrest system?
142.156  What training do I need?
142.157  What standards must a personal fall arrest system meet?
142.158  May I use a personal fall arrest system to hoist material?
142.159  When may I re-use a personal fall arrest system that has 
previously been used to arrest a fall?
142.160  When is a fall arrest system not needed?

Personnel Nets

142.165  What standards must personnel nets meet?

Work vests

142.170  Must I wear a work vest or lifejacket when working over 
water?

Radiation

142.175  When must I wear a personal radiation monitoring device?
142.176  For how long must dosimetry records be kept?
142.177  When must I conduct a radiation survey?
142.178  When must I post signs to warn about radiation?
142.179  What about naturally occurring radioactive material?

Airborne Substances

142.180  What are the permissible exposure limits for airborne 
substances?
142.181  What are the permissible exposure limits for asbestos and 
inorganic lead?
142.182  If an area exceeds the exposure limits, must I restrict 
entry to certain personnel?
142.183  How may I keep exposure to a level within the permissible 
exposure limits?

Infectious Material

142.185  What must I do to avoid exposure to infectious material?

Subpart C--General Workplace Conditions

142.200  What is the purpose of this subpart?
142.205  What must I do to help prevent tripping and slipping?
142.207  How do I manage deck obstructions to avoid interfering with 
survival craft?
142.210  How must I guard a deck opening?

Electrical Work

142.215  What safe practices must I use?

Lockout

142.220  How must I disable equipment before I work on it?

Tagout

142.225  How must I warn others not to restore power to equipment I 
am working on?
142.230  Who may remove a tag indicating that power must not be 
restored?

Noise

142.235  What are the requirements for a noise level survey?
142.240  What signs must I post in spaces with high-noise levels?

Machine Guards

142.245  What are the requirements for machine guards?
142.250  When is a guard not required?

Equipment use and maintenance

142.255  What are the general requirements?

Slings

142.260  What are the requirements for slings?

Personnel Transfer Nets

142.265  How must they be used and maintained?
142.270  How must they be constructed?
142.275  Must I inspect every net before each use? What do I do with 
a damaged net?
142.280  What are the lifting procedures for personnel transfer 
nets?

[[Page 68458]]

Warning Signs

142.285  What are the warning sign requirements?

Subpart D--Confined-space Entry

General

142.300  What is the purpose of this subpart?
142.305  What does an Offshore Competent Person do?
142.306  What do the Certified Industrial Hygienist and the 
Certified Marine Chemist do?

Entry Requirements for Personnel

142.310  When may I enter and work within a confined space?
142.311  When must I leave a confined space?
142.312  What do I do if there is no permit or certificate posted?

Steps Required Before Personnel May Enter the Space

142.315  What steps must be taken before personnel may enter a 
confined space?

Preparing a Space for Entry

142.320  What must be done within the space to prepare it for the 
entry of personnel?

Calibrating Atmospheric Testing Instruments

142.325  When and how must instruments used in testing be 
calibrated?
142.326  Who must calibrate the testing instruments?
142.327  What records of the calibration of testing instruments must 
be kept?

Testing the Atmosphere

142.330  What atmospheric test must be conducted from outside of the 
confined space?
142.331  What atmospheric conditions are necessary for entry?
142.332  What tests and examinations must be conducted from inside 
of the confined space?

Permits, Certificates, and Logs

142.335  What type of document must be posted at the entrance to the 
space?
142.336  What happens when a permit or certificate expires or is no 
longer posted?

Subsequent Testing

142.340  What is required to maintain the certificate or permit?

When Conditions in the Space Change

142.345  What if conditions change while I'm in the space?

Restrictions on Equipment and Work

142.350  What are the restrictions on equipment used in a confined 
space?
142.351  When may I perform hot work within a confined space?
142.352  What is required to maintain the Marine Chemist's 
Certificate for hot work?

Testing and Protective Equipment

142.355  What equipment must be provided?

Personnel Training

142.360  What training must I have?
142.361  When must I receive the training?
142.362  How can I show that I have been trained?

Rescue Team

142.365  How are rescue operations conducted?
142.366  What additional training is required for rescue team 
members?

Offshore Competent Person

142.370  What education, training, and experience must an Offshore 
Competent Person have?
142.371  What abilities and knowledge must an Offshore Competent 
Person have?
142.372  Who certifies the Offshore Competent Person, what must the 
certificate contain, and where must it be kept?
142.373  What refresher training must the Offshore Competent Person 
have?

Program for Confined-Space Entry

142.375  What type of confined-space entry program is required?

Subpart E--Hazardous Material on Fixed or Floating Facilities

142.400  What is the purpose of this subpart?
142.405  Who does this subpart apply to?

Hazard Communication Program

142.410  What must the hazard communication program contain?
142.415  What is the hazard communication program used for?
142.420  Must I make the material safety data sheets available to 
all personnel?
142.425  How must I label, tag, and mark a container of hazardous 
material?

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1333(d)(1), 1347(c), 1348(c); 49 CFR 1.46.

Subpart A--General


Sec. 142.1  What is the purpose of this part?

    The purpose of this part is to promote workplace safety and health 
by establishing requirements relating to personnel, workplace 
activities and conditions, and equipment on all Outer Continental Shelf 
(OCS) units.


Sec. 142.3  Who does this part apply to?

    (a) Subparts A through D of this part apply to all persons who work 
on an OCS unit.
    (b) Subpart E of this part applies to all persons who work on a 
fixed or floating facility.


Sec. 142.5  Where can I find the definition of a term used in this 
part?

    (a) See Sec. 140.25 of this chapter for the definition of a term 
used in this part, other than the terms in paragraph (b).
    (b) As used in this subpart--
    Certified Industrial Hygienist means an industrial hygienist who is 
certified by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene.
    Certified Marine Chemist means a marine chemist who is certified by 
the National Fire Protection Association.
    Confined space means a space that may contain a dangerous 
atmosphere, including a space--
    (1) That has poor natural ventilation, such as a space with limited 
openings; or
    (2) That is not designed for continuous occupancy by personnel.
    Dangerous atmosphere means an atmosphere that may expose personnel 
to the risk of death, incapacitation, injury, or acute illness or may 
impair their ability to escape from the atmosphere unaided.
    Hot work means work that produces heat or fire, such as riveting, 
welding, burning, or the use of powder-actuated fastening tools. Work 
that produces sparks, such as grinding, drilling, or abrasive blasting, 
is hot work if considered so by a Certified Marine Chemist.
    Offshore Competent Person means an individual certified under 
Sec. 142.372 as trained and experienced in matters relating to 
confined-space entry.


Sec. 142.10  Where can I get a copy of a publication referenced in this 
part?

    You may get a copy of a publication referenced in this part from 
the sources listed in Sec. 140.30 of this chapter.


Sec. 142.15  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
part?

    (a) Each holder of a lease or permit under the Act must ensure that 
all places of employment within the lease area or within the area 
covered by the permit on the OCS are--
    (1) Maintained in compliance with workplace safety and health 
regulations of this part; and
    (2) Free from recognized hazards.
    (b) Persons responsible for actual operations, including owners, 
operators, contractors, and subcontractors, must ensure that those 
operations subject to their control are--
    (1) Conducted in compliance with workplace safety and health 
regulations of this part; and
    (2) Free from recognized hazards.
    (c) The term ``recognized hazards'', as used in this section, means 
conditions that are--
    (1) Generally known among persons in the affected industry as 
causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to persons 
exposed to those conditions; and
    (2) Routinely controlled in the affected industry.

[[Page 68459]]

Sec. 142.20  What workplace-safety information and training must I 
provide?

    Each holder of a lease or permit under the Act must ensure that all 
personnel are provided with information and training on recognized 
hazards in their workplace, including, but not limited to, electrical, 
mechanical, and chemical hazards.


Sec. 142.25  What emergency response training is required?

    Personnel must be trained in emergency response and cleanup, 
including--
    (a) The actions they are expected to perform and the limitations on 
those actions;
    (b) The hazards associated with each emergency;
    (c) Their responsibilities for the safety of others involved in the 
emergency response; and
    (d) The selection and use of proper personal protection equipment.


Sec. 142.30  Who controls access to medical monitoring and exposure 
records?

    If medical monitoring is performed or exposure records maintained 
by an employer, the owner, operator, or person in charge must establish 
procedures for access to these records by personnel.


Sec. 142.35  To whom can I report a possible workplace safety or health 
violation?

    Any person may notify the OCMI of--
    (a) A possible violation of a regulation in this part; or
    (b) A hazardous or unsafe working condition on any OCS unit.


Sec. 142.40  After learning of a possible violation, what does the OCMI 
do?

    After reviewing the information received under Sec. 142.35 and 
conducting any necessary investigation, the OCMI notifies the owner or 
operator of any deficiency or hazard and initiates enforcement measures 
as the circumstances warrant.


Sec. 142.45  If I report a violation, will the Coast Guard keep my 
identity confidential?

    The identity of any person providing information under Sec. 142.35 
is not made available, without the permission of that person, to anyone 
other than those officers and employees of the Department of 
Transportation who have a need for the information in the performance 
of their official duties.

Subpart B--Personal Protective Equipment


Sec. 142.100  What is the purpose of this subpart?

    The purpose of this subpart is to prescribe requirements concerning 
personal protective equipment on an OCS unit.


Sec. 142.110  Who is responsible for ensuring that personnel use or 
wear protective equipment and are trained in its use?

    (a) Each holder of a lease or permit under the Act must ensure that 
all personnel who are required by this subpart to use or wear personal 
protective equipment do so when within the lease area or the area 
covered by the permit.
    (b) Persons responsible for actual operations must ensure--
    (1) That all personnel engaged in the operation are trained in the 
proper use, limitations, and maintenance of the personal protective 
equipment specified by this subpart;
    (2) That the equipment is maintained and used or worn as required 
by this subpart.
    (3) That the equipment is made available and on hand for all 
personnel engaged in the operation.

Eye and Face


Sec. 142.115  When must I wear eye and face protection?

    While you are engaged in or are observing welding, grinding, 
machining, chipping, handling hazardous materials, or acetylene burning 
or cutting, you must wear eye and face protectors that--
    (a) Comply with the requirements specified for the operation in 
Figure 8 of ANSI Z87.1-1989;
    (b) Are maintained in good condition; and
    (c) Are marked with the information required for that type of 
protector by ANSI Z87.1-1989.


Sec. 142.120  Where must eyewash equipment be located?

    Portable or fixed eyewash equipment providing emergency relief must 
be immediately available near the drill floor, mudrooms, and other 
areas where there is a reasonable probability that eye injury may 
occur.

Head


Sec. 142.125  Who must wear head protection and how must it be marked?

    While you are working in one of the following areas, you must wear 
a head protector that meets the specifications of, and marked with the 
information required in, ANSI Z89.1-1997 for that type of protector and 
for the hazard involved:
    (a) Where there is a hazard of falling objects.
    (b) Where there may be contact with electrical conductors.

Feet


Sec. 142.130  What shoes must I wear?

    (a) While you are working in an area, or are engaged in activities, 
where there is a reasonable probability for foot injury to occur, you 
must wear footwear meeting the specifications of ANSI Z41-1991, except 
when environmental conditions exist that present a hazard greater than 
that against which the footwear is designed to protect.
    (b) Each pair of footwear must be marked with the information 
specified by ANSI Z41-1991 for the type of footwear.

Hearing


Sec. 142.135  When must I wear hearing protectors? What standards must 
they meet?

    (a) If you are working in an area where the noise level is greater 
than 87 db(A), you must wear hearing protectors capable of reducing the 
level to 87 db(A) or less. The noise level must be measured as a time-
weighted-average (TWA) over 12 hours using a sound level meter and an 
A-weighted filter or an equivalent device.
    (b) The hearing protectors must have been performance-tested in 
accordance with ANSI S3.19 or ANSI S12.6-1997.

Clothing


Sec. 142.140  When must I wear protective clothing?

    While you are within an area where there are flying particles, 
molten metal, radiant energy, heavy dust, or hazardous materials, you 
must wear clothing and gloves providing protection against the hazard 
involved.

Electrical


Sec. 142.145  What training must I have?

    To prevent electrical shock, personnel must be trained in 
electrical, safety-related work practices in the area of the work they 
perform, including the use of electrical personal protective equipment 
appropriate to protect against potential electrical hazards.

Respiratory


Sec. 142.150  When must I wear respiratory protection equipment?

    While you are within an atmosphere specified under ANSI Z88.2-1992 
as requiring the use of respiratory protection equipment, you must wear 
the type of respiratory protection equipment specified in ANSI Z88.2-
1992 for that atmosphere.


Sec. 142.151  What training must I have before I use respiratory 
protection equipment?

    Before you enter an atmosphere specified under ANSI Z88.2-1992 as

[[Page 68460]]

requiring the use of respiratory protection equipment, you must be 
trained--
    (a) In the procedures stated in section 7 of ANSI Z88.2-1992 
concerning the proper selection of a respirator and individual fit 
testing;
    (b) In the matters in section 8 of ANSI Z88.2-1992 concerning 
proper use of the equipment; and
    (c) In the generally recognized short and long term harmful effects 
of exposure to the atmosphere involved.


Sec. 142.152  To what standard must respiratory protection equipment be 
approved, used, and maintained?

    (a) All respiratory protection equipment must be approved, used, 
tested, and maintained in accordance with ANSI Z88.2-1992.
    (b) The fit-testing standards in section 8 of ANSI Z88.2-1992 may 
be met also through the use of either qualitative or quantitative fit-
testing under NIOSH ``Guide to Industrial Respiratory Protection'' 
(publication no. 87-116) or AIHA ``Respiratory Protection--A Manual and 
Guideline'' 163-PC-91.

Fall Arrest


Sec. 142.155  When must I use a personal fall arrest system?

    Except when moving from one location to another, you must wear a 
personal fall arrest system when--
    (a) Engaged in an activity where there is a hazard of falling 1.8 
meters (6 feet) or more; or
    (b) Working less than 1.8 meters (6 feet) above--
    (1) Equipment with irregular surfaces;
    (2) Exposed moving components; or
    (3) Electrically energized cables or connectors.


Sec. 142.156  What training do I need?

    Before you use a personal fall arrest system, you must be trained 
in the proper use of the system as described in ANSI Z359.1-1992.


Sec. 142.157  What standards must a personal fall arrest system meet?

    (a) Each personal fall arrest system must meet the standards for 
performance, design, marking, and qualification testing in ANSI Z359.1-
1992.
    (b) A person who has extensive knowledge, training, and experience 
with personal fall arrest systems must inspect and maintain each system 
in accordance with ANSI Z359.1-1992.


Sec. 142.158  May I use a personal fall arrest system to hoist 
material?

    No. You may not use a personal fall arrest system to hoist 
material. The system and its components are only for personal fall 
protection purposes.


Sec. 142.159  When may I re-use a personal fall arrest system that has 
previously been used to arrest a fall?

    Once a personal fall arrest system has been subjected to impact 
loading, such as by arresting a fall, the system must be removed from 
service. It may not be used again until all components of the system 
have been inspected by a person who has extensive knowledge, training, 
and experience in personal fall arrest systems and found undamaged and 
suitable for re-use.


Sec. 142.160  When is a fall arrest system not needed?

    You do not need to use a fall arrest system when you are--
    (a) Using a personnel net; or
    (b) Protected from a fall by guardrails or fencing under 
Sec. 143.1230 of this chapter.

Personnel Nets


Sec. 142.165  What standards must personnel nets meet?

    (a) Each personnel net must meet the standards for performance, 
design, marking, and qualification testing in ANSI A10.11-1989.
    (b) A person who has extensive knowledge, training, and experience 
in personnel nets must inspect and maintain each system in accordance 
with ANSI A10.11-1989.

Work Vests


Sec. 142.170  Must I wear a work vest or lifejacket when working over 
water?

    If you are working in a location where, in the event of a fall, you 
would likely fall into the water, you must wear one of the following:
    (a) A work vest that meets the requirements of Sec. 143.875 of this 
chapter.
    (b) A lifejacket that meets the requirements of Sec. 143.845 of 
this chapter.
    (c) A personal fall arrest system that meets the requirements of 
Sec. 142.157.

Radiation


Sec. 142.175  When must I wear a personal radiation monitoring device?

    If you enter an area where you may receive 25 percent of the 
allowable whole-body total dose of 1.25 REM per calendar quarter, you 
must wear an appropriate personal radiation monitoring device, such as 
a film badge, film ring, pocket chamber, or pocket dosimeter.


Sec. 142.176  For how long must dosimetry records be kept?

    The owner, operator, or person in charge must ensure that the 
dosimetry records of each person on the facility who is required to 
wear a monitoring device under Sec. 142.175 are retained for 30 years 
from that person's last day of employment and made available for 
inspection.


Sec. 142.177  When must I conduct a radiation survey?

    The owner, operator, or person in charge must ensure that a 
radiation survey is performed as necessary to comply with Secs. 142.175 
and 142.178. The survey must evaluate the radiation hazards incident to 
the production, use, release, disposal, or presence of radioactive 
materials or other sources of radiation under a specific set of 
conditions. When appropriate, this evaluation must include a physical 
survey of the location of materials and equipment and measurements of 
levels of radiation or concentrations of radioactive material present.


Sec. 142.178  When must I post signs to warn about radiation?

    If a work area may contain radiation emissions of 5 or more 
millirems per hour, radiation caution signs, labels, and signals as 
described in 29 CFR 1910.1096(e) must be posted.


Sec. 142.179  What about naturally occurring radioactive material?

    For operations that introduce naturally occurring radioactive 
material (NORM), the owner or operator must establish a program that 
includes procedures for--
    (a) Controlling the generation of airborne dust containing NORM;
    (b) Limiting the exposure of personnel to airborne dust containing 
NORM;
    (c) Managing equipment contaminated with NORM; and
    (d) Disposing of waste contaminated with NORM.

Airborne Substances


Sec. 142.180  What are the permissible exposure limits for airborne 
substances?

    Exposure of personnel to any airborne substance, other than a 
substance under Sec. 142.181, must be limited to the permissible 
exposure limit cited in the material safety data sheet for that 
substance.


Sec. 142.181  What are the permissible exposure limits for asbestos and 
inorganic lead?

    (a) Exposure of personnel to asbestos must not exceed the 8-hour 
time-weighted average of 0.1 fiber per cubic centimeter of air or the 
30-minute

[[Page 68461]]

excursion limit of 1.0 fiber per cubic centimeter of air.
    (b) Exposure of personnel to inorganic lead must not exceed the 8-
hour time-weighted average of 0.05 milligrams of lead per cubic meter 
of air.


Sec. 142.182  If an area exceeds the exposure limits, must I restrict 
entry to certain personnel?

    You must not enter, or allow others to enter, an area containing an 
airborne substance in quantities that exceed the permissible exposure 
limits in Secs. 142.180 or 142.181, unless you are wearing the personal 
protective equipment appropriate for the substance and are trained in 
the proper use of the equipment.


Sec. 142.183  How may I keep exposure to a level within the permissible 
exposure limits?

    To keep exposure to airborne substances to a level within the 
permissible exposure limits in Secs. 142.180 and 142.181, engineering 
controls, administrative controls, personnel protective equipment, or a 
combination of these may be used.

Infectious Material


Sec. 142.185  What must I do to avoid exposure to infectious material?

    (a) Before you perform, or are required to perform, a duty that may 
expose you to a blood-borne pathogen or other potentially infectious 
material, you must be trained in the procedures and equipment necessary 
to avoid the exposure.
    (b) Each OCS unit must have a written program that describes the 
training, procedures, and equipment to prevent exposure to blood-borne 
pathogens.

Subpart C--General Workplace Conditions


Sec. 142.200  What is the purpose of this subpart?

    The purpose of this subpart is to prescribe requirements relating 
to general working conditions on OCS units.


Sec. 142.205  What must I do to help prevent tripping and slipping?

    (a) All working surfaces, including staging and platform surfaces, 
and all walkways, including ramps and stairways, must be kept clear 
of--
    (1) Tripping hazards, such as material, portable tools, equipment, 
and other items not in use; and
    (2) Slipping hazards, such as spilt substances.
    (b) On the drill floor, footwear and flooring designed to reduce 
slipping may be used instead of keeping the floor clear of drilling 
fluid, such as fluid spilt when pulling wet strings of drill pipe.


Sec. 142.207  How do I manage deck obstructions to avoid interfering 
with survival craft?

    You must keep deck areas where survival craft and rescue boats are 
stowed free of obstructions that might interfere with the boarding and 
launching of the craft.


Sec. 142.210  How must I guard a deck opening?

    On a deck that is accessible to personnel, each temporary opening 
in the deck must be covered or guarded so that a person's foot can not 
pass through the opening, or the area around the opening made 
inaccessible to personnel. For requirements for the protection of 
permanent openings, see the guards and rail requirements in 
Sec. 143.1230 of this chapter.

Electrical Work


Sec. 142.215  What safe practices must I use?

    (a) Before you begin work that might expose you to an electrical 
charge, you must turn off the electricity, unless doing so is not 
feasible.
    (b) When you turn off equipment, you must follow the lockout or 
tagging procedures in Sec. 142.220 or 142.225.

Lockout


Sec. 142.220  How must I disable equipment before I work on it?

    If the equipment does not need to be powered during the work and it 
has a lockout or other device to prevent the equipment from being 
turned on unintentionally, you must activate that lockout or device.

Tagout


Sec. 142.225  How must I warn others not to restore power to equipment 
I am working on?

    (a) Before doing work on equipment that is disconnected from the 
power source, you must place a tag at the location where the power is 
disconnected. If there is a control panel for the equipment in line 
between the equipment and the location where the power is disconnected, 
you also must place a tag on the control panel.
    (b) Each tag or sign must have words stating--
    (1) That equipment is being worked on;
    (2) That power must not be restored or the equipment activated;
    (3) The name of the person who placed the tag; and
    (4) The name of the person who authorized the tag.


Sec. 142.230  Who may remove a tag indicating that power must not be 
restored?

    To remove a tag under Sec. 142.225, you must have the permission 
of--
    (a) The person who placed the tag;
    (b) That person's immediate supervisor; or
    (c) The relief person of either.

Noise


Sec. 142.235  What are the requirements for a noise level survey?

    (a) A survey to determine the maximum noise level during normal 
operations must be conducted in each accommodation space, working 
space, or other space routinely used by personnel. The survey must be 
conducted in accordance with ANSI S1.13-1995 and S1.36-1990 or with IMO 
Resolution A.468(XII), and the survey results kept on the OCS unit.
    (b) A new survey must be conducted when the space is substantially 
modified or when equipment producing a high level of noise is added or 
replaced in the space.
    (c) The initial survey for an OCS unit constructed before 
[effective date of final rule.] must be completed by [date one year 
after effective date of final rule.].


Sec. 142.240  What signs must I post in spaces with high-noise levels?

    (a) If the noise level throughout a space is determined to exceed 
87 db(A), you must post a sign with the legend ``NOISE HAZARD--HEARING 
PROTECTORS REQUIRED'' at eye level at each entrance to the space. You 
must measure the noise level as a time-weighted-average (TWA) over 12 
hours using a sound level meter and an A-weighted filter or an 
equivalent device.
    (b) If the noise level is determined to exceed 87 db(A) only in a 
portion of a space, you may post the sign within that portion in a 
location visible from each direction of access.

Machine Guards


Sec. 142.245  What are the requirements for machine guards?

    (a) Except as provided in Sec. 142.250, you must guard all exposed 
rotary, reciprocating, or other hazardous parts of a machine to protect 
the operator and other personnel in the area from hazards, such as 
those created by rotating parts, flying chips, and sparks. Guards 
include, but are not limited to, barrier guards, covers, rails, two-
hand tripping devices, and electronic safety devices.
    (b) You must attach the guard to the machine; or, if having the 
guard attached to the machine would itself

[[Page 68462]]

create a hazard, you must affix the guard elsewhere.


Sec. 142.250  When is a guard not required?

    A guard is not required if it would restrict or prevent the 
operation of the machine and a warning sign is conspicuously displayed 
in accordance with Sec. 142.285.

Equipment Use and Maintenance


Sec. 142.255  What are the general requirements?

    (a) All equipment, including machinery, cranes, derricks, and 
portable power tools must be used in a safe manner and in accordance 
with the manufacturer's recommended practice, unless otherwise stated 
in this subchapter.
    (b) All machinery and equipment must be maintained in proper 
working order, unless removed from service.

Slings


Sec. 142.260  What are the requirements for slings?

    (a) Slings must be used, inspected, repaired, and tested according 
to the manufacturer's recommendations.
    (b) Slings must be inspected visually before each use.
    (c) Unsafe, damaged, or defective slings must be removed from 
service immediately and either tagged out or destroyed.
    (d) Slings must be marked with information showing their size, 
grade, and rated capacity.

Personnel Transfer Nets


Sec. 142.265  How must they be used and maintained?

    (a) Personnel transfer nets must be used and maintained in 
accordance with API RP 54.
    (b) The load on a personnel transfer net must not exceed the 
manufacturer's specifications.


Sec. 142.270  How must they be constructed?

    (a) Personnel transfer nets must be constructed of new material 
that resists deterioration by ultraviolet light or sea water.
    (b) All lines and other component parts of the nets must have a 
minimum tensile strength of at least six times the manufacturer's 
maximum rated load for each line or other component part.


Sec. 142.275  Must I inspect every net before each use? What do I do 
with a damaged net?

    (a) A personnel transfer net must be inspected visually before each 
use.
    (b) If a load bearing part of the net, such as a pick up line, load 
line, or lifting ring, is frayed, damaged, worn, or corroded, the net 
must be withdrawn immediately from service and discarded.
    (c) If a non-load-bearing part is frayed, damaged, worn, or 
corroded, the part must be replaced before the net is used again. The 
replacement part must be equivalent to the original in strength, 
material, and method of construction.


Sec. 142.280  What are the lifting procedures for personnel transfer 
nets?

    When a crane is being used with a personnel transfer net to 
transfer personnel over water, personnel must wear a Coast Guard 
approved personal floatation device. The crane operator must not lift 
or lower personnel directly over an OSC unit or attending vessel, 
except to clear or land personnel.

Warning Signs


Sec. 142.285  What are the warning sign requirements?

    (a) This section applies to all warning signs added or replaced 
after [the effective date of the final rule]. The requirements for the 
use of tags for disabled equipment are in Secs. 142.225 and 142.230.
    (b) Signs must be used to alert personnel and identify specific 
hazards that might lead to accidental injury.
    (c) Signs warning personnel of immediate danger and the need for 
special precaution must use the color red.
    (d) Signs warning personnel against potential hazards or cautioning 
against an unsafe practice must use the color yellow.
    (e) A sign must be removed when the hazard it warns of is 
eliminated.
    (f) Signs need not be used where tags, guarding, or other means of 
protection are used.

Subpart D--Confined-Space Entry

General


Sec. 142.300  What is the purpose of this subpart?

    The purpose of this subpart is to reduce the likelihood of 
personnel inadvertently entering a confined space containing a 
hazardous atmosphere that can cause death or serious injury.


Sec. 142.305  What does an Offshore Competent Person do?

    Under the supervision of the person in charge, an Offshore 
Competent Person identifies confined spaces, tests the atmosphere in 
those spaces, calibrates equipment used to test the atmosphere, posts 
permits, records the results of calibrations and tests, and performs 
the other functions assigned to an Offshore Competent Person under this 
subpart.


Sec. 142.306  What do the Certified Industrial Hygienist and the 
Certified Marine Chemist do?

    Under the supervision of the person in charge, the Certified 
Industrial Hygienist and the Certified Marine Chemist may perform any 
of the functions under this subpart assigned--
    (a) To them, by name; or
    (b) To an Offshore Competent Person.

Entry Requirements for Personnel


Sec. 142.310  When may I enter and work within a confined space?

    You may enter and work within a confined space if--
    (a) You are certified to enter confined spaces under Sec. 142.362;
    (b) You see a permit or certificate and, if required, a log under 
Sec. 142.335 posted at the entrance to the space;
    (c) You are wearing or using the personnel protection equipment 
required in the program under Sec. 142.375 or noted on the permit, 
certificate, or log;
    (d) You follow the requirements noted on the permit or certificate 
and on the log while in the space; and
    (e) You follow the procedures for working within confined spaces as 
provided in your training under Sec. 142.360 and in the program under 
Sec. 142.375.


Sec. 142.311  When must I leave a confined space?

    You must leave a confined space immediately when--
    (a) You experience a symptom that you believe indicates that you 
should leave the space; or
    (b) You notice the conditions in the space have changed.


Sec. 142.312  What do I do if there is no permit or certificate posted?

    If there is no permit or certificate posted at the entrance to a 
confined space or if the permit or certificate posted has expired, you 
may not enter the space until the proper documents under Sec. 142.335 
are posted.

Steps Required Before Personnel May Enter the Space


Sec. 142.315  What steps must be taken before personnel may enter a 
confined space?

    Before personnel may enter a confined space, the following steps 
must be taken:
    (a) The space must be prepared, and the non-atmospheric hazards in 
the space controlled, under Sec. 142.320.
    (b) The equipment used to test the atmosphere in the space must be 
calibrated under Sec. 142.325.

[[Page 68463]]

    (c) The atmosphere in the space must be tested under Sec. 142.330 
from the outside of the space.
    (d) The atmosphere in the space must be tested under Sec. 142.332 
from inside of the space.
    (e) A permit or certificate and, if required, a log under 
Sec. 142.335 must be posted at the entrance to the space.

Preparing a Space for Entry


Sec. 142.320  What must be done within the space to prepare it for the 
entry of personnel?

    Before personnel may enter a confined space, the following must be 
done to prepare the space:
    (a) The space must be isolated from gas, liquid, mechanical, and 
electrical hazards by positive means, such as by locking out, 
disconnecting pipes, double blocking and bleeding, blocking moving 
mechanical parts, disconnecting power supply lines, and relieving 
trapped pressure and tension on springs.
    (b) The space must be ventilated before and during entry at a 
sufficient volume and flow rate to establish and maintain an atmosphere 
that meets the ``Safe for Workers'' designation under Sec. 142.331(a). 
If the space can not be ventilated to meet that designation, a 
Certified Industrial Hygienist or a Certified Marine Chemist must 
certify that the atmosphere in the space meets the ``Enter with 
Restrictions'' designation under Sec. 142.331(b) and specify the 
restrictions, such as the use of personnel protection equipment, 
necessary for entry.
    (c) The discharge areas for the ventilation system must be tested 
to ensure that there is no buildup of toxic or flammable vapors.
    (d) Liquid residues of hazardous materials must be removed as 
thoroughly as practicable.
    (e) Workplace hazards within the space, such as trip and fall 
hazards and excessive heat and noise, and problems with access to and 
from the space must be identified and controlled.
    (f) Signs prohibiting sources of ignition or warning of other 
hazards within the space must be posted at the entrances to the space.
    (g) Rescue equipment must be pre-positioned and readied for use, as 
specified in the program under Sec. 142.375.

Calibrating Atmospheric Testing Instruments


Sec. 142.325  When and how must instruments used in testing be 
calibrated?

    (a) Before use in an atmospheric test under this subpart, each 
instrument to be used must be calibrated on the day of use. The 
instrument must be re-calibrated during the test when indicated by the 
instrument's reading.
    (b) The instrument must be tested by using a known concentration of 
test gas in a manner consistent with the manufacturer's recommendations 
under the conditions in which the instrument will be used.


Sec. 142.326  Who must calibrate the testing instruments?

    The individual under Secs. 142.330 and 142.332 who will test the 
atmosphere from outside and within the confined space must calibrate 
the testing instruments to be used in that test.


Sec. 142.327  What records of the calibration of testing instruments 
must be kept?

    (a) The owner, operator, or person in charge must keep a record of 
the calibrations under Sec. 142.325.
    (b) The records must be kept on the OCS unit for at least 3 months 
and made available to the Coast Guard upon request.
    (c) Also, the calibration must be recorded on the permit or 
certificate under Sec. 142.335.

Testing the Atmosphere


Sec. 142.330  What atmospheric test must be conducted from outside of 
the confined space?

    (a) The atmosphere within a confined space must first be tested 
from outside of the space. The test must be conducted as specified in 
the program under Sec. 142.375 and include sampling at varying heights 
within the space.
    (b) The Offshore Competent Person may test only for oxygen, 
flammable gas, benzene, and hydrogen sulfide.
    (c) If the Offshore Competent Person determines that the 
atmosphere, or the nature of the work to be conducted, indicate that 
toxins other than benzene or hydrogen sulfide may be present, a 
Certified Marine Chemist or Certified Industrial Hygienist must test 
the space.


Sec. 142.331  What atmospheric conditions are necessary for entry?

    (a) If the outside test is conducted by the Offshore Competent 
Person under Sec. 142.330(b), the atmosphere must meet the ``Safe for 
Workers'' designation under NFPA 306, chapter 2, section 2-3.1, before 
entry may be authorized.
    (b) If the outside test is conducted by a Certified Marine Chemist 
or Certified Industrial Hygienist under Sec. 142.330(c), the atmosphere 
must meet the ``Safe for Workers'' designation under NFPA 306, chapter 
2, section 2-3.1, or ``Enter with Restrictions'' designation under NFPA 
306, chapter 2, section 2-3.3, before entry may be authorized.


Sec. 142.332  What tests and examinations must be conducted from inside 
of the confined space?

    (a) Once the test conducted from outside of the space under 
Sec. 142.330 indicates that the atmosphere in the space meets the 
requirements of Sec. 142.331, the space must be tested from the inside.
    (b) This test must be conducted by the same individual who 
conducted the outside test under Sec. 142.330.
    (c) The individual conducting the test must--(1) Physically enter 
the space and again test the atmosphere to verify that it meets the 
appropriate NFPA designation under Sec. 142.331; and
    (2) Visually examine all areas of the space and identify and 
control potential fire or other hazards within the space, such as 
liquid residues capable of regenerating vapors to hazardous levels.

Permits, Certificates, and Logs


Sec. 142.335  What type of document must be posted at the entrance to 
the space?

    (a) When tests under Secs. 142.330 and 142.332 show that the 
atmosphere in the confined space meets the appropriate NFPA designation 
under Sec. 142.331 and when the space is prepared under Sec. 142.320, 
the individual who conducted the tests must post, at each entrance to 
the space, a permit under paragraph (b) or a certificate under 
paragraph (c).
    (b) If the tests under Secs. 142.330 and 142.332 were conducted by 
an Offshore Competent Person or a Certified Industrial Hygienist, the 
document to be posted is a copy of the Offshore Confined-space Entry 
Permit (Coast Guard Form CSE) in appendix A of this subpart, with the 
information on the document relating to the space filled out.
    (c) If the tests under Secs. 142.330 and 142.332 were conducted by 
a Certified Marine Chemist, the document to be posted is a Marine 
Chemist's certificate under NFPA 306, with the information on the 
document relating to the space filled out.
    (d) If the permit or certificate is more than 24 hours old, a log 
must be posted next to the permit or certificate. The log must identify 
the space and contain the following:
    (1) The name of the OCS unit.
    (2) The time, date, results of each subsequent test under 
Sec. 142.340 and the name of person conducting the test.
    (3) A description of the operations performed by personnel in the 
space since the previous test, such as cleaning and hot work.
    (4) Additional instructions, as needed.
    (e) The documents posted under this section must remain posted 
until the

[[Page 68464]]

work to be done in the space is finished or the permit or certificate 
expires, whichever occurs first.


Sec. 142.336  What happens when a permit or certificate expires or is 
no longer posted?

    (a) When the permit or certificate expires or is removed under 
Sec. 142.335(e), the owner, operator, or person in charge must keep a 
copy of the document and corresponding log for 3 months.
    (b) These documents must be made available to the Coast Guard upon 
request.

Subsequent Testing


Sec. 142.340  What is required to maintain the certificate or permit?

    (a) The atmosphere in the space must be re-tested and the space re-
examined at least once every 24 hours. More frequent testing and 
examining may be necessary depending upon factors, such as potential 
hazards, temperature and cleanliness of the space, type of work being 
done in the space, and frequency of work breaks.
    (b) The Offshore Competent Person must repeat the tests and 
examinations under Sec. 142.330 and Sec. 142.332, including physically 
entering the space to verify that conditions have not changed.
    (c) An Offshore Competent Person may conduct the tests and 
examinations under this section, even if the permit or certificate was 
issued by a Certified Marine Chemist or a Certified Industrial 
Hygienist.
    (d) If the original document posted is a Certified Marine Chemist's 
certificate and the certificate states that certain tests need not be 
repeated, those tests are not required.
    (e) The results of tests under this section must be recorded on the 
log posted under Sec. 142.335 at each entrance to the space.

When Conditions in the Space Change


Sec. 142.345  What if conditions change while I'm in the space?

    (a) You must leave the space when conditions that could affect the 
atmosphere change, such as a failure of the ventilation or the 
introduction of hazardous substances into the space.
    (b) Before you may re-enter the space, it must be re-tested under 
Secs. 142.330 and 142.332 and a new permit or certificate posted under 
Sec. 142.335.

Restrictions on Equipment and Work


Sec. 142.350  What are the restrictions on equipment used in a confined 
space?

    (a) All equipment in the confined space capable of generating a 
static electricity discharge must be bonded.
    (b) All fans in the space must have non-sparking blades.
    (c) All lighting and electrical equipment in the space must be 
explosion proof.


Sec. 142.351  When may I perform hot work within a confined space?

    (a) If you perform hot work in one of the following areas, you may 
do so only to the extent authorized by a Certified Marine Chemist under 
the provisions of NFPA 306:
    (1) In a fuel or cargo tank.
    (2) On the boundary of a fuel or cargo tank.
    (3) On the boundary of spaces adjacent to a tank carrying a Grade 
A, B, or C flammable liquid.
    (4) On pipelines, heating coils, pumps, fittings, or other 
appurtenances connected to fuel or cargo tanks.
    (b) If a Certified Marine Chemist is not available, a person 
authorized by the OCMI may conduct the necessary tests and inspections 
in accordance with NFPA 306 and authorize the hot work.
    (c) Hot work conducted in spaces other than those listed in 
paragraph (a) of this section may be regulated by the Mineral 
Management Service under 30 CFR 250.52 and must meet those requirements 
as applicable.


Sec. 142.352  What is required to maintain the Marine Chemist's 
Certificate for hot work?

    (a) If hot work under Sec. 142.351(a) does not begin within 24 
hours after the Marine Chemist's Certificate is issued, the Offshore 
Competent Person must maintain the Certificate under NFPA 306, 
paragraph 2-6.
    (b) The results of the tests and inspections under paragraph (a) of 
this section must be recorded on the log under Sec. 142.335(d).

Testing and Protective Equipment


Sec. 142.355  What equipment must be provided?

    (a) The owner or operator must ensure that all equipment needed to 
protect personnel in a confined space and to determine and control the 
hazards within and affecting the confined space is provided.
    (b) The equipment may vary depending on the particular space and 
may include--
    (1) Testing and monitoring instruments;
    (2) Ventilating equipment;
    (3) Communications equipment;
    (4) Personal protective equipment;
    (5) Lighting equipment;
    (6) Barriers and shields;
    (7) Equipment to provide access to and from the space, such as a 
ladder;
    (8) Rescue equipment; and
    (9) Emergency medical equipment.

Personnel Training


Sec. 142.360  What training must I have?

    The person in charge must ensure that all personnel who enter 
confined spaces are trained how to--
    (a) Safely perform all duties required by this subpart, by the 
program under Sec. 142.375, and by a permit or certificate under 
Sec. 142.335;
    (b) Recognize a confined space and how it can produce a dangerous 
atmosphere;
    (c) Anticipate the hazards of entering and working within a 
confined space;
    (d) Determine what personal protective equipment is needed and how 
to use it;
    (e) Recognize the physical signs of exposure to a dangerous 
atmosphere;
    (f) Control hazards in the space; and
    (g) Know when to evacuate the space.


Sec. 142.361  When must I receive the training?

    (a) You must receive the training under Sec. 142.360 before you are 
allowed to enter a confined space.
    (b) If the operations or duties that you were trained for under 
Sec. 142.360 change, you must be trained in the areas under 
Sec. 142.360 that relate to your new operations or duties.


Sec. 142.362  How can I show that I have been trained?

    (a) Before you may enter a confined space, you must have a 
certificate under this section.
    (b) When you successfully complete the training under Sec. 142.360, 
the owner, operator, or person in charge must issue a certificate to 
you certifying that you successfully completed the training.
    (c) The certificate must contain your name, the name and title of 
the person who issued the certificate under paragraph (b) of this 
section, and the date of the certification.
    (d) The certificate must be kept on the OCS unit and made available 
for inspection by the Coast Guard.

Rescue Team


Sec. 142.365  How are rescue operations conducted?

    (a) The owner, operator, or person in charge must ensure that a 
team is established to rescue personnel from confined spaces and 
provide emergency medical attention.
    (b) The rescue team must be located on the OCS unit and be 
available for emergency response while personnel are in a confined 
space.
    (c) The team must follow the rescue and medical procedures in the 
confined-space entry program under Sec. 142.375.

[[Page 68465]]

    (d) In determining the qualifications of the team and the equipment 
they will need, the owner, operator, or person in charge must consider 
the type of confined spaces that will be encountered, the nature of the 
particular hazards in those spaces, and the type of work to be 
conducted in them.


Sec. 142.366  What additional training is required for rescue team 
members?

    (a) The owner, operator, and person in charge must ensure that, in 
addition to the training under Sec. 142.360, each member of the rescue 
team is trained to use the personal protective, rescue, and medical 
equipment needed to perform their functions as part of the team.
    (b) Each member must have a current Emergency Response Certificate 
and a Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for the Professional 
Rescuers Certificate from the American Red Cross or the equivalent 
certificates.
    (c) At least one member must have a current registration with the 
National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) at the EMT-
Intermediate level.
    (d) Members must practice their functions as part of the team at 
least once every 12 months, unless the team performs an actual rescue 
during that 12-month period. The practice must use mannequins, rescue 
equipment, and a confined space to closely approximate an actual 
rescue.

Offshore Competent Person


Sec. 142.370  What education, training, and experience must an Offshore 
Competent Person have?

    An Offshore Competent Person must have the following education, 
training, and experience:
    (a) Have completed the following courses at an accredited college 
or university:
    (1) Two semesters or three quarters of general chemistry.
    (2) Two semesters or three quarters of organic chemistry with 
laboratory training.
    (3) One course in analytical methods with laboratory training.
    (4) One course in industrial hygiene sampling and analysis 
involving hands-on use of testing instruments.
    (b) Have completed a course or seminar on confined-space entry with 
hands-on calibration and the use of testing instruments and scenarios 
that simulate confined spaces that will be encountered.
    (c) Have at least 3 years of experience in the offshore oil and gas 
industry, with at least 2 years of active involvement in an offshore 
safety program.
    (d) Have, within the past 6 months, conducted a confined-space 
entry test offshore or received training in conducting such a test.


Sec. 142.371  What abilities and knowledge must an Offshore Competent 
Person have?

    (a) An Offshore Competent Person must be able to--
    (1) Interpret and apply the confined-space entry program under 
Sec. 142.375, the regulations in this subpart, and the standards in 
NFPA 306;
    (2) Recognize the confined spaces on the facility or unit;
    (3) Identify the particular hazards and their sources associated 
with each confined space on the facility or unit and with the work 
conducted within that space;
    (4) Select and apply the appropriate engineering or administrative 
controls, such as ventilation equipment, lock out procedures, safe work 
practices, and personal protective equipment;
    (5) Select, calibrate, use, and maintain the testing instruments 
for confined-space entry;
    (6) Interpret the results of tests under this subpart;
    (7) Determine when a Certified Marine Chemist or Certified 
Industrial Hygienist is needed;
    (8) Complete a permit and log under Sec. 142.335;
    (9) Monitor the work authorized by the permit and conditions in the 
space while that work is going on; and
    (10) Maintain the records required by this subpart.
    (b) The Offshore Competent Person also must have a knowledge of--
    (1) The configuration of the OCS unit, including its structure, 
pipe systems, arrangement of spaces, and nomenclature; and
    (2) The operations on the OCS unit and how they affect safe 
confined-space entry.


Sec. 142.372  Who certifies the Offshore Competent Person, what must 
the certificate contain, and where must it be kept?

    (a) If a person meets the requirements of Secs. 142.370 and 
142.371, the owner or operator may certify that person as an Offshore 
Competent Person.
    (b) The certification must be in writing and contain the name of 
the person being certified, the name and title of the person who issued 
the certificate under paragraph (a) of this section, and the date of 
the certification. It also must state that the person being certified 
meets the requirements of Secs. 142.370 and 142.371.
    (c) The certification must be kept on the OCS unit where the person 
is working and made available for inspection by the Coast Guard.


Sec. 142.373  What refresher training must the Offshore Competent 
Person have?

    The Offshore Competent Person must have annual refresher training 
that reviews confined-space entry procedures and precautions, provides 
hands-on experience with new instrumentation, and identifies new 
regulations and standards concerning confined-space entry and exposure 
levels.

Program for Confined-Space Entry


Sec. 142.375  What type of confined-space entry program is required?

    (a) The owner and operator must ensure that a written program is 
maintained on the OCS unit that explains how tests, training, rescues, 
and other matters related to confined-space entry are to be carried 
out. The program is intended to supplement the requirements in this 
subpart and must not conflict with these requirements.
    (b) The program must contain at least the following:
    (1) A list of all confined spaces on the OCS unit and the hazards 
associated with each space.
    (2) A description of duties and training requirements of--
    (i) The person in charge;
    (ii) The Offshore Competent Person;
    (iii) Personnel who work within confined spaces; and
    (iv) The rescue team.
    (3) A description of all personal protective equipment required for 
confined-space entry and how and when it is to be used.
    (4) A description of atmospheric testing instruments by type, 
model, and capabilities.
    (5) The procedure for calibrating atmospheric testing instruments 
and interpreting and recording the results of the calibrations.
    (6) The procedures for conducting atmospheric tests under 
Secs. 142.330, 142.332, 142.340, and 142.352.
    (7) The procedures and signals used to evacuate a space.
    (8) A description of the methods used to prevent unauthorized 
entry.
    (9) The procedure to follow if a permit, certificate, or log under 
Sec. 142.335 is missing.
    (10) The procedures for conducting rescue operations and the 
methods for keeping the rescue team ready to respond.
    (11) A list of the medical services that must be available during 
confined-space entry.

BILLING CODE 4910-15-U

[[Page 68466]]

Appendix A to Part 142, Subpart D
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07DE99.020

BILLING CODE 4910-15-C

[[Page 68467]]

Subpart E--Hazardous Material on Fixed or Floating Facilities


Sec. 142.400  What is the purpose of this subpart?

    The purpose of this subpart is to ensure that all personnel on a 
fixed or floating facility are made aware of what materials on the 
facility are hazardous and what the hazards associated with their use, 
handling, storage, and intermingling are.


Sec. 142.405  Who does this subpart apply to?

    This subpart applies to all persons who work on a fixed or floating 
facility.

Hazard Communication Program


Sec. 142.410  What must the hazard communication program contain?

    (a) Each fixed or floating facility must have a hazard 
communication program (HCP) available for the training of, and review 
by, all personnel on the facility.
    (b) The program must be in writing and describe or include--
    (1) Each hazardous material on the facility;
    (2) The potential hazards of the material;
    (3) The material's intended use on the facility;
    (4) The methods for handling and storing the material;
    (5) The protective measures and equipment to be used to avoid 
hazardous exposure;
    (6) The labeling, marking, or tagging of the material;
    (7) The special precautions, such as lockout and tagout under 
Secs. 142.220 and 142.225, that should be emphasized when working 
around the material;
    (8) Information and training required for personnel onboard the 
facility; and
    (9) A material safety data sheet (MSDS) for the material.
    (c) The information on a material safety data sheet on the material 
may be used as a substitute for items in paragraph (b) that are 
addressed in the sheet.
    (d) The program must be supplemented as necessary to address each 
hazardous material newly introduced on the facility.


Sec. 142.415  What is the hazard communication program used for?

    (a) The person in charge must ensure that, before a person is 
allowed to work at the facility--
    (1) A copy of the hazard communication program is made available to 
the person; and (2) The person is trained in the information contained 
in the program.
    (b) The training must be supplemented to address each hazardous 
material newly
    introduced on the facility.


Sec. 142.420  Must I make the material safety data sheets available to 
all personnel?

    (a) The person in charge must ensure that a material safety data 
sheet (MSDS) for each hazardous material on the fixed or floating 
facility is made available to all personnel on the facility.
    (b) Each MSDS must contain at least information on the use, proper 
storage, potential hazards, and appropriate protective measures to be 
taken when exposed to or handling the material.


Sec. 142.425  How must I label, tag, and mark a container of hazardous 
material?

    You must label, tag, or mark each container of hazardous material 
with the identity of the hazardous material and the appropriate 
physical and health hazard warnings. The only exception is for portable 
containers for transferring a hazardous material from a labeled 
container to the work site for immediate use by the person who performs 
the transfer.

PART 143--OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF ACTIVITIES: FIXED FACILITIES

Subpart A--General

Sec.
143.1  What does this part apply to?
143.5  Where can I find the definition of a term used in this part?
143.10  Where can I get a copy of a publication referenced in this 
part?
143.15  Where can I find the workplace safety and health 
requirements?
143.20  Can I obtain an exemption from requirements in this 
subchapter during the construction or erection phase of a fixed 
facility?
143.25  What Coast Guard acceptance of lifesaving arrangements do I 
need during a fixed facility's construction or erection or whenever 
arrangements are modified?
143.30  How may I request the use of alternate equipment or 
procedures for those required in this subchapter?
143.35  When is Coast Guard Headquarters approval of alternate 
equipment or procedures required?
143.40  When may the OCMI not allow the use of alternate lifesaving 
equipment?
143.45  Can I get the Coast Guard to accept a novel lifesaving 
appliance?

Subpart B--Operational Requirements for All Fixed Facilities

143.100  Who designates the person in charge of a fixed facility?
143.105  What information must I send the Coast Guard before 
installing a new fixed facility?
143.110  When is a notice of casualty required and what must it 
contain?
143.115  When must I submit a written report of casualty and what 
must it contain?
143.120  How must I report a diving-related casualty?
143.125  How must I report a pollution incident?
143.130  What are the restrictions on the use and storage of 
firearms or ammunition?
143.135  What are the requirements for the stowage and dispensing of 
medication?

Subpart C--Additional Operational Requirements for Manned Fixed 
Facilities

143.200  What does this subpart apply to?
143.205  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart?
143.210  What are the signals for calling persons to their muster 
stations or for abandoning the facility?
143.215  What are the requirements for the assignment of muster 
stations?
143.220  What are the requirements for the assignment of and 
instruction on emergency duties?
143.225  What are the requirements for assignment to a survival 
craft?
143.230  What are the requirements for a station bill (muster list)?
143.235  What documents must I post?

Subpart D--Emergency Evacuation Plans for Manned Fixed Facilities

143.300  What does this subpart apply to?
143.305  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart?
143.310  Who must develop the EEP and what must it contain?
143.315  May an EEP apply to more than one OCS unit?
143.320  How is the EEP reviewed?
143.325  What are the requirements for subsequent reviews of and 
revisions to the EEP?
143.330  What are the responsibilities of the operator?

Subpart E--Drills on Fixed Facilities

143.400  What does this subpart apply to?
143.405  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart?
143.410  How must I conduct emergency drills?
143.415  How must I report emergency drills?
143.420  What are the requirements for fire drills?
143.425  What are the requirements for abandonment drills?
143.430  When and how must I conduct emergency evacuation drills?
143.435  How must I operate equipment during drills that involve 
operational testing of emergency equipment?

Subpart F--Onboard Training and Instruction for Fixed Facilities

143.500  What does this subpart apply to?
143.505  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart?
143.510  What instruction and training is required and when must it 
be given?
143.515  What optional methods may I use for instruction or training 
instead of that required under Sec. 143.510?

[[Page 68468]]

Subpart G--Maintenance and Repair of Lifesaving, Fire-Fighting, and 
Other Emergency Equipment on Manned Fixed Facilities

143.600  What does this subpart do?
143.605  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart?
143.610  What are the general maintenance requirements for emergency 
equipment?
143.615  What are the maintenance and repair requirements for 
lifesaving equipment?
143.620  What are the maintenance requirements for survival craft 
falls?
143.625  When must I service and examine lifeboat and rescue boat 
launching appliances?
143.630  When must I service and examine lifeboat and rescue boat 
release gear?
143.635  When must I service inflatable lifesaving appliances and 
marine evacuation systems?
143.640  How must I service inflatable lifesaving appliances?
143.645  What are the maintenance and repair requirements for 
inflatable rescue boats?

Subpart H--Tests and Inspections of Lifesaving, Fire-fighting, and 
Other Emergency Equipment for Manned Fixed Facilities

143.700  What does this subpart apply to?
143.705  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart?

Operational Test

143.710  How must equipment being tested be operated?
143.715  What are the operational testing requirements for lifeboat 
and rescue boat release gear?

Lifesaving Equipment

143.720  What are the weekly tests and inspections?
143.725  What are the monthly tests and inspections?
143.730  What are the annual tests and inspections?

Lifeboats, Davit-Launched Life Rafts, and Rescue Boats

143.735  What are the requirements for installation weight-testing 
of new and relocated craft?
143.740  What are the periodic requirements for weight-testing?
143.745  How are weight tests supervised?

Fire-Fighting Equipment

143.750  When must they be tested and inspected?
143.755  What records are required?

Other Equipment

143.760  What are the requirements for emergency lighting and power 
systems?
143.765  What are the inspection requirements for work vests?

Subpart I--Lifesaving Equipment on Manned Fixed Facilities

143.800  What does this subpart do?
143.805  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart?
143.810  What are the requirements for lifesaving equipment on the 
facility on [Insert date one day before the effective date of the 
final rule.]?
143.815  May a lifeboat built on or before [Insert date one day 
before the effective date of the final rule.] that has a self-
righting capability and an on-load/off-load release mechanism be 
used on any manned fixed facility?
143.820  What are the requirements for replacing survival craft, 
rescue boats, and their davits and winches that were on the facility 
on or before [Insert date one day before the effective date of the 
final rule.]?
143.825  What survival craft and rescue boats may be used on a 
facility?
143.826  What type and how many survival craft and rescue boats must 
a facility have?
143.827  When must facilities installed on the OCS on or before 
[Insert date one day before the effective date of the final rule.] 
have survival craft and rescue boats?
143.828  What are the survival craft requirements for temporary 
personnel?
143.830  What are the requirements for lifeboats?
143.831  What are the requirements for free-fall lifeboats?
143.832  What are the requirements for inflatable life rafts?
143.833  What are the requirements for rigid life rafts?
143.834  What are the requirements for marine evacuation systems?
143.835  What are the requirements for life floats?
143.836  What are the launching and recovery requirements for 
lifeboats?
143.837  What are the launching equipment requirements for 
inflatable life rafts and rigid life rafts?
143.840  How must survival craft be arranged?
143.841  What are the approval and stowage requirements for rescue 
boats?
143.842  What embarkation, launching, and recovery arrangements must 
rescue boats meet?
143.845  What are the requirements for lifejackets?
143.846  How and where must lifejackets be stowed?
143.847  Must every person on the facility have a lifejacket?
143.848  What additional lifejackets must I have?
143.850  What are the requirements for ring life buoys?
143.851  How many ring life buoys must be on each facility?
143.852  Where must I locate ring life buoys and how must I stow 
them?
143.855  What are the requirements for first aid kits?
143.860  What are the requirements for litters?
143.865  What emergency communications equipment must be on a manned 
fixed facility?
143.870  What are the immersion suit requirements?
143.875  What are the approval requirements for work vests?
143.876  How must I stow work vests?
143.877  How must I mark work vests?
143.878  When may I substitute a work vest for a lifejacket?
143.880  What are the requirements for hybrid personal flotation 
devices?
143.881  What are the requirements for inflatable lifejackets?
143.885  What are the marking requirements for lifesaving equipment?

Subpart J--Lifesaving Equipment on Unmanned Fixed Facilities

143.900  What does this subpart apply to?
143.905  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart?
143.910  When are people prohibited from being on a facility?
143.915  What are the requirements for lifejackets?
143.920  What are the requirements for ring life buoys?
143.925  What are the requirements for immersion suits?

Subpart K--Fire-fighting and Fire-protection Equipment for Fixed 
Facilities

143.1000  What does this subpart apply to?
143.1005  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart?
143.1010  What equipment must be approved by the Coast Guard?
143.1015  Can I use fire-fighting equipment for which there is no 
Coast Guard standard?
143.1020  How are fire extinguishers classified?
143.1025  What are the approval requirements for a fire 
extinguisher?
143.1026  Must fire extinguishers be on the facility at all times?
143.1027  What are the name plate requirements for a fire 
extinguisher?
143.1028  What are the maintenance requirements for a fire 
extinguisher?
143.1029  How many fire extinguishers do I need?
143.1030  Where must a semiportable fire extinguisher be located?
143.1035  What are the requirements for fireman's outfits?
143.1040  How many fire axes do I need?
143.1045  On a manned fixed facility, what spaces require a fixed 
fire extinguishing system?
143.1050  What are the requirements for a fire detection and alarm 
system?
143.1055  What are the requirements for a fire main on a manned 
fixed facility?
143.1060  What fire-fighting equipment must a helicopter landing 
deck on a manned fixed facility have?
143.1061  What fire-protection system must a helicopter fueling 
facility have?
143.1062  Can the water supply for the helicopter deck fire-
protection system be part of the MMS firewater system?
143.1063  Does an existing helicopter deck fire-protection system 
have to be Coast Guard approved?

Subpart L--Systems Fire Protection for Fixed Facilities

143.1100  What does this subpart apply to?
143.1105  What doesn't this subpart apply to?

[[Page 68469]]

143.1110  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart?
143.1115  What are the requirements for systems fire protection in 
accommodation spaces and modules?
143.1120  What alternative systems fire protection requirements may 
I meet?
143.1125  How must accommodation spaces and modules be designed and 
located to protect personnel in case of fire?
143.1130  What special shut-down features must a ventilation system 
for an accommodation space and service space be provided with?
143.1135  What are the fire-protection requirements for escape 
routes?

Subpart M--Design and Equipment for All Fixed Facilities

General

143.1200  What does this subpart apply to?
143.1205  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart?

Aids to Navigation

143.1210  What are the requirements for obstruction lights and 
warning devices?

General Alarm System

143.1215  What facilities must have one?
143.1216  What are the signals?
143.1217  What must it consist of?
143.1218  What signs are required?

Means of Escape

143.1220  What means of escape are required?
143.1221  Where must they be located?
143.1222  How many means of escape are required for manned fixed 
facilities?
143.1223  How many means of escape are required for unmanned fixed 
facilities?

Personnel Landings

143.1225  What are the requirements for personnel landings on manned 
fixed facilities?

Guardrails and Similar Devices

143.1230  What are the requirements for catwalks, floors, and 
openings?
143.1231  What are the requirements for stairways?
143.1232  What are the requirements for a helicopter landing deck 
safety net?

Noise Limits

143.1235  What are the noise limits for accommodation spaces?
143.1236  What are the noise limits for working spaces and other 
areas?

Subpart N--Design and Equipment for Certain Fixed Facilities

143.1300  What does this subpart apply to?
143.1305  What doesn't this subpart apply to?
143.1310  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart?

Accommodation Spaces: Manned Fixed Facilities

143.1315  What are the requirements for accommodation spaces within 
accommodation modules and temporary accommodation modules?
143.1316  How must I design the opening into an accommodation space?
143.1317  What are the requirements for sleeping spaces on fixed 
facilities and accommodation modules?
143.1318  What are the requirements for sleeping spaces on temporary 
accommodation modules and accommodation modules that are part of a 
drilling/workover rig package?
143.1319  What are the toilet, washing, and shower space 
requirements?
143.1320  What are the messroom seating space requirements?
143.1321  What are the medical treatment room requirements?
143.1322  Can I use a medical treatment room for other purposes?
143.1323  What are the laundry room requirements?

Heating

143.1325  What are the heating system requirements?

Water

143.1330  What are the potable water system requirements?
143.1331  What are the wash water system requirements?
143.1332  What are the sanitary water system requirements?

Lighting

143.1335  What are the lighting requirements?
143.1336  What are the emergency lighting and power requirements on 
a manned fixed facility?

Stairways and Ladders

143.1340  What are the stairway requirements?
143.1341  What are the vertical ladder requirements?

Subpart O--Certification of Fixed Facilities

143.1400  What does this subpart apply to?
143.1405  What doesn't this subpart apply to?

Letter of certification

143.1410  As owner or operator, what must I do before my facility 
may engage in OCS activities?

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1333(d)(1), 1347(c), 1348(c), 1356; 49 CFR 
1.46.

Subpart A--General


Sec. 143.1  What does this part apply to?

    This part applies to fixed facilities engaged in OCS activities.


Sec. 143.5  Where can I find the definition of a term used in this 
part?

    See Sec. 140.25 of this chapter for the definition of a term used 
in this part.


Sec. 143.10  Where can I get a copy of a publication referenced in this 
part?

    You may get a copy of a publication referenced in this part from 
the sources listed in Sec. 140.30 of this chapter.


Sec. 143.15  Where can I find the workplace safety and health 
requirements?

    See part 142 of this chapter for requirements on workplace safety 
and health.


Sec. 143.20  Can I obtain an exemption from requirements in this 
subchapter during the construction or erection of a fixed facility?

    Except for the arrangement of lifesaving equipment under 
Sec. 143.25(a), the OCMI may exempt any fixed facility during 
construction or erection from any requirement of this subchapter that 
would be impracticable or unreasonable to apply during that time.


Sec. 143.25  What Coast Guard acceptance of lifesaving arrangements do 
I need during a fixed facility's construction or erection or whenever 
lifesaving arrangements are modified?

    (a) During a fixed facility's construction or erection, the owner 
must obtain acceptance of lifesaving arrangements from the Commandant 
(G-MSE).
    (b) When any modification to the lifesaving arrangement is done 
after construction, the owner must obtain acceptance of lifesaving 
arrangements from the Commandant (G-MSE).


Sec. 143.30  How may I request the use of alternate equipment or 
procedures for those required in this subchapter?

    (a) You may request the use of alternate equipment or procedures 
for those required in this subchapter, except as under Secs. 143.40(a) 
and 143.45.
    (b) Upon request, the OCMI may allow the use of alternate equipment 
or procedures if they will--
    (1) Accomplish the purposes for the requirement; and
    (2) Provide a degree of safety equivalent to or greater than that 
provided by the requirement.
    (c) The OCMI may require that the requesting party--
    (1) Explain why applying the requirement would be unreasonable or 
impracticable; and
    (2) Submit engineering calculations, tests, or other data to 
demonstrate how the requested alternative would comply with paragraph 
(b) of this section.
    (d) The OCMI may determine, on a case-by-case basis, that, under 
Sec. 143.35, the Commandant (G-MSE) must approve the use of the 
alternate equipment or procedure.


Sec. 143.35  When is Coast Guard Headquarters approval of alternate 
equipment or procedures required?

    (a) For any requirement in this subchapter, including requirements 
relating to a fitting, material, apparatus, equipment, arrangement, 
calculation, test, standard, or procedure, the

[[Page 68470]]

Commandant (G-MSE) may accept a substitute that is at least as 
effective as that specified in this subchapter. If necessary, the 
Commandant (G-MSE) may require engineering calculations and tests to 
demonstrate the equivalence of the substitute.
    (b) In any case where you show to the satisfaction of the 
Commandant (G-MSE) that a requirement is unreasonable or impracticable, 
the Commandant may allow the use of a substitute to the extent that it 
will provide a degree of safety consistent with the minimum standards 
in this subchapter.


Sec. 143.40  When may the OCMI not allow the use of alternate 
lifesaving equipment?

    (a) The OCMI may not allow, under Sec. 143.30, the use of 
alternates for the following lifesaving equipment specified in this 
subchapter:
    (1) Survival craft and rescue boats.
    (2) Launching and embarkation appliances for survival craft and 
rescue boats.
    (b) For lifesaving appliances and arrangements, an allowance under 
Sec. 143.30 remains in effect until the OCMI determines that--
    (1) The condition of the appliance or arrangement is unsatisfactory 
or unfit for the service intended; or
    (2) The ability of the facility's personnel to use and assist 
others in the use of the appliance or arrangement is inadequate.


Sec. 143.45  Can I get the Coast Guard to accept a novel lifesaving 
appliance?

    The Commandant (G-MSE) may accept a novel lifesaving appliance or 
arrangement not addressed in this subchapter if you can demonstrate 
that it provides a level of safety equivalent to or greater than that 
provided by the requirements of this subchapter, it accomplishes the 
purposes of this subchapter, and it--
    (a) Is evaluated and tested under IMO Resolution A.520(13); or
    (b) Has successfully undergone evaluation and tests that are 
substantially equivalent to IMO Resolution A.520(13).

Subpart B--Operational Requirements for All Fixed Facilities


Sec. 143.100  Who designates the person in charge of a fixed facility?

    (a) Each manned fixed facility, and each unmanned fixed facility 
when personnel are on board, must have an individual on the facility 
who is designated under paragraph (b) of this section as the person in 
charge of the facility.
    (b) The owner or operator, or their agent, must designate the 
person in charge by title. They must designate, by title and in order 
of succession, enough individuals so that one individual on the 
facility is acting as the person in charge.
    (c) The owner and operator must ensure that the name of the 
individual acting as the person in charge is made available, upon 
request, to Coast Guard personnel.


Sec. 143.105  What information must I send the Coast Guard before 
installing a new fixed facility?

    (a) At least 30 days before the date that on-site construction of a 
fixed facility is expected to begin, the owner or operator of the 
facility must notify the District Commander for the area where the 
facility will be located of--
    (1) The proposed location of the facility;
    (2) The designation under 30 CFR 250.15 assigned to the facility 
for identification;
    (3) The date when operation of the facility is expected to begin; 
and
    (4) The date when the facility is expected to be available for 
inspection by the Coast Guard.
    (b) The information required in paragraph (a) of this section may 
be submitted with, and need not duplicate, the information submitted in 
connection with the application and notice requirements in part 67, 
subparts 67.35 and 67.40, of this chapter for aids to navigation on the 
facility.


Sec. 143.110  When is a notice of casualty required and what must it 
contain?

    (a) Immediately after aiding the injured and stabilizing the 
situation, the owner, operator, or person in charge of a fixed facility 
must notify the Coast Guard of each event on or involving the facility 
that results in one or more of the following:
    (1) Death.
    (2) Injury to five or more persons.
    (3) Injury to a person requiring hospitalization for more than 48 
hours within 5 days of the event.
    (4) A fractured bone (other than in a finger, toe, or nose); a loss 
of limb; severe hemorrhaging; severe damage to a muscle, nerve, or 
tendon; or damage to an internal organ.
    (5) Impairment to the operation of any of the facility's primary 
lifesaving or fire-fighting equipment.
    (6) Property damage in excess of $100,000, including damage 
resulting from a vessel or helicopter striking the facility. This 
amount includes the cost of labor and material to restore all affected 
items, including, but not limited to, the facility and the vessel or 
helicopter, to their condition before the damage. This amount does not 
include the cost of salvage, cleaning, gas freeing, drydocking, or 
demurrage of the facility, vessel, or helicopter.
    (b) The notice under paragraph (a) of this section must identify 
the following:
    (1) The facility involved.
    (2) The owner, operator, or person in charge of the facility.
    (3) The nature and circumstances of the event.
    (4) The nature and extent of the injury and damage resulting from 
the event.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under OMB control 
numbers 2115-003 and 2115-004)


Sec. 143.115  When must I submit a written report of casualty and what 
must it contain?

    (a) In addition to the notice of casualty under Sec. 143.110, the 
owner, operator, or person in charge of a fixed facility must submit a 
written report of the event to the OCMI within 10 days after the notice 
of casualty. The report may be on Form CG-RMAID entitled, ``Casualty 
Report of Accident, Injury, Occupational Illness or Death on an OCS 
Unit, Excluding Mobile Offshore Drilling Units,'' or in narrative form 
if it contains all of the applicable information requested in Form CG-
RMAID. Copies of Form CG-RMAID are available from the OCMI.
    (b) The written report must also include the information relating 
to alcohol and drug involvement required under 46 CFR 4.05-12.
    (c) The written report of casualty will satisfy the notice 
requirement under Sec. 143.110 if filed immediately after the event.


Sec. 143.120  How must I report a diving-related casualty?

    Diving-related deaths and injuries must be reported under 46 CFR 
197.484 and 197.486, rather than under Secs. 143.110 and 143.115.


Sec. 143.125  How must I report a pollution incident?

    Oil pollution incidents involving a fixed facility are reported 
under Secs. 135.305 and 135.307 of this chapter.


Sec. 143.130  What are the restrictions on the use and storage of 
firearms or ammunition?

    (a) No person may bring, possess, or use on a fixed facility, any 
firearm or firearm ammunition, except with the permission of the person 
in charge of the facility.
    (b) All small arms ammunition on a facility must be stored in a 
locked, metal magazine or locker. The key to the magazine or locker 
must be kept in the possession of the person in charge or a person 
designated by the person in charge.

[[Page 68471]]

    (c) When small arms are necessary for protection from wild animals 
in the Arctic regions, the OCMI may authorize alternatives to the 
requirements of this section.


Sec. 143.135  What are the requirements for the stowage and dispensing 
of medication?

    Anesthetics, drugs, and other prescription medicines on a fixed 
facility must be stowed and dispensed under DHHS Publication No. (PHS) 
84-2024, ``The Ship's Medicine Chest and Medical Aid at Sea.''

Subpart C--Additional Operational Requirements for Manned Fixed 
Facilities


Sec. 143.200  What does this subpart apply to?

    In addition to the operational requirements for all fixed 
facilities in subpart B of this part, this subpart provides additional 
operational requirements for manned fixed facilities.


Sec. 143.205  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart?

    The person in charge of each manned fixed facility must ensure 
compliance with the requirements of this subpart.


Sec. 143.210  What are the signals for calling persons to their muster 
stations or for abandoning the facility?

    (a) The person in charge of each manned fixed facility must ensure 
that the following emergency signals for the general alarm system under 
Sec. 143.1217 are used for calling persons to their muster stations and 
for abandoning the facility:
    (1) An intermittent sound of not less than 10 seconds duration must 
be used as the signal for calling persons to their muster stations 
assigned under Sec. 143.215.
    (2) A continuous sound must be used as the signal to abandon the 
facility.
    (b) The person in charge must ensure that all personnel, including 
visitors and temporary personnel, are informed of these signals at the 
time of their arrival on the facility.


Sec. 143.215  What are the requirements for the assignment of muster 
stations?

    The person in charge of each manned fixed facility must assign all 
persons, including visitors and temporary personnel, a muster station 
and notify them of its location at the time of their arrival on the 
facility.


Sec. 143.220  What are the requirements for the assignment of and 
instruction on emergency duties?

    (a) The person in charge of each manned fixed facility must assign 
to personnel, as appropriate, duties relating to the deployment or use 
of emergency equipment that will minimize confusion and delay in the 
event of an emergency. The duties assigned must be as compatible with 
the individual's regular duties as possible. The person in charge must 
ensure that all personnel are instructed in their duties at the time of 
assignment.
    (b) The duties must include at least the following:
    (1) Closing air ports, watertight doors, scuppers, and through-hull 
sanitary and other discharges.
    (2) Turning off fans and other ventilation systems.
    (3) Assisting in the donning of lifejackets.
    (4) Preparing and launching survival craft.
    (5) Using fire-fighting equipment.


Sec. 143.225  What are the requirements for assignment to a survival 
craft?

    (a) The person in charge of each manned fixed facility must ensure 
that each person on the facility, including visitors and temporary 
personnel, is assigned to at least one life float, inflatable life 
raft, lifeboat, or survival capsule. The persons must be equitably 
distributed among the survival craft.
    (b) For each survival craft, the person in charge must assign--
    (1) One person to command the craft and be responsible for 
launching it in the event of an emergency;
    (2) One person as second in command if the craft has a capacity of 
more than 40 persons; and
    (3) One person who can operate and perform minor adjustments to the 
motor if the craft has a motor.
    (c) The person in charge must ensure that the person who is in 
command of a survival craft under paragraph (b)(1) and the person who 
is second in command of the craft under paragraph (b)(2) of this 
section each are provided with a list, by station bill number and job 
title on the facility, of all persons assigned to the craft.


Sec. 143.230  What are the requirements for a station bill (muster 
list)?

    (a) The person in charge of each manned fixed facility is 
responsible for preparing and maintaining a station bill (muster list). 
The person in charge must sign the station bill and post copies in 
conspicuous locations throughout the facility.
    (b) The station bill must state--
    (1) The emergency signals under Sec. 143.210 to be used for calling 
persons to their muster station and to abandon the facility;
    (2) The muster station assigned to each person under Sec. 143.215;
    (3) The emergency duties assigned to each person under 
Sec. 143.220;
    (4) The person, by station-bill number and by either job title on 
the facility or designation as visitor, assigned to each survival craft 
under Sec. 143.225(a);
    (5) The person, by station bill number and job title on the 
facility, assigned a responsibility under Sec. 143.225(b);
    (6) The procedure for retrieving a person from the water;
    (7) Instructions for operating the general alarm system under 
Sec. 143.1216; and
    (8) The action to be taken by personnel on board when each 
emergency signal under Sec. 143.210(a) is sounded.
    (c) The person in charge must ensure that all personnel are 
familiar with the provisions of the station bill.


Sec. 143.235  What documents must I post?

    You must post in conspicuous locations throughout the facility the 
following documents under glass or cover them so they are protected:
    (a) The station bill under Sec. 143.230.
    (b) A fire control and lifesaving equipment plan for each deck 
showing at least the following:
    (1) Each fire retardant bulkhead and each independent firewall 
required under table 143.1115(f).
    (2) Each manual alarm and each fire-detection and fire-
extinguishing system.
    (3) Each fire door.
    (4) Each means of escape from accommodation spaces and other manned 
spaces.
    (5) Each ventilating system, including the location of each damper, 
fan, and the special shut-down features for shutting down the 
ventilation system under Sec. 143.1130.
    (6) The location of all lifesaving equipment, such as lifeboats, 
life rafts, rescue boats, lifejackets, immersion suits, ring life 
buoys, etc.
    (c) An escape route plan. The plan must be posted on the door of 
each accommodation space, showing a primary and secondary means of 
escape to the open deck.

Subpart D--Emergency Evacuation Plans for Manned Fixed Facilities


Sec. 143.300  What does this subpart apply to?

    This subpart provides requirements for developing and carrying out 
the Emergency Evacuation Plan (EEP) for manned fixed facilities.


Sec. 143.305  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart?

    The owner or operator of each manned fixed facility must ensure 
compliance with the requirements of this subpart.

[[Page 68472]]

Sec. 143.310  Who must develop the EEP and what must it contain?

    (a) The operator of each manned fixed facility must develop an EEP 
for the facility that addresses all of the items listed this section.
    (b) The format of the EEP must--
    (1) Be written in language that is easily understood by the 
facility's operating personnel;
    (2) Have a table of contents and general index; and
    (3) Have a record of changes.
    (c) The contents of the EEP must include the following:
    (1) The name, telephone number, and function of each person to be 
contacted under the EEP and state the circumstances in which that 
person should be contacted.
    (2) A list of the facility's communications equipment, its 
available frequencies, and the communications schedules with shore 
installations, standby vessels, rescue aircraft, and other facilities 
specified in the EEP.
    (3) The primary source of weather forecasting relied upon in 
implementing the EEP and the frequency of reports when normal weather 
is forecasted, the frequency of reports when heavy weather is 
forecasted, and the method of transmitting the reports to the facility.
    (4) The individual on each facility covered by the EEP who is 
assigned the primary responsibility for implementing the EEP.
    (5) Designate the facility and shoreside support personnel who--
    (i) Have the authority to advise the person in charge of the 
facility as to the best course of action to be taken, and
    (ii) Initiate actions to assist facility personnel.
    (6) The recognized circumstances (such as fires or blowouts) and 
environmental conditions (such as approaching hurricanes or ice floes) 
that would place the facility or its personnel in jeopardy and justify 
a mass evacuation of the facility.
    (7) A list of the pre-evacuation steps for securing operations, 
whether drilling or production, including the time estimates for 
completion and the personnel required for each of the circumstances and 
conditions described under paragraph (c)(6).
    (8) A description of--
    (i) The order in which personnel would be evacuated;
    (ii) The types of transportation to be used in the evacuation;
    (iii) The operational limitations for each mode of transportation 
specified; and
    (iv) The time and distance factors for initiating the evacuation 
for each of the circumstances and conditions described under paragraph 
(c)(6) of this section.
    (9) The means and procedures--
    (i) For retrieving persons from the water during an evacuation;
    (ii) For transferring persons from the facility to designated 
standby vessels, lifeboats, or other types of evacuation craft;
    (iii) For retrieving persons from designated standby vessels or 
other types of evacuation craft, if used; and
    (iv) For the ultimate evacuation of all persons on the facility to 
land, another facility, or other location where the evacuees would be 
reasonably out of danger for each of the circumstances and conditions 
described under paragraph (c)(6).
    (d) The EEP must include personnel using temporary accommodation 
modules and accommodation modules that are part of a drilling/workover 
rig package.


Sec. 143.315  May an EEP apply to more than one OCS unit?

    The EEP may apply to more than one OCS unit if--
    (a) All of the units are located in the same general geographic 
location and within the same Coast Guard OCMI zone;
    (b) All of the units are specifically identified in the EEP; and
    (c) The evacuation needs of all units are addressed.


Sec. 143.320  How is the EEP reviewed?

    (a) A complete copy of the EEP must be on each OCS unit included in 
the EEP and available for review by the marine inspector at least 30 
days before the facility is placed in operation.
    (b) The marine inspector reviews the EEP during the initial 
inspection of the facility.
    (c) If the EEP complies with Sec. 143.310 (b) and (d) and contains 
all of the information in Sec. 143.310(c) for each OCS unit included in 
the EEP, the marine inspector accepts the EEP.
    (d) If any item in Sec. 143.310 is not addressed, the marine 
inspector does not accept the EEP. The marine inspector marks the EEP 
``RETURNED FOR REVISION'' and returns it to the operator of the 
facility. The marine inspector includes an explanation of the EEP's 
deficiencies and a copy of the marine inspector's deficiency report 
(Form CG-835), which indicates the time allowed to revise the EEP. You 
must resubmit the revised EEP to the marine inspector for review and 
acceptance within the time allowed in the deficiency plan.


Sec. 143.325  What are the requirements for subsequent reviews of and 
revisions to the EEP?

    (a) The marine inspector reviews the EEP during each oversight 
inspection. If the marine inspector finds that the EEP is deficient or 
in need of revision, the operator must correct the deficiencies or 
revise the plan to the satisfaction of the OCMI.
    (b) You must revise the EEP when changes occur that cause the 
information in the EEP to be out of date or incorrect. Changes include, 
but are not limited to,--
    (1) The installation of a new facility within the area covered by 
an EEP;
    (2) The relocation of a MODU that is included in the facility's 
EEP;
    (3) A change in the means or methods of evacuation; or
    (4) A change in the time required to accomplish an evacuation.


Sec. 143.330  What are the responsibilities of the operator?

    The operator must ensure that--
    (a) All equipment specified in the EEP, whether the equipment is 
located on or off the fixed facility, is made available and located as 
indicated in the EEP and is designed and maintained to be capable of 
performing its intended function during an emergency evacuation;
    (b) All personnel newly reporting on the facility are briefed, 
orally or by written summary, on the EEP;
    (c) All personnel specified in the EEP are available and located as 
specified in the EEP and are trained in fulfilling their role under the 
EEP;
    (d) All drills are conducted under Secs. 143.430 and 143.435; and
    (e) A copy of the EEP is made available to the facility's operating 
personnel, to personnel on standby vessels designated in the EEP, and 
to all shoreside support personnel specified in the EEP. A copy must be 
onboard each standby vessel designated in the EEP.

Subpart E--Drills on Fixed Facilities


Sec. 143.400  What does this subpart apply to?

    This subpart provides requirements for drills on--
    (a) Manned fixed facilities; and
    (b) Unmanned fixed facilities that have temporary personnel in 
temporary accommodation modules or in accommodation modules that are 
part of a drilling/workover rig package.


Sec. 143.405  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart?

    The person in charge of each fixed facility must ensure compliance 
with the requirements of this subpart.

[[Page 68473]]

Sec. 143.410  How must I conduct emergency drills?

    (a) The person in charge of each fixed facility must ensure that 
the emergency drills are conducted according to Secs. 143.420 through 
143.435.
    (b) You must conduct each drill as if an actual emergency existed.
    (c) You may conduct multiple drills in sequence, as long as all 
functions required for each drill are performed.


Sec. 143.415  How must I report emergency drills?

    (a) The person in charge of each fixed facility must submit a 
written report to the facility's owner or operator of the date and time 
each drill under Secs. 143.420 through 143.435 was conducted.
    (b) The facility's owner or operator must maintain the report for 
at least one year after the date on which the drill was conducted and 
must furnish it upon request to the Coast Guard.
    (c) When it is impracticable to conduct a particular emergency 
drill within the period specified, the facility's owner or operator 
must prepare a written report stating why a drill could not be 
conducted within that period. The owner or operator must maintain the 
report for at least one year and furnish it upon request to the Coast 
Guard.


Sec. 143.420  What are the requirements for fire drills?

    (a) The person in charge of each fixed facility must ensure that a 
sufficient number of fire drills are conducted on the facility so that 
all personnel participate in at least one fire drill per month.
    (b) If, as a result of a personnel change, more than 25 percent of 
the personnel have not participated in a fire drill on the facility 
during the previous month, a drill must be held within 24 hours of the 
personnel change.
    (c) Each fire drill, where appropriate, must include--
    (1) Simulating a fire emergency that is varied from drill to drill 
in both location and type of fire;
    (2) Summoning of personnel to their muster stations by sounding the 
general alarm signals under Sec. 143.210;
    (3) Personnel reporting to their muster stations and preparing for 
and demonstrating their duties assigned under Sec. 143.220 for the 
particular fire emergency being simulated;
    (4) Starting all fire pumps and using a sufficient number of 
outlets to demonstrate the proper use of the equipment;
    (5) Checking the relevant communication equipment;
    (6) Checking the operation of fire doors, watertight doors, and 
other closing arrangements;
    (7) Checking the fireman's outfits and other personal rescue 
equipment;
    (8) Checking the necessary arrangements for subsequent abandonment 
of the facility; and
    (9) Checking the operation of remote controls for stopping 
ventilation systems and for stopping fuel supplies to machinery spaces.


Sec. 143.425  What are the requirements for abandonment drills?

    (a) The person in charge of each fixed facility must ensure that a 
sufficient number of abandonment drills are conducted on the facility 
so that all personnel participate in at least one abandonment drill per 
month.
    (b) If, as a result of a personnel change, more than 25 percent of 
the personnel have not participated in an abandonment drill on the 
facility during the previous month, a drill must be held within 24 
hours of the personnel change.
    (c) Each abandonment drill must comply with 46 CFR 109.213(d).


Sec. 143.430  When and how must I conduct emergency evacuation drills?

    The person in charge of each fixed facility must ensure that the 
following emergency evacuation drills are conducted:
    (a) At least once a year, all the elements of the Emergency 
Evacuation Plan (EEP) relating to the evacuation of personnel from the 
facility must be exercised through a drill or a series of drills. The 
drills must exercise all of the means and procedures listed for each 
circumstance and condition described in the EEP under 
Sec. 143.310(c)(6).
    (b) At least once a month, a drill must be conducted that 
demonstrates the ability of the facility's personnel to perform their 
duties and functions as described in the EEP. If a standby vessel is 
designated for that facility in the EEP, the vessel must be positioned 
as described in the EEP for an evacuation of the facility, and the 
vessel's crew must demonstrate its ability to perform its duties and 
functions under the EEP.


Sec. 143.435  How must I operate equipment during drills that involve 
operational testing of emergency equipment?

    When drills under this part involve operational testing of 
emergency equipment, the equipment must be operated under the operating 
instructions of the equipment's manufacturer.

Subpart F--Onboard Training and Instruction for Fixed Facilities


Sec. 143.500  What does this subpart apply to?

    This subpart provides for instruction and training of personnel 
on--
    (a) Manned fixed facilities; and
    (b) Unmanned fixed facilities that have temporary personnel in 
temporary accommodation modules or in accommodation modules that are 
part of a drilling/workover rig package.


Sec. 143.505  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart?

    The owner or operator of each fixed facility must ensure compliance 
with the requirements of this subpart.


Sec. 143.510  What instruction and training is required and when must 
it be given?

    The person in charge of each fixed facility must ensure that all 
personnel on the facility are given onboard instruction and training to 
comply with 46 CFR 109.213(g) and (h).


Sec. 143.515  What optional methods may I use for instruction or 
training instead of that required under Sec. 143.510?

    (a) The following instruction and training standards may be used 
instead of those required in Sec. 143.510:
    (1) API RP T-1.
    (2) API RP T-4.
    (3) API RP T-7.
    (b) Any instruction or training under Sec. 143.510 that is not 
addressed by the standards in paragraph (a) of this section must be 
provided in accordance with Sec. 143.510.

Subpart G--Maintenance and Repair of Lifesaving, Fire-Fighting, and 
Other Emergency Equipment on Manned Fixed Facilities


Sec. 143.600  What does this subpart do?

    This subpart provides requirements for maintenance and repair of 
lifesaving, fire-fighting, and other emergency equipment on manned 
fixed facilities.


Sec. 143.605  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart?

    The person in charge of a facility must ensure compliance with the 
requirements of this subpart.


Sec. 143.610  What are the general maintenance requirements for 
emergency equipment?

    (a) All lifesaving, fire-fighting, and other emergency equipment, 
whether or not the equipment is required by this subchapter and whether 
or not the equipment is in addition to that required by this 
subchapter, must be maintained in good working condition and ready for 
immediate use at all times when the facility is in use.

[[Page 68474]]

    (b) All emergency equipment that is in addition to the equipment 
required by this subchapter must be maintained and inspected as 
prescribed in this subchapter for that item of equipment.


Sec. 143.615  What are the maintenance and repair requirements for 
lifesaving equipment?

    (a) Except as under paragraph (b) of this section, each manned 
fixed facility must have on board the manufacturer's instructions for 
onboard maintenance and repair of the facility's lifesaving equipment. 
The instructions must include the following for each item of equipment:
    (1) Instructions for maintenance and repair.
    (2) A checklist for use when carrying out the monthly inspections 
required under Sec. 143.725(a).
    (3) A schedule of periodic maintenance.
    (4) A diagram of lubrication points with the recommended 
lubricants.
    (5) A list of replaceable parts.
    (6) A list of sources of spare parts.
    (7) A log for records of inspections and maintenance.
    (b) As an alternative to the instructions required under paragraph 
(a) of this section, the facility may have its own onboard planned 
maintenance program for maintenance and repair, that includes the items 
listed in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(7).
    (c) The person in charge must ensure that maintenance and repair is 
carried out in accordance with the instructions under paragraph (a).
    (d) If deficiencies in the maintenance or condition of lifesaving 
equipment are identified, the OCMI may review the instructions under 
paragraph (a) and require appropriate changes to the instructions or 
operations to provide for adequate maintenance and readiness of the 
equipment.
    (e) When lifeboats, rescue boats, and rigid life rafts are not 
fully operational because of on-going maintenance or repairs, there 
must be a sufficient number of fully operational lifeboats and life 
rafts available for use to accommodate all persons on the facility.
    (f) Except in an emergency, repairs or alterations affecting the 
performance of lifesaving equipment must not be made without notifying 
the OCMI in advance. The person in charge must report emergency repairs 
or alterations to lifesaving equipment to the OCMI, as soon as 
practicable.
    (g) Spare parts and repair equipment must be provided for each 
lifesaving appliance and component subject to excessive wear or 
consumption. Parts that need to be replaced regularly also must be 
provided.


Sec. 143.620  What are the maintenance requirements for survival craft 
falls?

    (a) Each fall used in a launching device for survival craft or 
rescue boats must be turned end for end at intervals of not more than 
30 months.
    (b) Each fall must be replaced by a new fall when deteriorated or 
at intervals of not more than 5 years, whichever is earlier.
    (c) A fall that can not be turned end for end under paragraph (a) 
of this section must be carefully inspected between 24 and 30 months 
after its installation. If the inspection shows that the fall is 
faultless, the fall may be continued in service up to 5 years after its 
installation. It must be replaced by a new fall 5 years after 
installation.


Sec. 143.625  When must I service and examine lifeboat and rescue boat 
launching appliances?

    (a) You must service launching appliances for lifeboats and rescue 
boats at intervals recommended in the manufacturer's instructions under 
Sec. 143.615(a) or in the facility's planned maintenance program under 
Sec. 143.615(b).
    (b) You must thoroughly examine launching appliances for lifeboats 
and rescue boats at intervals not to exceed 5 years. Upon completion of 
the examination, you must subject the winch brakes of the launching 
appliance to a dynamic test.


Sec. 143.630  When must I service and examine lifeboat and rescue boat 
release gear?

    (a) You must service lifeboat and rescue boat release gear at 
intervals recommended in the manufacturer's instructions under 
Sec. 143.615(a) or in the facility's planned maintenance program under 
Sec. 143.615(b).
    (b) You must subject lifeboat and rescue boat release gear to a 
thorough examination at each inspection for certification by personnel 
trained in examining the gear.


Sec. 143.635  When must I service inflatable lifesaving appliances and 
marine evacuation systems?

    (a) You must service each inflatable lifejacket, hybrid inflatable 
lifejacket, and marine evacuation system at intervals of 1 year after 
its initial packing. You may delay the servicing up to 5 months to meet 
the next scheduled inspection of the facility.
    (b) You must service each inflatable life raft no later than the 
month and year on its servicing sticker under 46 CFR 160.151-57(n), 
except when servicing is delayed to meet the next scheduled inspection 
of the facility. You must also service each inflatable life raft--
    (1) Whenever the container of the raft is damaged; or
    (2) Whenever the container straps or seals are broken.


Sec. 143.640  How must I service inflatable lifesaving appliances?

    (a) You must service each inflatable life raft according to 46 CFR 
part 160, subpart 160.151.
    (b) You must service each inflatable lifejacket according to 46 CFR 
part 160, subpart 160.176.
    (c) You must service each hybrid inflatable lifejacket according to 
the owner's manual and the procedures in 46 CFR part 160, subpart 
160.077.


Sec. 143.645  What are the maintenance and repair requirements for 
inflatable rescue boats?

    (a) You must perform the maintenance and repair of inflatable 
rescue boats according to the manufacturer's instructions.
    (b) All repairs must be made at a servicing facility approved by 
the Commandant (G-MSE), except for emergency repairs carried out on the 
fixed facility.

Subpart H--Tests and Inspections of Lifesaving, Fire-fighting, and 
Other Emergency Equipment for Manned Fixed Facilities


Sec. 143.700  What does this subpart apply to?

    This subpart provides the requirements for testing and inspecting 
lifesaving, fire-fighting, and other emergency equipment on manned 
fixed facilities.


Sec. 143.705  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart?

    The person in charge of the facility must ensure compliance with 
the requirements of this subpart.

Operational Tests


Sec. 143.710  How must equipment being tested be operated?

    The equipment must be operated under the operating instructions of 
the equipment's manufacturer when tests or inspections include 
operational testing of emergency equipment.


Sec. 143.715  What are the operational testing requirements for 
lifeboat and rescue boat release gear?

    (a) Lifeboat and rescue boat release gear must be operationally 
tested under a load of 1.1 times the total mass of the lifeboat or 
rescue boat when loaded with its full compliment of persons and 
equipment.
    (b) The test must be conducted whenever the lifeboat, rescue boat, 
or

[[Page 68475]]

their release gear is overhauled or at least once every 5 years.
    (c) The OCMI may consider alternate operational test procedures to 
those under paragraph (a) of this section.

Lifesaving Equipment


Sec. 143.720  What are the weekly tests and inspections?

    The required weekly tests and inspections of lifesaving equipment 
are as follows:
    (a) You must visually inspect each survival craft, rescue boat, and 
launching device to ensure its readiness for use.
    (b) You must test the general alarm system.
    (c) You must test for readiness the engine, starting device, and 
communications equipment of each lifeboat and rescue boat according to 
the manufacturer's instructions.


Sec. 143.725  What are the monthly tests and inspections?

    (a) You must inspect monthly each item of lifesaving equipment 
under Sec. 143.615 to ensure that the equipment is complete and in good 
order. You must keep on the facility a report of the inspection that 
includes a statement as to the condition of the equipment and make the 
report available for review by the Coast Guard.
    (b) You must test monthly each Emergency Position Indicating Radio 
Beacon (EPIRB) and each Search and Rescue Transponder (SART), other 
than an EPIRB or SART in an inflatable life raft. You must test the 
EPIRB using the integrated test circuit and output indicator to 
determine whether the EPIRB is operational.


Sec. 143.730  What are the annual tests and inspections?

    (a) You must strip, clean, thoroughly inspect, and, if needed, 
repair each lifeboat, rescue boat, and rigid life raft at least once 
each year. At that time, you must empty, clean, and refill with fresh 
fuel each fuel tank.
    (b) You must thoroughly inspect and, if needed, repair each davit, 
winch, fall, and other launching device once each year.
    (c) You must replace during the annual inspection each item of 
lifesaving equipment with an expiration date if the expiration date has 
passed.
    (d) You must replace during the annual inspection each battery used 
in an item of lifesaving equipment and clearly marked with an 
expiration date if the expiration date has passed.
    (e) You must replace during the annual inspection each battery 
without an expiration date used in an item of lifesaving equipment, 
except for a storage battery used in a lifeboat or rescue boat.
    (f) The requirements in this section do not relieve the person in 
charge of the requirement under Sec. 143.610(a) to keep the equipment 
ready for immediate use.

Lifeboats, Davit-Launched Life Rafts, and Rescue Boats


Sec. 143.735  What are the requirements for installation weight-testing 
of new and relocated craft?

    (a) You must perform installation weight-testing according to 46 
CFR 199.45(a) on each new lifeboat and rescue boat.
    (b) You must perform installation weight-testing according to 46 
CFR 75.37-5 on each new davit-launched life raft system.
    (c) You must conduct installation weight tests according to 
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section when survival craft are 
relocated to another facility.


Sec. 143.740  What are the periodic requirements for weight-testing?

    You must weight-test according to 46 CFR 199.45 each lifeboat, 
davit-launched life raft, and rescue boat every time a fall is replaced 
or every 5 years, whichever comes first.


Sec. 143.745  How are weight tests supervised?

    (a) The installation and periodic tests required by Secs. 143.735 
and 143.740 must be supervised by a person familiar with lifeboats, 
davit-launched life rafts, and rescue boats and with the test 
procedures under those sections.
    (b) The person supervising the tests must attest in writing that 
the tests have been performed according to Coast Guard regulations. You 
must keep a copy of the supervisor's attesting statement on board the 
facility and make it available to the OCMI.

Fire-Fighting Equipment


Sec. 143.750  When must they be tested and inspected?

    You must test and inspect each hand-portable fire extinguisher, 
semiportable fire extinguisher, and fixed fire-extinguishing system at 
least once every 12 months.


Sec. 143.755  What records are required?

    (a) You must maintain a record of each test and inspection of fire-
fighting equipment under Sec. 143.750 on the facility for at least 2 
years.
    (b) The record must show--
    (1) The date of each test and inspection;
    (2) The number or other identification of each fire extinguisher or 
system tested or inspected; and
    (3) The name of the person who conducted the test or inspection and 
the name of the company that person represents.

Other Equipment


Sec. 143.760  What are the requirements for emergency lighting and 
power systems?

    (a) You must test and inspect the emergency lighting and power 
systems under Sec. 143.1336 at least once each week to determine if 
they are in proper operating condition. If they are not in proper 
operating condition, then you must repair or replace their defective 
parts.
    (b) You must test under load each emergency generator driven by an 
internal combustion engine that is used for an emergency lighting and 
power system at least once in each month for a minimum of 2 hours.
    (c) Test each storage battery for the emergency lighting and power 
systems at least once in each 6 months to demonstrate the ability of 
the batteries to supply the emergency loads for the 8-hour period 
specified in Sec. 143.1336. You must follow the manufacturer's 
instructions in performing the battery test to ensure the batteries are 
not damaged during testing.


Sec. 143.765  What are the inspection requirements for work vests?

    (a) All work vests are subject to inspection by the owner or 
operator under Sec. 140.120 of this subchapter to determine whether 
they are in serviceable condition.
    (b) If a work vest is inspected and is in serviceable condition, 
then it may be continued in service.
    (c) If a work vest is inspected and is not in serviceable 
condition, then it must be removed from the facility. If a work vest is 
beyond repair, you must destroy or mutilate it in the presence of a 
Coast Guard inspector so as to prevent its continued use as a work 
vest.
    (d) You must maintain all commercial hybrid personal floatation 
devices (PFD's) used on the facility as work vests under Sec. 143.880 
according to the procedures in the PFD manual required by 46 CFR 
160.077-29(e)(2).

Subpart I--Lifesaving Equipment on Manned Fixed Facilities


Sec. 143.800  What does this subpart do?

    This subpart provides requirements for lifesaving equipment on 
manned fixed facilities.


Sec. 143.805  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart?

    The owner or operator must ensure that the requirements of this 
subpart are complied with on their facility.

[[Page 68476]]

Sec. 143.810  What are the requirements for lifesaving equipment on the 
facility on [date one day before the effective date of the final 
rule.]?

    (a) All lifesaving equipment on a manned fixed facility on [date 
one day before the effective date of the final rule.] may be continued 
in use and need not meet the requirements of this subpart, if it has 
been accepted by the OCMI for use on that facility, except as under 
paragraph (b) of this section.
    (b) When lifesaving equipment is replaced or when the facility 
undergoes a major repair, alteration, or modification that involves 
replacing or adding to the equipment, the new lifesaving equipment must 
meet the requirements of this subpart, except as under--
    (1) Section 143.815(a) for lifeboats modified to include self-
righting capability and on-load/off-load release mechanism; and
    (2) Section 143.820 for survival craft, rescue boats, and their 
davits and winches.


Sec. 143.815  May a lifeboat built on or before [date one day before 
the effective date of the final rule.] that has a self-righting 
capability and an on-load/off-load release mechanism be used on any 
manned fixed facility?

    (a) Yes. A lifeboat built on or before [date one day before the 
effective date of the final rule.] may be used on any manned fixed 
facility and need not meet the requirements of Sec. 143.830, if it is 
modified to have a self-righting capability and an on-load/off-load 
release mechanism, not later than [date 2 years after the effective 
date of the final rule].
    (b) A facility with lifeboats that meet paragraph (a) of this 
section need not have a rescue boat, or a lifeboat meeting the 
requirements for rescue boats, as required in Sec. 143.826.


Sec. 143.820  What are the requirements for replacing survival craft, 
rescue boats, and their davits and winches that were on the facility on 
or before [date one day before the effective date of the final rule.]?

    (a) When a survival craft, or rescue boat, that is on a manned 
fixed facility on or before [date one day before the effective date of 
the final rule.] is replaced without replacing its davit and winch, the 
replacement survival craft or rescue boat need not meet the 
requirements of this subpart if it is accepted by the OCMI or approved 
by the Coast Guard under Secs. 143.810(a) or 143.815(a).
    (b) When both the davit and winch of a survival craft or rescue 
boat that is on a facility on or before [date one day before the 
effective date of the final rule.] are replaced without replacing the 
survival craft or rescue boat itself, the replacement davit and winch 
need not meet the requirements of this subpart if they are approved or 
accepted under Secs. 143.810(a) or 143.815(a).


Sec. 143.825  What survival craft and rescue boats may be used on a 
facility?

    Each survival craft on a manned fixed facility must be one of the 
following:
    (a) A lifeboat meeting the requirements of Sec. 143.830.
    (b) An inflatable life raft meeting the requirements of 
Sec. 143.832.
    (c) A rigid life raft meeting the requirements of Sec. 143.833.
    (d) A life float meeting the requirements of Sec. 143.835.
    (e) A rescue boat meeting the requirements of Sec. 143.841 and 
143.842.


Sec. 143.826  What type and how many survival craft and rescue boats 
must a facility have?

    (a) Except as under Sec. 143.827, each manned fixed facility must 
have at least the type and number of survival craft and the number of 
rescue boats indicated for the facility in table 143.826.
    (b) The following apply to table 143.826:
    (1) Lifeboats may be substituted for life rafts and life floats. 
Life rafts may be substituted for life floats.
    (2) The life floats and life rafts required for the category of 31 
or more persons must have a capacity so that, if the survival craft at 
any one location are lost or rendered unusable, there will be craft 
remaining with 100 percent capacity.
    (3) The capacity referred to in table 143.826 is the total number 
of persons on the facility at any one time, not including temporary 
personnel. See Sec. 143.828 for additional survival craft requirements 
when temporary personnel are on board.
    (4) A ``safe haven'' is another manned facility or a vessel capable 
of rescuing personnel.
    (5) The required lifeboats may be used as rescue boats if the 
lifeboats also meet the requirements for rescue boats in Sec. 143.842. 
See Sec. 143.815 for facilities with lifeboats built on or before [date 
one day before the effective date of the final rule].

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BILLING CODE 4910-15-C

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Sec. 143.827  When must facilities installed on the OCS on or 
before  [date one day before the effective date of the final rule.] 
have survival craft and rescue boats?

    Manned fixed facilities installed on the OCS on or before [date one 
day before the effective date of the final rule.] that are required to 
have survival craft and rescue boats must have them by [date 2 years 
after effective date of the final rule].


Sec. 143.828  What are the survival craft requirements for temporary 
personnel?

    (a) When temporary personnel under Sec. 143.1318(a) are on board a 
manned fixed facility and the compliment exceeds the capacity of the 
survival craft required under Sec. 143.826, the facility must have 
additional life rafts to ensure that the total capacity of the survival 
craft is not less than 200 percent of the personnel on board at any one 
time. Spaces in survival craft not used under Sec. 143.826 may be used 
by personnel occupying the temporary accommodations.
    (b) The life rafts required in paragraph (a) of this section need 
not meet the launching requirements of Secs. 143.832(b) or 143.833(b) 
but must meet the stowage requirements of 46 CFR 108.565.


Sec. 143.830  What are the requirements for lifeboats?

    (a) All lifeboats must be--
    (1) Totally-enclosed, fire-protected lifeboats approved under 
approval series 160.135; and
    (2) If the hull or canopy is of aluminum, protected in its stowage 
position by a water spray system meeting 46 CFR 34.25.
    (b) Each lifeboat must have at least the following provisions and 
equipment meeting 46 CFR 199.175(b):
    (1) Bailer.
    (2) Bilge pump.
    (3) Boathook.
    (4) Fire extinguisher.
    (5) First aid kit.
    (6) Flashlight.
    (7) Hatchet.
    (8) Heaving line.
    (9) Ladder.
    (10) Towline.
    (11) Drinking water; 2 liters per person.
    (12) Sea anchor.
    (13) Smoke signals; 2 required.
    (14) Signal, parachute flare; 4 required.
    (15) Tool kit.
    (16) Bucket.
    (17) Search light.
    (c) Except for boathooks, the equipment under paragraph (b) of this 
section must be securely stowed in the lifeboat.
    (d) Each lifeboat must have a list of the equipment it is required 
to carry under paragraph (b). The list must be posted in the lifeboat.
    (e) The manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and repair of 
the lifeboat required under Sec. 143.615(a) must be in the lifeboat or 
on the facility.


Sec. 143.831  What are the requirements for free-fall lifeboats?

    All free-fall lifeboats on a manned fixed facility must--
    (a) Be approved under approval series 160.135; and
    (b) Meet the requirements for MODU's in 46 CFR 108.557 for free-
fall lifeboat launching and recovery arrangements.


Sec. 143.832  What are the requirements for inflatable life rafts?

    (a) All inflatable life rafts on a facility must be approved under 
approval series 160.151.
    (b) Except as under Sec. 143.828(b), each inflatable life raft 
boarded from a deck that is more than 4.5 meters (14 feet 9 inches) 
above the water must be davit launched or served by a marine evacuation 
system meeting Sec. 143.834.


Sec. 143.833  What are the requirements for rigid life rafts?

    (a) All rigid life rafts on a manned fixed facility must be 
approved under approval series 160.118.
    (b) Except as under Sec. 143.828(b), each rigid life raft boarded 
from a deck that is more than 4.5 meters (14 feet 9 inches) above the 
water must be davit launched or served by a marine evacuation system 
meeting Sec. 143.834.


Sec. 143.834  What are the requirements for marine evacuation systems?

    All marine evacuation systems on a manned fixed facility must--
    (a) Be approved under approval series 160.175; and
    (b) Meet the launching arrangement requirements for MODU's in 46 
CFR 108.545.


Sec. 143.835  What are the requirements for life floats?

    (a) All life floats on a manned fixed facility must be approved by 
the Commandant (G-MSE-4) under 46 CFR part 160, subpart 160.027.
    (b) Each life float must have a painter--
    (1) That is at least 30 meters (100 feet) long, but not less than 
three times the distance between the deck where the life float is 
stowed and the waterline;
    (2) That has a breaking strength of at least 6.67 KiloNewtons 
(1,500 pounds) for life floats with a capacity of less than 50 persons 
and at least 13.34 KiloNewtons (3,000 pounds) for life floats with a 
capacity of 50 or more persons;
    (3) That is resistant to deterioration from ultraviolet light; and
    (4) That is stowed in such a way that the painter runs out freely 
when the life float floats away from the facility.
    (c) Each life float must have a floating, electric waterlight 
approved under approval series 161.010. You must attach the light to 
the life float by a lanyard of 12-thread manila, or a synthetic rope of 
equivalent strength, not less than 5.5 meters (18 feet) in length. You 
must mount the light on a bracket so that, when the life float is 
launched, the light will pull free of the bracket.
    (d) Each life float must have at least two buoyant paddles of not 
less than 1.2 meters (4 feet) in length. You must stow the paddles so 
that they are both readily accessible from all sides of the life float 
when it is in the water.


Sec. 143.836  What are the launching and recovery requirements for 
lifeboats?

    (a) Each conventional lifeboat must have a launching and recovery 
system that meets the requirements in 46 CFR 108.555.
    (b) Each free-fall lifeboat must have a launching and recovery 
system that meets the requirements in 46 CFR 108.557.


Sec. 143.837  What are the launching equipment requirements for 
inflatable life rafts and rigid life rafts?

    (a) Each inflatable life raft and rigid life raft not intended for 
davit launching must be capable of rapid deployment.
    (b) Each davit launchable life raft must have the following 
launching equipment at each launching station:
    (1) A launching device, davit and winch, approved by the Commandant 
(G-MSE-4) under approval series 160.163.
    (2) A mechanical disengaging apparatus approved by the Commandant 
(G-MSE-4) under approval series 160.170.
    (c) The launching equipment must be operative both from the life 
raft and from the facility.
    (d) Winch controls must be located so that the operator can observe 
the life raft launching.
    (e) The launching equipment must be arranged so that a loaded life 
raft does not have to be lifted before it is lowered.
    (f) Not more than two life rafts may be launched from the same set 
of launching equipment.


Sec. 143.840  How must survival craft be arranged?

    You must arrange survival craft so that they--

[[Page 68479]]

    (a) Are readily accessible in an emergency;
    (b) Are accessible for inspection, maintenance, and testing;
    (c) Are in locations clear of overboard discharge lines and 
obstructions below; and
    (d) Are separated on the facility so as to reduce the chance of a 
fire or other casualty immobilizing all of the survival craft.


Sec. 143.841  What are the approval and stowage requirements for rescue 
boats?

    (a) Rescue boats must be approved under approval series 160.156. A 
lifeboat is acceptable as a rescue boat if it also meets the 
requirements for a rescue boat under approval series 160.156.
    (b) The stowage of rescue boats must meet the requirements of 46 
CFR 108.565.


Sec. 143.842  What embarkation, launching, and recovery arrangements 
must rescue boats meet?

    (a) Each rescue boat must be capable of being launched in a current 
of up to 5 knots. A painter may be used to meet this requirement.
    (b) Each rescue boat embarkation and launching arrangement must 
permit the rescue boat to be boarded and launched in the shortest 
possible time.
    (c) If the rescue boat is one of the facility's survival craft, the 
rescue boat must also meet the following:
    (1) The rescue boat must meet the embarkation arrangement and 
launching station requirements of 46 CFR 108.540.
    (2) The rescue boat must meet the launching arrangement 
requirements of 46 CFR 108.550 and 108.557 and, if the launching 
arrangement uses falls and a winch, 46 CFR 108.553.
    (3) If the launching arrangement uses a single fall, the rescue 
boat may have an automatic disengaging apparatus approved under 
approval series 160.170, instead of a lifeboat release mechanism.
    (d) The rescue boat must be capable of being recovered rapidly when 
loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment. If a lifeboat 
is being used as a rescue boat, rapid recovery must be possible when 
loaded with its lifeboat equipment and a rescue boat's complement of at 
least six persons.
    (e) Each rescue boat launching appliance must be fitted with a 
powered winch motor.
    (f) Each rescue boat launching appliance must be capable of 
hoisting the rescue boat, when loaded with a rescue boat's full 
complement of persons and equipment, at a rate of not less than 0.3 
meters per second (59 feet per minute).
    (g) You may use an onboard crane to launch a rescue boat, if the 
crane's launching system meets the requirements of this section and the 
stowage of the rescue boat meets the requirements of 46 CFR 108.565.


Sec. 143.845  What are the requirements for lifejackets?

    (a) Each lifejacket must be approved by the Commandant (G-MSE-4) 
under approval series 160.002, 160.005, 160.055, 160.155, 160.176, or 
160.077.
    (b) Each lifejacket must have a lifejacket light approved under 
approval series 161.012 or 160.112. Each light must be securely 
attached to the front shoulder area of the lifejacket.
    (c) Each lifejacket must have a whistle permanently attached to the 
lifejacket by a cord.
    (d) Each lifejacket must be marked with Type I retro-reflective 
material approved under approval series 164.018. The arrangement of the 
retro-reflective material must comply with IMO Resolution A.658(16).


Sec. 143.846  How and where must lifejackets be stowed?

    (a) You must stow lifejackets in readily accessible places in or 
adjacent to accommodation spaces.
    (b) Lifejacket stowage containers and the spaces housing the 
containers must not be capable of being locked.
    (c) You must mark each lifejacket container or lifejacket stowage 
location with the words ``LIFEJACKETS'' in block letters and the 
quantity, identity, and size of the lifejackets stowed inside the 
containers or stowed at the location. The identification may be in 
words or with the appropriate symbol from IMO Resolution A.760(18).


Sec. 143.847  Must every person on the facility have a lifejacket?

    Yes, you must provide a lifejacket meeting the requirements of 
Sec. 143.845 for each person on a manned fixed facility.


Sec. 143.848  What additional lifejackets must I have?

    You must stow an additional lifejacket in a readily accessible 
location for each person on duty in a location where their lifejacket 
under Sec. 143.847 is not readily accessible.


Sec. 143.850  What are the requirements for ring life buoys?

    (a) Ring life buoys must be approved under approval series 160.050 
or 160.150. You may use ring life buoys approved under former 46 CFR 
part 160, subpart 160.009, as long as they are in good and serviceable 
condition.
    (b) Each ring life buoy must have a floating, electric waterlight 
approved under approval series 161.010. You must attach the light to 
the ring life buoy by a lanyard of 12-thread manila, or a synthetic 
rope of equivalent strength, not less than 0.9 meters (3 feet) nor more 
than 1.8 meters (6 feet) in length. You must mount the light on a 
bracket near the ring life buoy so that, when the ring life buoy is 
cast loose, the light will be pulled free of the bracket.
    (c) You must attach to each ring life buoy a buoyant line of 30 
meters (100 feet) in length, with a breaking strength of at least 5 
KiloNewtons (1,124 pounds) force. The end of the line must not be 
secured to the facility.
    (d) You must mark each ring life buoy with Type II retro-reflective 
material approved under approval series 164.018. The arrangement of the 
retro-reflective material must comply with IMO Resolution A.658(16).


Sec. 143.851  How many ring life buoys must be on each facility?

    There must be at least four approved ring life buoys on each manned 
fixed facility.


Sec. 143.852  Where must I locate ring life buoys and how must I stow 
them?

    (a) You must locate one ring life buoy on each side of the facility 
and one near each external stairway leading to the water. You may use 
one buoy to satisfy both these requirements.
    (b) You must stow each ring life buoy on or in a rack that is 
readily accessible in an emergency. The ring life buoy must not be 
permanently secured in any way to the rack or the facility.


Sec. 143.855  What are the requirements for first aid kits?

    (a) Each manned fixed facility must have an industrial first aid 
kit approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration of a size 
suitable for the maximum number of persons on the facility.
    (b) The first aid kit must be maintained in the medical treatment 
room required under Sec. 143.1321 or, if there is no medical treatment 
room, under the custody of the person in charge.
    (c) You must maintain with the first aid kit a copy of DHHS 
Publication No. (PHS) 84-2024, ``The Ship's Medicine Chest and Medical 
Aid at Sea,'' available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. 
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, or the ``American Red 
Cross First Aid and Safety Handbook,'' available from Little Brown and 
Company, 3 Center Plaza, Boston, MA 02108.

[[Page 68480]]

Sec. 143.860  What are the requirements for litters?

    Each manned fixed facility must have at least one Stokes litter or 
other suitable litter capable of being safely hoisted with an injured 
person. The litter must be readily accessible in an emergency.


Sec. 143.865  What emergency communications equipment must be on a 
manned fixed facility?

    Each manned fixed facility must have a radio, telephone, or other 
means of emergency communication with the shore, vessels, and 
facilities in the vicinity. This communication equipment must have an 
emergency power source as required by Sec. 143.1336.


Sec. 143.870  What are the immersion suit requirements?

    Each manned fixed facility located north of 32 degrees North 
latitude must comply with the immersion suit requirements applicable to 
MODU's under Sec. 145.210.


Sec. 143.875  What are the approval requirements for work vests?

    All work vests on a manned fixed facility must be of a buoyant type 
approved under--
    (a) Approval series 160.053; or
    (b) Approval series 160.077, as a commercial hybrid personal 
flotation device.


Sec. 143.876  How must I stow work vests?

    You must stow all work vests separately from lifejackets and in a 
location that is not easily confused with a storage area for 
lifejackets.


Sec. 143.877  How must I mark work vests?

    You must mark all work vests with Type II retro-reflective material 
approved under approval series 164.018. The arrangement of the retro-
reflective material must comply with IMO Resolution A.658(16).


Sec. 143.878  When may I substitute a work vest for a lifejacket?

    (a) You may use a work vest approved under Sec. 143.875 instead of 
a lifejacket when working near or over water.
    (b) You may not substitute work vests for any portion of the number 
of approved lifejackets required to be on the facility or an attending 
vessel for use during drills and emergencies.


Sec. 143.880  What are the requirements for hybrid personal flotation 
devices?

    (a) You must use and stow all commercial hybrid personal flotation 
devices (PFD's) used as work vests under--
    (1) The procedures in the manual required for these devices under 
46 CFR 160.077-29; and
    (2) All limitations, if any, marked on them.
    (b) All commercial hybrid PFD's on the facility must be of the same 
or similar design and must have the same method of operation.


Sec. 143.881  What are the requirements for inflatable lifejackets?

    (a) Each inflatable lifejacket must be approved by the Commandant 
(G-MSE-4) under approval series 160.176.
    (b) All inflatable lifejackets on a facility must be used and 
stowed under--
    (1) The procedures in the manual required for these lifejackets 
under 46 CFR 176.21; and
    (2) All limitations, if any, marked on them.
    (c) All inflatable lifejackets on a facility must be of the same or 
similar design and must have the same method of operation.


Sec. 143.885  What are the marking requirements for lifesaving 
equipment?

    (a) Each life float, lifeboat, rigid life raft, and survival 
capsule must be marked on two opposite outboard sides with the name, 
number, or other inscription identifying the facility on which placed 
and the number of persons permitted on the craft. Each paddle or oar 
for these craft must be marked with an inscription identifying the 
facility. The letters and numbers must be at least 100 millimeters (4 
inches) high on a contrasting background.
    (b) Each inflatable life raft must be marked to meet 46 CFR part 
160.151-33, and after each servicing, 46 CFR 160.151(m).
    (c) All lifejackets and ring life buoys must be conspicuously 
marked with the name, number, or other inscription identifying the 
facility on which placed. The letters and numbers must be at least 38 
millimeters (1.5 inches) high on a contrasting background. Lifejackets 
and ring life buoys that accompany mobile crews to unmanned facilities 
may be marked with the operator's name and field designation.

Subpart J--Lifesaving Equipment on Unmanned Fixed Facilities


Sec. 143.900  What does this subpart apply to?

    This subpart applies to unmanned fixed facilities.


Sec. 143.905  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart?

    The owner or operator must ensure that the requirements of this 
subpart are complied with on their facility.


Sec. 143.910  When are people prohibited from being on a facility?

    No person may be on a facility unless the requirements of this 
subpart are met.


Sec. 143.915  What are the requirements for lifejackets?

    (a) Except as under paragraph (b) of this section, each unmanned 
fixed facility must have at least one lifejacket meeting the 
requirements of Sec. 143.845 for each person on the facility. The 
lifejackets need be on the facility only when persons are on board.
    (b) During helicopter visits personnel who have aircraft type 
lifejackets may use them as an alternative to the requirements of 
paragraph (a) of this section.


Sec. 143.920  What are the requirements for ring life buoys?

    (a) Each unmanned fixed facility must have at least one ring life 
buoy meeting the requirements of Sec. 143.850 for every two persons on 
the facility, up to a maximum of four buoys.
    (b) If there is no space on the facility for the ring life buoys, 
they must be on a manned vessel located alongside of the facility while 
the persons are on the facility.


Sec. 143.925  What are the requirements for immersion suits?

    (a) Each unmanned fixed facility located North of 32 degrees North 
latitude must comply with the immersion suit requirements applicable to 
MODU's under Sec. 145.210. Except as under paragraph (b) of this 
section, the immersion suits need be on the facility only when persons 
are on board.
    (b) If an attending vessel is moored to the facility, the suits may 
be stowed on the vessel, instead of on the facility.

Subpart K--Fire-Fighting and Fire-Protection Equipment for Fixed 
Facilities


Sec. 143.1000  What does this subpart apply to?

    (a) This subpart applies to all fixed facilities on [date 2 years 
after effective date of the final rule].
    (b) A facility constructed before [date 2 years after effective 
date of the final rule] need not comply with this subpart until [date 2 
years after effective date of the final rule].

[[Page 68481]]

Sec. 143.1005  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart?

    The owner or operator must ensure that the requirements of this 
subpart are complied with on their facility.


Sec. 143.1010  What equipment must be approved by the Coast Guard?

    (a) Except as under paragraph (b) of this section, Secs. 143.1015, 
143.1055 (b) and (c), 143.1062(a), and 143.1063, all fire-fighting and 
fire-protection equipment on a unit, whether or not required to be on 
the unit, must be approved by the Coast Guard under this chapter or 
under 46 CFR chapter I for that item of equipment.
    (b) Fire-fighting and fire-protection equipment equivalent to 
equipment under paragraph (a) of this section may be used on the unit 
if the equipment is permitted under Sec. 143.30.


Sec. 143.1015  Can I use fire-fighting equipment for which there is no 
Coast Guard standard?

    Yes. You may use fire-fighting equipment for which there is no 
Coast Guard standard as excess equipment, but not as the primary fire-
fighting equipment, if the equipment does not endanger the facility or 
personnel in any way and it is maintained in good working condition.


Sec. 143.1020  How are fire extinguishers classified?

    (a) Portable and semiportable extinguishers on a manned fixed 
facility must be classified using the Coast Guard's marine rating 
system of combination letter and number symbol. The letter indicates 
the type of fire that the extinguisher is designed to extinguish, and 
the number indicates the relative size of the extinguisher.
    (b) The letter designations are as follows:
    (1) ``A'' for fires in ordinary combustible materials where the 
quenching and cooling effects of quantities of water, or solutions 
containing large percentages of water, are of first importance.
    (2) ``B'' for fires in flammable liquids, greases, or other thick 
flammable substances, where a blanketing effect is essential.
    (3) ``C'' for fires in electrical equipment where the use of a non-
conducting extinguishing agent is of first importance.
    (c) The number designations for size range from ``I'' for the 
smallest extinguisher to ``V'' for the largest. Sizes I and II are 
portable extinguishers. Sizes III, IV, and V are semiportable 
extinguishers which should be fitted with suitable hose and nozzle or 
other practicable means so that all portions of the space concerned may 
be covered. Examples of size graduations for some of the typical 
portable and semiportable extinguishers are set forth in table 
143.1020.
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Sec. 143.1025  What are the approval requirements for a fire 
extinguisher?

    All fire extinguishers must be of an approved type under 46 CFR 
part 162, subparts 162.028 and 162.039.


Sec. 143.1026  Must fire extinguishers be on the facility at all times?

    (a) On a manned fixed facility, the fire extinguishers required by 
Sec. 143.1030 must be on the facility at all times.
    (b) On an unmanned fixed facility, the fire extinguishers required 
by Sec. 143.1030 need be on the facility only when personnel are 
working on the facility more than 12 consecutive hours.


Sec. 143.1027  What are the name plate requirements for a fire 
extinguisher?

    All portable and semiportable extinguishers must have a durable, 
permanently attached nameplate giving the name of the item, its rated 
capacity in liters (gallons) or kilograms (pounds), the name and 
address of the person or firm for whom approved, and the identifying 
mark of the actual manufacturer.


Sec. 143.1028  What are the maintenance requirements for a fire 
extinguisher?

    All fire extinguishers must be maintained in good working order.


Sec. 143.1029  How many fire extinguishers do I need?

    For each particular location, you need the number of fire 
extinguishers required by table 143.1029.

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Sec. 143.1030  Where must a semiportable fire extinguisher be located?

    All semiportable fire extinguishers under table 143.1029 must be 
located in the open so as to be readily seen.


Sec. 143.1035  What are the requirements for fireman's outfits?

    (a) Each manned fixed facility with nine or more persons must have 
at least two fireman's outfits consisting of--
    (1) A self-contained breathing apparatus of the pressure-demand, 
open-circuit type, approved by the Mine Safety and Health 
Administration (MSHA) and by the National Institute for Occupational 
Safety and Health (NIOSH). Each one must have a minimum 30-minute air 
supply, full facepiece, and one spare charge. Fixed facilities 
constructed before November 23, 1992, may continue to use equipment 
previously approved under 46 CFR 160.011 as long as it is maintained in 
good condition to the satisfaction of the cognizant OCMI;
    (2) One three-cell, explosion proof flashlight with an 
Underwriter's Laboratories label and one set of spare batteries for the 
flashlight;
    (3) One oxygen and explosive meter with an Underwriter's 
Laboratories label or Factory Mutual label;
    (4) One pair of boots and gloves made of rubber or other 
electrically non-conductive material;
    (5) One helmet meeting ANSI Z89.1-1997;
    (6) Clothing that protects the skin from heat and scalding steam 
and that has a water resistant outer surface; and
    (7) One lifeline that--
    (i) Is attached to the self-contained breathing apparatus;
    (ii) Is made of bronze wire rope, inherently corrosion resistant 
steel wire rope, or galvanized or tinned steel wire rope;
    (iii) Is long enough to permit use of the outfit in any location on 
the facility;
    (iv) Is fitted on each end with a hook having a 16 millimeter (\5/
8\ inch) throat opening for the keeper; and
    (v) Has a minimum breaking strength of 68 kilograms (1,500 pounds).
    (b) The person in charge must ensure that--
    (1) At least two people trained in the use of fireman's outfits are 
on the facility at all times;
    (2) Each fireman's outfit and its spare equipment is stowed 
together in a readily accessible container or locker; that no more than 
one outfit is stowed in the same container or locker; and
    (3) Fireman's outfits are not used for any purpose other than fire 
fighting.


Sec. 143.1040  How many fire axes do I need?

    Each manned fixed facility must have at least two fire axes.


Sec. 143.1045  On a manned fixed facility, what spaces require a fixed 
fire-extinguishing system?

    The following spaces or systems on a manned fixed facility must be 
protected by an approved fixed-gaseous, or other approved fixed-type, 
extinguishing system:
    (a) Paint lockers of capacity in excess of 57 cubic meters (200 
cubic feet) and similar spaces containing flammable liquids.
    (b) Galley range or deep fat fryer.
    (c) Each enclosed space containing internal combustion or gas 
turbine machinery, with an aggregate power of more than 1,000 B.H.P., 
and any associated fuel oil units, purifiers, valves, or manifolds.


Sec. 143.1050  What are the requirements for a fire detection and alarm 
system?

    (a) All accommodation and service spaces on a manned fixed facility 
must have an automatic fire detection and alarm system.
    (b) Sleeping quarters must be fitted with smoke detectors that have 
local alarms and that may or may not be connected to the central alarm 
panel.
    (c) Each fire detection and fire alarm system must:
    (1) Be designed to comply with API RP 14G, section 4.
    (2) Be installed to comply with API RP 14C and NFPA 72.
    (3) Have a visual alarm and an audible alarm at a normally manned 
area.
    (4) Be divided into zones to limit the area covered by a particular 
alarm signal.


Sec. 143.1055  What are the requirements for a fire main on a manned 
fixed facility?

    (a) Each manned fixed facility must have a fire main system 
protecting accommodation spaces, accommodation modules, control spaces, 
and other areas not covered by Minerals Management Service (MMS) 
regulations under 30 CFR 250.123(b)(8). The hose system must be capable 
of reaching all parts of these spaces without difficulty.
    (b) The fire main system under paragraph (a) of this section may be 
part of the firewater system required by MMS regulations under 30 CFR 
250.123(b)(8)(i).
    (c) If the accommodation fire main is part of the MMS firewater 
system, as permitted under paragraph (b) of this section, the fire main 
system design and hardware must meet the MMS requirements of 30 CFR 
250.123(b)(8) and API RP 14G, subsection 5.2. If an independent fire 
main is installed, the fire main system design and hardware must comply 
with the MODU regulations for fire mains in 46 CFR 108.415 through 
108.425.


Sec. 143.1060  What fire-fighting equipment must a helicopter landing 
deck on a manned fixed facility have?

    Each helicopter landing deck on a manned fixed facility must have 
the following:
    (a) A fire hydrant and hose located near each stairway access to 
the landing deck. If the landing deck has more than two stairway 
accesses, only two stairway accesses need to have a fire hydrant and 
hose. The fire hydrants must be part of the fire main system.
    (b) Portable fire extinguishers in the quantity and location as 
required in table 143.1029.


Sec. 143.1061  What fire-protection system must a helicopter fueling 
facility have?

    In addition to the portable fire extinguishers required under table 
143.1029, each helicopter fueling facility must have a fire-protection 
system capable of delivering, to the fuel containment area, one of the 
following fire-fighting agents at the rates prescribed for the agent:
    (a) Protein foam at the rate of at least 6.52 liters per minute for 
each square meter (0.16 gallon per minute for each square foot) of the 
area for 5 minutes.
    (b) Aqueous film forming foam at the rate of at least 4.07 liters 
per minute for each square meter (0.1 gallon per minute for each square 
foot) of the area for 5 minutes.
    (c) Twenty-two and a half kilograms (50 pounds) of dry chemical (B-
V semiportable) for each 28 square meters (300 square feet) or less of 
the area.


Sec. 143.1062  Can the water supply for the helicopter deck fire-
protection system be part of the MMS firewater system?

    (a) The water supply for the helicopter deck fire-protection system 
required under Secs. 143.1060 or 143.1061 may be part of--
    (1) The MMS firewater system under 30 CFR 250.123(b)(8); or
    (2) If installed, an independent accommodation fire main system 
under Sec. 143.1055.
    (b) If the water supply for the helicopter deck fire-protection 
system is part of the MMS firemain system, the piping design and 
hardware must be compatible with the MMS system.
    (c) If the water supply for the helicopter deck fire-protection 
system is part of an independent accommodation fire main system, the 
piping design and hardware must be compatible with the system and must 
comply with the

[[Page 68485]]

requirements for fire mains in 46 CFR 108.415 through 108.425.


Sec. 143.1063  Does an existing helicopter deck fire-protection system 
have to be Coast Guard approved?

    No. A helicopter deck fire-protection system on a fixed facility on 
[date 2 years after effective date of final rule] may continue in use 
without having Coast Guard equipment approval, if the system meets 
Secs. 143.1060 and 143.1061.

Subpart L--Systems Fire Protection for Fixed Facilities


Sec. 143.1100  What does this subpart apply to?

    This subpart applies to the following:
    (a) Each fixed facility that--
    (1) Was contracted for, or the construction of which began, on or 
after [effective date of final rule.];
    (2) Underwent a major conversion that began on or after [effective 
date of final rule.]; or
    (3) Was relocated to another OCS location on or after [effective 
date of final rule.].
    (b) When on a facility under paragraph (a)(1) of this section--
    (1) Each accommodation module;
    (2) Each temporary accommodation module; or
    (3) Each accommodation module that is part of a drilling/workover 
rig package.


Sec. 143.1105  What doesn't this subpart apply to?

    This subpart doesn't apply to the following:
    (a) Each fixed facility that--
    (1) Was contracted for, or the construction of which began, before 
[effective date of final rule.];
    (2) Underwent a major conversion that began before [effective date 
of final rule.]; or
    (3) Was relocated to another OCS location before [effective date of 
final rule.].
    (b) When on a facility under paragraph (a)(1) of this section--
    (1) Each accommodation module;
    (2) Each temporary accommodation module; or


Sec. 143.1110  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart?

    The owner or operator must ensure that the requirements of this 
subpart are complied with on their fixed facility.


Sec. 143.1115  What are the requirements for systems fire protection in 
accommodation spaces and modules?

    (a) Except as under Sec. 143.1120, the systems fire protection 
requirements for accommodation spaces, accommodation modules, temporary 
accommodation modules, and accommodation modules that are part of a 
drilling/workover rig package are listed in table 143.1115(f). These 
requirements in the table do not apply to facilities and modules under 
Sec. 143.1105.
    (b) Accommodation spaces, accommodation modules, temporary 
accommodation modules, and accommodation modules that are part of a 
drilling/workover rig package for more than 16 persons must be treated 
as new dormitories under chapter 16 of NFPA 101 and meet chapters 16 
and 32 of NFPA 101, except as follows:
    (1) In the case where fire detection and alarm systems are required 
by chapter 16 of NFPA 101, then the requirements of Sec. 143.1050 do 
not apply.
    (2) Section 21-2.2.3(c) of chapter 21 of NFPA 101, as referenced in 
chapter 16 of NFPA 101, does not apply.
    (c) Accommodation spaces, accommodation modules, temporary 
accommodation modules, and accommodation modules that are part of a 
drilling/workover rig package for 16 or fewer persons must be treated 
as new lodging or rooming houses under chapter 20 of NFPA 101 and meet 
chapters 20 and 31 of NFPA 101, except as follows:
    (1) In the case where fire detection and alarm systems are required 
by chapter 20 of NFPA 101, then the requirements of Sec. 143.1050 do 
not apply.
    (2) Section 21-2.2.3(c) of chapter 21 of NFPA 101, as referenced in 
chapter 20 of NFPA 101, does not apply.
    (d) Where an independent fire wall is required by table 
143.1115(f), it must be constructed and installed so as to be of 
sufficient size and orientation to protect the exterior surfaces of the 
spaces or modules from extreme radiant heat flux levels. The wall must 
have a structural core of flat steel plate that is suitably stiffened 
and protected so as to meet the conditions of acceptance for a 60-
minute exposure for test method C (Tests of Fire-Containment Capability 
of Walls) of ASTM E 1529.
    (e) The berth capacity in table 143.1115(f) refers to the number of 
berths within a single accommodation space or module. Multiple 
independent installations of spaces or modules with berth capacities of 
16 or less are allowed to independently meet the fire-protection 
requirements in table 143.1115(f) if--
    (1) The accommodation spaces or modules are not structurally 
connected;
    (2) Each accommodation space or module has independent access to 
open decks or walkways; and
    (3) Each space or module includes an HVAC system that services only 
that respective space or module.
    (f) The systems fire protection requirements for accommodation 
spaces, accommodation modules, temporary accommodation modules and 
accommodation modules that are part of a platform or workover package 
are contained in the following table.

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Sec. 143.1120  What alternative systems fire protection requirements 
may I meet?

    Accommodation spaces, accommodation modules, temporary 
accommodation modules, and accommodation modules that are part of a 
drilling/workover rig package may meet the requirements for structural 
fire protection in 46 CFR part 108, subpart B, instead of in 
Sec. 143.1115. However, the exterior boundaries of superstructures and 
deckhouses enclosing these spaces and modules, including overhanging 
decks, if any, that support these spaces and modules, must be 
constructed to the A-60 standard (as defined in 46 CFR 108.131(b)(1)) 
for the whole or portion of the boundaries that faces, and is within 30 
meters (100 feet) of, the platform hydrocarbon source.


Sec. 143.1125  How must accommodation spaces and modules be designed 
and located to protect personnel in case of fire?

    Accommodation spaces, accommodation modules, temporary 
accommodation modules, and accommodation modules that are part of a 
drilling/workover rig package, must be designed and located so as to--
    (a) Minimize the effects of flames, excess heat, or blast effects 
caused by fires, blowouts, and explosions; and
    (b) Provide safe refuge from fires, blowouts, and explosions for 
personnel for the minimum time necessary to evacuate the space under 
the Emergency Evacuation Plan under subpart D of this part.


Sec. 143.1130  What special shut-down features must a ventilation 
system for an accommodation space and service space be provided with?

    The ventilation system in an accommodation space, an accommodation 
module, a temporary accommodation module, an accommodation module that 
is part of a drilling/workover rig package, and a service space must 
have--
    (a) A means of shutting down the system; and
    (b) An alarm at a manned location that sounds when flammable gases, 
smoke, hydrogen sulfide or other hazardous or toxic substances is in 
the system.


Sec. 143.1135  What are the fire-protection requirements for escape 
routes?

    At least one escape route from an accommodation space, 
accommodation module, temporary accommodation module, and accommodation 
module that is part of a drilling/workover rig package to a primary 
means of escape under Secs. 143.1220 and 143.1221, must provide 
adequate protection for escaping personnel from fires, blowouts, and 
explosions.

Subpart M--Design and Equipment for All Fixed Facilities

General


Sec. 143.1200  What does this subpart apply to?

    This subpart applies to all fixed facilities.


Sec. 143.1205  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart?

    The owner or operator must ensure that the requirements of this 
subpart are complied with on their facility.

Aids to Navigation


Sec. 143.1210  What are the requirements for obstruction lights and 
warning devices?

    All fixed facilities must meet the requirements for obstruction 
lights and warning devices in part 67 of this chapter.

General Alarm System


Sec. 143.1215  What facilities must have one?

    Each manned fixed facility and each unmanned fixed facility that 
has temporary personnel berthed in temporary accommodation modules or 
accommodation modules that are part of a drilling/workover rig package 
must have a general alarm system capable of signaling personnel to go 
to the emergency stations assigned under Sec. 143.215 and to abandon 
the facility.


Sec. 143.1216  What are the signals?

    (a) The signal to go to emergency stations must be a series of 
intermittent sounds, each sound with a duration of not less than 10 
seconds.
    (b) The signal to abandon the facility must be a continuous sound.


Sec. 143.1217  What must it consist of?

    (a) A general alarm system must be an electrically-operated bell, 
klaxon, or other warning device capable of producing the signals under 
Sec. 143.1216.
    (b) The signals produced must be audible throughout the facility 
and must be distinct from other audible signals on the facility.
    (c) A visual alarm in the form of a rotating red light may be 
required in areas of high noise levels, to comply with the requirements 
of Sec. 143.1236.
    (d) The system hardware must be Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 
listed, Factory Mutual (F.M.) listed, or Coast Guard approved.


Sec. 143.1218  What signs are required?

    (a) Each audible alarm activator for the system must be marked with 
at least the words ``GENERAL ALARM'' in red letters at least 25 
millimeters (one inch) high on a contrasting background.
    (b) A sign bearing at least the legend ``GENERAL ALARM--WHEN BELL 
RINGS GO TO YOUR STATION'' in red letters at least 25 millimeters (one 
inch) high on a contrasting background must be posted near each bell or 
audible alarm sounding device on the system. If the sounding device is 
not a bell, you may replace the words ``BELL'' and ``RINGS'' with words 
that more accurately describes the device.

Means of Escape


Sec. 143.1220  What means of escape are required?

    (a) Each facility must have the primary and secondary means of 
escape required in Secs. 143.1222 or 143.1223 for use in evacuating the 
facility.
    (b) A primary means of escape consists of a fixed stairway, or a 
fixed ladder, constructed of steel.
    (c) A secondary means of escape consists of a marine evacuation 
system, a portable flexible ladder, a knotted man rope, or a similar 
device determined by the OCMI to provide an equivalent or better means 
of escape.
    (d) Where a secondary means of escape is required, a primary means 
of escape may be substituted.


Sec. 143.1221  Where must they be located?

    (a) Each means of escape required in Secs. 143.1222 or 143.1223 
must be easily accessible to personnel for rapidly evacuating the 
facility.
    (b) When two or more means of escape are installed, at least two 
must be located as nearly diagonally opposite each other as 
practicable.
    (c) The following spaces with a floor area of 28 square meters (300 
square feet) or more must have at least two exits as widely spaced as 
possible:
    (1) Each accommodation space.
    (2) Each space that is used on a regular basis, such as a control 
room, machinery room, store room, or other space where personnel could 
be trapped in an emergency.


Sec. 143.1222  How many means of escape are required for manned fixed 
facilities?

    (a) Each manned fixed facility and each structural appendage, other 
than one under paragraph (b) of this section, must have at least two 
primary means of escape.
    (b) Structural appendages to the facility that do not have living 
quarters, workshops, offices, or other manned spaces and that personnel 
do not occupy continuously must have at least one primary means of 
escape and, as determined necessary by the OCMI, one or more secondary 
means of escape.

[[Page 68488]]

    (c) Each means of escape under paragraph (a) or (b) of this section 
must extend from the facility's uppermost level that contains living 
quarters (living level) or that personnel occupy continuously (working 
level), to each successively lower living or working level, and so on 
to the water surface.


Sec. 143.1223  How many means of escape are required for unmanned fixed 
facilities?

    (a) Each unmanned fixed facility must have at least one primary 
means of escape.
    (b) When personnel are on an unmanned facility, the facility must 
have, in addition to the one primary means of escape in paragraph (a) 
of this section, either--
    (1) Another primary means of escape; or
    (2) One or more secondary means of escape for every 10 persons on 
board at any one time.
    (c) Structural appendages to an unmanned facility do not require a 
primary or a secondary means of escape, unless the OCMI determines that 
one or more are necessary.
    (d) Each means of escape under paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of this 
section must extend from the facility's uppermost working level, to 
each successively lower working level, and so on to the water surface.

Personnel Landings


Sec. 143.1225  What are the requirements for personnel landings on 
manned fixed facilities?

    (a) Each manned fixed facility must have at least two personnel 
landings for safe access to and from the facility. The OCMI may 
determine that additional landings are necessary to provide safe access 
during adverse weather or emergencies.
    (b) Each personnel landing must be lighted so that at least one-
foot candle of light can be measured at the landing floor and at the 
guardrails.

Guardrails and Similar Devices


Sec. 143.1230  What are the requirements for catwalks, floors, and 
openings?

    (a) The unprotected perimeter of all catwalks, floor or deck areas, 
and openings must be rimmed with guardrails, or wire mesh fences, at 
least 107 centimeters (42 inches) high.
    (b) This section does not apply to catwalks, floor or deck areas, 
and openings--
    (1) In areas not normally occupied by personnel; or
    (2) On helicopter landing decks.
    (c) If guardrails are used--
    (1) They must have at least three courses of rails;
    (2) The two intermediate courses must be approximately evenly 
spaced between the top course and the floor or deck area; and
    (3) If a toe board is installed, one of the intermediate courses 
may be omitted and the other course placed approximately half way 
between the top of the toe board and the top course.


Sec. 143.1231  What are the requirements for stairways?

    Stairways must have at least two courses of rails. The top course 
must serve as a handrail and be at least 86 centimeters (34 inches) 
above the tread.


Sec. 143.1232  What are the requirements for a helicopter landing deck 
safety net?

    The unprotected perimeter of a helicopter landing deck must be 
protected with a safety net at least 1.5 meters (4.92 feet) wide. The 
outer edge of the net must not extend more than 15 centimeters (6 
inches) above the surface of the deck.

Noise Limits


Sec. 143.1235  What are the noise limits for accommodation spaces?

    On facilities constructed after [effective date of final rule.], 
each of the following accommodation spaces must be designed to limit 
the noise within the spaces to the following levels:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             Space                                 dbA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sleeping spaces and medical treatment rooms....................       60
Mess rooms.....................................................       65
Offices........................................................       65
Recreation rooms...............................................       65
Open recreation areas..........................................       75
Galleys, without food processing equipment operating...........       75
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec. 143.1236  What are the noise limits for working spaces and other 
areas?

    On fixed facilities constructed after [Insert effective date of 
final rule.], working spaces and other areas routinely used by 
personnel, other than accommodation spaces, must be designed to limit 
the noise level in those areas so that personnel wearing hearing 
protectors may hear warning and emergency alarms. If this is not 
practicable and warning and emergency alarms can not be heard, visual 
alarms in addition to the audible alarms must be installed. The visual 
alarms must comply with Sec. 143.1217(c).

Subpart N--Design and Equipment for Certain Fixed Facilities


Sec. 143.1300  What does this subpart apply to?

    This subpart applies to the following:
    (a) Each fixed facility that--
    (1) Was contracted for, or the construction of which began, on or 
after [effective date of final rule.];
    (2) Underwent a major conversion that began on or after [effective 
date of final rule.]; or
    (3) Was relocated to another OCS location on or after [effective 
date of final rule.].
    (b) When used on a facility under paragraph (a)(1)of this section--
    (1) Each accommodation module;
    (2) Each temporary accommodation module; and
    (3) Each accommodation module that is part of a drilling/workover 
rig package.


Sec. 143.1305  What doesn't this subpart apply to?

    This subpart doesn't apply to the following:
    (a) Each fixed facility that--
    (1) Was contracted for, or the construction of which began, before 
[effective date of final rule.];
    (2) Underwent a major conversion that began before [effective date 
of final rule.]; or
    (3) Was relocated to another OCS location before [effective date of 
final rule.].
    (b) When on a facility under paragraph (a)(1) of this section--
    (1) Each accommodation module;
    (2) Each temporary accommodation module; or
    (3) Each accommodation module that is part of a drilling/workover 
rig package.


Sec. 143.1310  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart?

    The owner or operator must ensure that the requirements of this 
subpart are complied with on their facility.

Accommodation Spaces: Manned Fixed Facilities


Sec. 143.1315  What are the requirements for accommodation spaces 
within accommodation modules and temporary accommodation modules?

    Each accommodation space within an accommodation module, temporary 
accommodation module, or an accommodation module that is part of a 
drilling/workover rig package on a manned fixed facility must meet the 
requirements in this subpart for that type of space, except as under 
Sec. 143.1318 for sleeping spaces in temporary accommodation modules 
and accommodation modules that are part of a drilling/workover rig 
package.


Sec. 143.1316  How must I design the opening into an accommodation 
space?

    Each access or opening on a manned fixed facility between an

[[Page 68489]]

accommodation space and a space for stowage or industrial machinery 
systems must have a solid, close-fitting door or hatch, except for 
accesses and openings to air condition or heat spaces.


Sec. 143.1317  What are the requirements for sleeping spaces on fixed 
facilities and accommodation modules?

    (a) This section applies to sleeping spaces on manned fixed 
facilities, including sleeping spaces in accommodation modules. This 
section does not apply to sleeping spaces in temporary accommodation 
modules or in accommodation modules that are part of a drilling/
workover rig package.
    (b) Each sleeping space may berth no more than six occupants.
    (c) Each occupant in a sleeping space must have a separate berth.
    (d) Provide separate sleeping spaces for men and women, when both 
are employed on the facility.
    (e) Each sleeping space must have at least 2.8 square meters (30 
square feet) of deck area and 6 cubic meters (210 cubic feet) of volume 
for each occupant, including the space for equipment used by the 
occupant.
    (f) Place no more than one berth over another.
    (g) Each sleeping space must have a locker for each occupant. The 
locker must be accessible to the occupant and made of a hard, smooth 
material.
    (h) Design each berth and locker to minimize areas that may harbor 
vermin.
    (i) Arrange each berth to provide ample room for easy occupancy.
    (j) Design each sleeping space so that there is a headroom of at 
least 191 centimeters (6 feet 3 inches).


Sec. 143.1318  What are the requirements for sleeping spaces on 
temporary accommodation modules and accommodation modules that are part 
of a drilling/workover rig package?

    (a) On manned fixed facilities, temporary accommodation modules and 
accommodation modules that are part of a drilling/workover rig package 
may be used only by personnel not regularly employed on the facility.
    (b) Each sleeping space may berth no more than eight persons.
    (c) Each sleeping space must meet the requirements in Sec. 143.1317 
(b) through (j).


Sec. 143.1319  What are the toilet, washing, and shower space 
requirements?

    (a) Each manned fixed facility must have at least one toilet, one 
shower, and one washbasin for each eight persons berthed on the 
facility, including those berthed in accommodation modules, temporary 
accommodation modules, and accommodation modules that are part of a 
drilling/workover rig package. When both men and women are employed on 
the facility, they must have separate toilet, washing, and shower 
spaces.
    (b) Toilet and washing facilities intended to service sleeping 
spaces must be convenient to those spaces.
    (c) Toilet facilities must not be located in sleeping spaces.
    (d) Each washing space and each toilet space must be constructed 
and arranged so that they can be kept clean and sanitary and the 
plumbing and mechanical appliances can be maintained in good working 
order.


Sec. 143.1320  What are the messroom seating space requirements?

    (a) Each manned fixed facility must have at least one messroom.
    (b) Each messroom or combination of messrooms must have space to 
seat at least one third of the total occupants on the facility at one 
time, including those in accommodation modules, temporary accommodation 
modules, and accommodation modules that are part of a drilling/workover 
rig package.


Sec. 143.1321  What are the medical treatment room requirements?

    Each manned fixed facility with sleeping spaces for 12 or more 
persons, including persons in accommodation modules, temporary 
accommodation modules, and accommodation modules that are part of a 
drilling/workover rig package must have a medical treatment room. The 
room must have--
    (a) A sign at the entrance designating it as a medical treatment 
room;
    (b) An entrance that is wide enough and arranged to readily admit a 
person on a litter;
    (c) A single berth or examination table that is accessible from 
both sides; and
    (d) A washbasin located in the room.


Sec. 143.1322  Can I use a medical treatment room for other purposes?

    Yes, you may use a medical treatment room as a sleeping space if 
the room meets the requirements of this subpart for both medical 
treatment rooms and sleeping spaces. You may also use it as an office. 
However, when the room is being used for medical purposes, it may not 
be used as a sleeping space or office.


Sec. 143.1323  What are the laundry room requirements?

    On each manned fixed facility, a laundry room must be provided with 
one clothes washing machine and one clothes drying machine for each 25 
persons berthed on the facility, including those berthed in 
accommodation modules, temporary accommodation modules, and 
accommodation modules that are part of a drilling/workover rig package. 
You may provide a laundry service instead of the washing and drying 
machine.

Heating


Sec. 143.1325  What are the heating system requirements?

    (a) Each accommodation space on a manned fixed facility, including 
those spaces in accommodation modules, temporary accommodation modules, 
and accommodation modules that are part of a drilling/workover rig 
package, must be heated by a heating system capable of maintaining the 
temperature in the space at or above 20 deg.C (68 deg.F).
    (b) Construct, locate, or shield radiators and other heating 
devices to avoid the risk of fire and the risk of harm or discomfort to 
the occupants of the accommodation spaces.

Water


Sec. 143.1330  What are the potable water system requirements?

    (a) Potable water on a fixed facility must meet the standards for 
primary drinking water in 40 CFR part 141.
    (b) The methods for delivering potable water and the sanitary 
conditions surrounding the delivery must prevent the introduction, 
transmission, or spread of communicable diseases.
    (c) Potable water systems must meet 21 CFR 1250.3, 1250.82, 
1250.83, 1250.84, 1250.85, and 1250.86 for sanitation facilities and 
conditions on vessels.


Sec. 143.1331  What are the wash water system requirements?

    Wash water systems on a fixed facility must meet 21 CFR 1250.3 and 
1250.87 for wash water systems on vessels.


Sec. 143.1332  What are the sanitary water system requirements?

    (a) All sanitary water systems on a fixed facility must be 
independent of potable water and wash water systems. All faucets on a 
sanitary water system must be clearly and permanently labeled with at 
least the words ``UNFIT FOR DRINKING.''
    (b) Salt water used in a sanitary water system must be drawn from 
the area least likely to be contaminated or polluted.
    (c) Sanitary outlets must not be located in a medical treatment 
room or in a space where food is stored, prepared or served, except for 
flushing of toilets and sinks.

[[Page 68490]]

Lighting


Sec. 143.1335  What are the lighting requirements?

    (a) Accommodation spaces. Each accommodation space on a manned 
fixed facility, including those spaces in accommodation modules, 
temporary accommodation modules, and accommodation modules that are 
part of a drilling/workover rig package, must be lighted throughout the 
portions of the space normally occupied by personnel to at least the 
minimum level of illumination specified in API RP 14F, section 9, table 
9-1. The lighting system must be designed and installed in accordance 
with API RP 14F, section 9.
    (b) Illuminated exit signs. Illuminated or luminescent signs with 
the word ``EXIT'' in letters at least 50 millimeters (2 inches) high 
must be installed throughout the facility to clearly indicate the 
direction of escape to a deck open to the outside. The signs must be 
located so that the entire escape route is obvious. Exit signs are not 
required in machinery spaces, stowage spaces, and other spaces where 
personnel normally are not working. An individual cabin or other 
similarly-sized small room is not required to have an exit sign, if the 
passageways to the room have exit signs indicating the escape route.
    (c) Lighting of survival craft and their launching areas. Each 
manned facility must have lights that illuminate lifeboats and life 
rafts, their launching devices, stowage areas, and launching areas, and 
the areas between their stowage areas and the water. These lights must 
have an alternative source of power or independently-powered backup 
lights must be provided.


Sec. 143.1336  What are the emergency lighting and power requirements 
on a manned fixed facility?

    (a) Each manned fixed facility must have a general emergency 
lighting and power source, or a separate emergency lighting and power 
source, for use in emergencies that is separate from the main power 
source and that is capable of providing emergency power to the 
following:
    (1) Navigation lights, if powered by the main electric power.
    (2) Lights throughout machinery spaces that are essential for 
emergency operations or restoring the main power system.
    (3) Lights for passageways, stairways, and escape trunks in 
accommodation spaces, for public spaces, for machinery spaces, and for 
work spaces.
    (4) Illuminated ``EXIT'' signs.
    (5) Lights for lifeboat and life raft launching areas, embarkation 
decks, and personnel assembly points.
    (6) Smoke detection systems required by Sec. 143.1050(b).
    (7) Fire detection systems required by Sec. 143.1050(a).
    (8) Gas detection systems required by 30 CFR 250.123(b)(9).
    (9) General alarm system.
    (10) Helicopter landing lights.
    (11) Emergency communication equipment required by Sec. 143.865.
    (b) Additional emergency loads needed for the safety of personnel 
or of the facility may be added if the emergency power source is sized 
to handle the total connected loads.
    (c) Each emergency lighting and power source must come into 
operation automatically whenever the main power supply fails. If the 
emergency source of power is a generator, the generator's engine must 
be capable of being started independently of the automatic mechanism.
    (d) Each emergency power source must be capable of providing power 
for at least 2 hours to the lights listed in paragraphs (a)(2) through 
(a)(5) and (a)(10) of this section, and 8 hours to the systems in 
subparagraph (a)(1), (a)(6) through (a)(9) and (a)(11) of this section 
that the source powers.
    (e) Each emergency power source must be designed and installed in 
accordance with section 9.4 of API RP 14F, the NFPA NEC, and API RP 
500.
    (f) Each emergency power source must consist either of batteries, 
fuel cells, or of a generator powered by a compression-ignition engine 
or a gas turbine.
    (g) All batteries, fuel cells, generator sets and associated fuel 
tanks, and other generating equipment must be located--
    (1) In a room with a door to the open air that is outside of a 
hazardous area; or
    (2) On an open deck surrounded by a weather-proof enclosure.

Stairways and Ladders


Sec. 143.1340  What are the stairway requirements?

    (a) Each stairway, except a stairway in a drilling or production 
equipment space or a machinery or storage space, and each exterior 
inclined ladder must be at least 70 centimeters (28 inches) wide with 
an angle of inclination from the horizontal of not more than 50 
degrees.
    (b) The treads on the stairways must have nosings. Welded-bar-
grating treads need not have nosings if the leading edge of each tread 
can be identified readily as the leading edge by personnel descending 
the stairway.
    (c) Treads and nosings must be slip-resistant.


Sec. 143.1341  What are the vertical ladder requirements?

    (a) Each fixed vertical ladder must have rungs that are--
    (1) At least 41 centimeters (16 inches) in width;
    (2) Not more than 30 centimeters (12 inches) apart and spaced 
uniformly throughout the length of the ladder; and
    (3) At least 18 centimeters (7 inches) from the nearest permanent 
object in back of the ladder.
    (b) Each exterior fixed vertical ladder more than 6 meters (20 
feet) long must be fitted with a cage or a ladder safety device meeting 
sections 6 and 7 of ANSI A14.3-1992.
    (c) For embarkation ladders, the following apply:
    (1) Cages must have an opening on one side at least 50 centimeters 
(20 inches) wide for the full length of the ladder.
    (2) Cages must be omitted from the portion of the ladder that 
extends from the still waterline up to 9.15 meters (30 feet) above the 
still waterline.
    (d) Fixed vertical ladders must be made of a material other than 
wood.

Subpart O--Certification of Fixed Facilities


Sec. 143.1400  What does this subpart apply to?

    This subpart applies to the following:
    (a) Each fixed facility that--
    (1) Was contracted for, or the construction of which began, on or 
after [effective date of final rule.];
    (2) Underwent a major conversion that began on or after [effective 
date of final rule.]; or
    (3) Was relocated to another OCS location on or after [effective 
date of final rule].
    (b) When on a facility under paragraph (a)(1) of this section--
    (1) Each accommodation module;
    (2) Each temporary accommodation module; or
    (3) Each accommodation module that is part of a drilling/workover 
rig package.


Sec. 143.1405  What doesn't this subpart apply to?

    This subpart doesn't apply to the following:
    (a) Each fixed facility that--
    (1) Was contracted for, or the construction of which began, before 
[effective date of final rule.];
    (2) Underwent a major conversion that began before [effective date 
of final rule.]; or

[[Page 68491]]

    (3) Was relocated to another OCS location before [effective date of 
final rule.].
    (b) When used on a facility under paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section----
    (1) Each accommodation module;
    (2) Each temporary accommodation module; or
    (3) Each accommodation module that is part of a drilling/workover 
rig package.

Letter of certification


Sec. 143.1410  As owner or operator, what must I do before my facility 
may engage in OCS activities?

    (a) Before starting to install a fixed facility on the OCS, the 
owner or operator of the facility must submit a letter of certification 
to the OCMI where the facility is to be located. The letter must be 
signed by a registered professional engineer or registered architect, 
certifying that the facility has been designed in accordance with the 
applicable provisions in subparts I (Lifesaving Equipment on Manned 
Facilities), J (Lifesaving Equipment on Unmanned Facilities), K (Fire-
fighting and Fire-protection Equipment), L (Systems Fire Protection), M 
(Design and Equipment: For All Facilities), and N (Design and 
Equipment: For New, Converted, or Relocated Facilities).
    (b) All drawings, calculations, diagrams, and specifications 
relating to the items prescribed by subpart N must be submitted with 
the letter of certification. They must be stamped by a registered 
professional engineer or registered architect certifying that the 
matters they address comply with the regulations listed in paragraph 
(a) of this section.

PART 144--OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF ACTIVITIES: FLOATING FACILITIES

Subpart A--General

Sec.
144.1  What does this part apply to?
144.5  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
part?
144.10  Where can I find the definition of a term used in this part?
144.15  Where can I get a copy of a publication referenced in this 
part?
144.20  Where can I find the workplace safety and health 
requirements?
144.25  Can I obtain an exemption from requirements in this 
subchapter during the construction or erection phase of a floating 
facility?
144.30  What Coast Guard acceptance of lifesaving arrangements do I 
need during a floating facility's construction or whenever 
arrangements are modified?
144.35   How may I request the use of alternate equipment or 
procedure for those required in this subchapter?
144.40  When is Coast Guard Headquarters approval of alternate 
equipment or procedures required?
144.45  When may the OCMI not allow the use of alternate lifesaving 
equipment?
144.50  Can I get Coast Guard to accept a novel lifesaving 
appliance?

Subpart B--Operations

144.100  What does this subpart apply to?
144.105  What operating requirements must facilities meet?
144.110  What notice is required when a facility arrives or 
relocates on the OCS?

Subpart C--Additional Operational Requirements for Manned U.S. Floating 
Facilities

144.200  What does this subpart apply to?
144.205  What are the operating requirements?
144.210  What are the requirements for operating manuals?

Subpart D--Lifesaving Equipment for Manned U.S. Floating Facilities

144.300  What does this subpart apply to?
0144.305  What are the requirements for lifesaving equipment?
144.310  What are the requirements for immersion suits?

Subpart E--Lifesaving Equipment for Unmanned U.S. Floating Facilities

144.400  What does this subpart apply to?
144.405  When are people prohibited from being on an unmanned U.S. 
floating facility?
144.410  What are the requirements for lifejackets?
144.415  What are the requirements for ring life buoys?
144.420  What are the requirements for immersion suits?

Subpart F--Fire Fighting and Fire Protection on U.S. Floating 
Facilities

144.500  What does this subpart apply to?
144.505  What are the fire-fighting and fire-protection equipment 
requirements for manned facilities?
144.510  What are the requirements for fire-fighting and fire-
protection equipment for temporary accommodation modules on manned 
facilities?
144.515  What are the requirements for fire-fighting and fire-
protection equipment on unmanned facilities?

Subpart G--Equipment

144.600  What does this subpart apply to?
144.605  What are the equipment requirements?
144.610  What are the special requirements for the general alarm 
system?

Subpart H--Design and Equipment

144.700  What does this subpart apply to?
144.705  What are the requirements for facilities, other than 
tension leg platforms?
144.710  What are the requirements for tension leg platforms?
144.715 What are the requirements for a tank vessel being converted 
to a floating facility with oil storage?

Subpart I--Plan Approval

144.800  What does this subpart apply to?
144.805  What is the purpose of this subpart?
144.810  When may a facility begin or continue operations after its 
plans are submitted?
144.815  What information is required before submitting plans?
144.820  What plans and information must be submitted?
144.825  Where and when do I submit plans and information?
144.830  What are the requirements for in-service inspection plans?
144.835  What if the design of the facility is considered novel or 
unconventional?

Design Basis

144.840  What design basis plans and technical information must be 
submitted for novel or unconventional designs?

Subpart J--Inspection and Certification

144.900  What does this subpart apply to?
144.905  What are the requirements for inspection, certification, 
and testing?
144.910  How do I get a Certificate of Inspection?
144.915  What are the requirements for drydock examinations when a 
facility is relocated?
144.920  When may a Certificate of Inspection be suspended or 
revoked?

Subpart K--Foreign Facilities

General

144.1000  What does this subpart apply to?

Operations

144.1005  What are the operating requirements for a foreign 
facility?

Emergency Evacuation Plans

144.1010  What are the requirements for an emergency evacuation plan 
for a foreign facility?

Operating Manual

144.1015  What are the requirements for operating manuals for a 
foreign facility?

Design, Equipment, Inspection, and Testing

144.1020  What are the design, equipment, and inspection 
requirements for a foreign facility?
144.1025  What are the additional requirements for a foreign 
facility used for the storage of oil in bulk?

Letter of Compliance

144.1030  How do I get a letter of compliance for a foreign 
facility?
144.1035  When must a foreign facility be reinspected?
144.1040  When may a letter of compliance be suspended or revoked?

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1333(d), 1348(c), 1356; 49 CFR 1.46.

Subpart A--General


Sec. 144.1  What does this part apply to?

    (a) This part applies to floating facilities when engaged in OCS 
activities.

[[Page 68492]]

    (b) Subparts B through J apply to U.S. floating facilities.
    (c) Subpart K applies to foreign floating facilities.


Sec. 144.5  Who must ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
part?

    The owner or operator of each floating facility must ensure that 
the requirements of this part are complied with on their facility.


Sec. 144.10  Where can I find the definition of a term used in this 
part?

    See Sec. 140.25 of this chapter for the definition of a term used 
in this part.


Sec. 144.15  Where can I get a copy of a publication referenced in this 
part?

    You may get a copy of a publication referenced in this part from 
the sources listed in Sec. 140.30 of this chapter.


Sec. 144.20  Where can I find the workplace safety and health 
requirements?

    See part 142 of this chapter for requirements on workplace safety 
and health.


Sec. 144.25  Can I obtain an exemption from requirements in this 
subchapter during the construction or erection phase of a floating 
facility?

    The OCMI may exempt any floating facility under construction or 
erection phase from any requirement of this subchapter that would be 
impracticable or unreasonable to apply during either phase.


Sec. 144.30  What Coast Guard acceptance of lifesaving arrangements do 
I need during a floating facility's construction or whenever lifesaving 
arrangements are modified?

    (a) During a floating facility's construction, the owner must 
obtain acceptance of lifesaving arrangements from the Commandant (G-
MSE).
    (b) When any modification to the lifesaving arrangement is done 
after construction, the owner must obtain acceptance of lifesaving 
arrangements from the Commandant (G-MSE).


Sec. 144.35  How may I request the use of alternate equipment or 
procedure for those required in this subchapter?

    (a) You may request the use of alternate equipment or procedures 
for those required in this subchapter, except as under Secs. 144.45(a) 
and 144.50.
    (b) Upon request, the OCMI may allow the use of alternate equipment 
or procedures if they will--
    (1) Accomplish the purposes for the requirement; and
    (2) Provide a degree of safety equivalent to or greater than that 
provided by the requirement.
    (c) The OCMI may require that the requesting party--
    (1) Explain why applying the requirement would be unreasonable or 
impracticable; and
    (2) Submit engineering calculations, tests, or other data to 
demonstrate how the requested alternative would comply with paragraph 
(b) of this section.
    (d) The OCMI may determine, on a case-by-case basis, that, under 
Sec. 144.40, the Commandant (G-MSE) must approve the use of the 
alternate equipment or procedure.


Sec. 144.40  When is Coast Guard Headquarters approval of alternate 
equipment or procedures required?

    (a) For any requirement in this subchapter, including requirements 
relating to a fitting, material, apparatus, equipment, arrangement, 
calculation, or test, standard, or procedure, the Commandant (G-MSE) 
may accept a substitute that is at least as effective as that specified 
in this subchapter. If necessary, the Commandant (G-MSE) may require 
engineering calculations and tests to demonstrate the equivalence of 
the substitute.
    (b) In any case where it is shown to the satisfaction of the 
Commandant (G-MSE) that a requirement is unreasonable or impracticable, 
the Commandant may allow the use of a substitute to the extent that it 
will provide a degree of safety consistent with the minimum standards 
in this subchapter.


Sec. 144.45  When may the OCMI not allow the use of alternate 
lifesaving equipment?

    (a) The OCMI may not allow, under Sec. 144.35, the use of 
alternates for the following lifesaving equipment specified in this 
subchapter:
    (1) Survival craft and rescue boats.
    (2) Launching and embarkation appliances for survival craft and 
rescue boats.
    (b) For lifesaving appliances and arrangements, an allowance under 
Sec. 144.35 remains in effect until the OCMI determines that--
    (1) The condition of the appliance or arrangement is unsatisfactory 
or unfit for the service intended; or
    (2) The ability of the facility's personnel to use and assist 
others in the use of the appliance or arrangement is inadequate.


Sec. 144.50  Can I get Coast Guard to accept a novel lifesaving 
appliance?

    The Commandant (G-MSE) may accept a novel lifesaving appliance or 
arrangement not addressed in this subchapter if you can demonstrate 
that it provides a level of safety equivalent to or greater than that 
provided by the requirements of this subchapter, it accomplishes the 
purposes of this subchapter, and it--
    (a) Is evaluated and tested under IMO Resolution A.520(13); or
    (b) Have successfully undergone evaluation and tests that are 
substantially equivalent to IMO Resolution A.520(13).

Subpart B--Operations


Sec. 144.100  What does this subpart apply to?

    This subpart provides operational requirements for both manned and 
unmanned U.S. floating facilities.


Sec. 144.105  What operating requirements must facilities meet?

    Each manned or unmanned U.S. floating facility must comply with the 
operating requirements for fixed facilities in part 143, subpart B of 
this chapter, except Sec. 143.105 on Notice of New Fixed Facility.


Sec. 144.110  What notice is required when a facility arrives or 
relocates on the OCS?

    (a) At least 30 days before a manned or unmanned U.S. floating 
facility arrives on the OCS or as soon thereafter as practicable, the 
owner or operator of the facility must notify the District Commander 
for the area in which the unit will operate of the following:
    (1) The proposed location of the facility.
    (2) The facility's designation assigned under 30 CFR 250.15 for 
identification, the facility's name, if any, and the facility's 
nationality.
    (3) The date when operations of the facility are expected to begin.
    (4) Classification or inspection certificates, if any, currently 
held by the facility.
    (5) The location where and date when the facility will be available 
and ready for inspection by the Coast Guard.
    (b) Once a facility is on the OCS, the owner or operator must 
notify the OCMI before relocating the facility to another site. This 
notice must be given 30 days before you relocate the facility or as 
soon after that as practicable.
    (c) You may provide the information required in paragraphs (a) and 
(b) of this section by telephone or you may submit it together with, 
and need not duplicate, the information in applications and notices 
under the aids to navigation requirements in part 67 of this chapter.

Subpart C--Additional Operational Requirements for Manned U.S. 
Floating Facilities


Sec. 144.200  What does this subpart apply to?

    This subpart provides operational requirements in addition to those 
in subpart B of this part for manned U.S. floating facilities.

[[Page 68493]]

Sec. 144.205  What are the operating requirements?

    Each manned U.S. floating facility must comply with the following 
operating requirements for fixed facilities in part 143 of this 
chapter:
    (a) Subpart C--Additional Operational Requirements for Manned Fixed 
Facilities.
    (b) Subpart D--Emergency Evacuation Plans for Manned Fixed 
Facilities.
    (c) Subpart E--Drills on Manned Fixed Facilities.
    (d) Subpart F--Onboard Training and Instruction for Manned Fixed 
Facilities.
    (e) Subpart G--Maintenance and Repair of Lifesaving, Fire-fighting, 
and other Emergency Equipment on Manned Fixed Facilities.
    (f) Subpart H--Tests and Inspections of Lifesaving, Fire-fighting, 
and other Emergency Equipment on Manned Fixed Facilities.


Sec. 144.210  What are the requirements for operating manuals?

    (a) Each manned U.S floating facility must have on the facility at 
all times an operating manual approved by the Coast Guard Marine Safety 
Center at the address in Sec. 144.825(a)(2). The manual must meet the 
operating manual requirements for MODU's under 46 CFR 109.121.
    (b) You must keep the manual up to date. As changes occur that 
cause information in the manual to become incorrect or deficient, you 
must revise that information and insert it into the manual. You must 
add a list identifying the revised information to the end of the 
manual.
    (c) You must submit revisions to the manual to the OCMI for 
approval. The OCMI may determine, if the revisions are extensive, that 
you must submit them to the Coast Guard Marine Safety Center for 
approval. If you can easily remove old pages from the manual and insert 
new ones, submit only the revised pages.
    (d) If a facility is relocated or undergoes a major conversion, you 
must submit the entire manual to the Coast Guard Marine Safety Center 
for approval.

Subpart D--Lifesaving Equipment for Manned U.S. Floating Facilities


Sec. 144.300  What does this subpart apply to?

    This subpart provides requirements for lifesaving equipment on 
manned U.S. floating facilities.


Sec. 144.305  What are the requirements for lifesaving equipment?

    Each manned U.S. floating facility must comply with the lifesaving 
equipment requirements for MODU's in 46 CFR part 108, subparts E, G, 
and H, except for the following provisions within those subparts:
    (a) In subpart E. 46 CFR 108.597 on line throwing appliances.
    (b) In subpart G. 46 CFR 108.641 on steering gear and 46 CFR 
108.643 on rudder orders.
    (c) In subpart H. 46 CFR 108.713 through 108.719.


Sec. 144.310  What are the requirements for immersion suits?

    Each manned U.S. floating facility located North of 32 degrees 
North latitude must comply with the requirements for immersion suits on 
MODU's under Sec. 145.210 of this chapter.

Subpart E--Lifesaving Equipment for Unmanned U.S. Floating 
Facilities


Sec. 144.400  What does this subpart apply to?

    This subpart provides requirements for lifesaving equipment on 
unmanned U.S. floating facilities.


Sec. 144.405  When are people prohibited from being on an unmanned U.S. 
floating facility?

    No person may be on an unmanned U.S. floating facility unless it 
meets the requirements in this subpart.


Sec. 144.410  What are the requirements for lifejackets?

    (a) Except as under paragraph (b) of this section, each unmanned 
U.S. floating facility must have at least one lifejacket meeting the 
requirements of Sec. 143.845 of this chapter for each person on the 
facility. The lifejackets need be on the facility only when persons are 
on board.
    (b) During helicopter visits, personnel may use aircraft-type 
lifejackets instead of lifejackets under paragraph (a) of this section.


Sec. 144.415  What are the requirements for ring life buoys?

    (a) Each unmanned U.S. floating facility must have at least one 
ring life buoy meeting the requirements of Sec. 143.850 of this chapter 
for every two persons on the facility, up to a maximum of four buoys.
    (b) If there is no space on the facility for the ring life buoys, 
they must be on a manned vessel located alongside of the facility while 
personnel are on the facility.


Sec. 144.420  What are the requirements for immersion suits?

    (a) Each unmanned U.S. floating facility located North of 32 
degrees North latitude must comply with the immersion suit requirements 
applicable to MODU's under Sec. 145.210 of this chapter. Except as 
under paragraph (b) of this section, the immersion suits need to be on 
the facility only when persons are on board.
    (b) If an attending vessel is moored to the facility, the suits may 
be stowed on the vessel, instead of on the facility.

Subpart F--Fire Fighting and Fire Protection on U.S. Floating 
Facilities


Sec. 144.500  What does this subpart apply to?

    This subpart provides requirements for fire-fighting and fire-
protection equipment on U.S. floating facilities.


Sec. 144.505  What are the fire-fighting and fire-protection equipment 
requirements for manned facilities?

    Each manned U.S. floating facility must comply with the following 
fire-fighting and fire-protection requirements:
    (a) Sections 143.1125, 143.1130, and 143.1135 of this chapter.
    (b) 46 CFR 108.123 through 108.147 on structural fire protection.
    (c) 46 CFR part 108, subpart D, on fire extinguishing systems, 
except for 46 CFR 108.427 on international shore connections.
    (d) 46 CFR 108.621 on equipment markings, 46 CFR 108.627 through 
108.635 on fire alarms, stations, and equipment, and 46 CFR 108.637 on 
hand portable fire extinguishers.


Sec. 144.510  What are the requirements for fire-fighting and fire-
protection equipment for temporary accommodation modules on manned 
facilities?

    Each temporary accommodation module on a manned U.S. floating 
facility must meet the requirements for fire-fighting and fire-
protection equipment applicable to a temporary accommodation module on 
a manned fixed facility in part 143, subparts K and L, of this chapter.


Sec. 144.515  What are the requirements for fire-fighting and fire-
protection equipment on unmanned facilities?

    Each unmanned U.S. floating facility must meet the requirements for 
fire-fighting and fire-protection equipment applicable to unmanned 
fixed facilities in part 143, subpart K, of this chapter.

Subpart G--Equipment


Sec. 144.600  What does this subpart apply to?

    This subpart provides requirements for equipment on U.S. floating 
facilities.

[[Page 68494]]

Sec. 144.605  What are the equipment requirements?

    Except as in Sec. 144.610, each U.S. floating facility must meet 
the equipment requirements applicable to fixed facilities in part 143, 
subpart M, of this chapter.


Sec. 144.610  What are the special requirements for the general alarm 
system?

    (a) For U.S. floating facilities other than tension leg platforms 
(TLP's), the general alarm system must meet electrical engineering 
requirements in 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter J, instead of 
Sec. 143.1217(c) of this chapter.
    (b) For TLP's, the general alarm system must meet the requirements 
applicable to fixed facilities in part 143, subpart M, of this chapter.

Subpart H--Design and Equipment


Sec. 144.700  What does this subpart apply to?

    This subpart applies to each U.S. floating facility that--
    (a) Was contracted for, or the construction of which began, on or 
after [effective date of final rule.];
    (b) Underwent a major conversion that began on or after [effective 
date of final rule.]; or
    (c) Was relocated to another OCS location on or after [effective 
date of final rule.].


Sec. 144.705  What are the requirements for facilities, other than 
tension leg platforms?

    Each U.S. floating facility, other than a TLP, must comply with the 
design and equipment requirements (other than those relating to 
production and drilling systems) in the following:
    (a) The design and equipment requirements for MODU's in 46 CFR part 
108.
    (b) The design and equipment practices in API RP 2FPS.
    (c) The marine and electrical engineering requirements for vessels 
in 46 CFR chapter I, subchapters F and J.
    (d) The requirements for lifesaving equipment in subparts D and E 
of this part.
    (e) The requirements for fire protection in subpart F of this part.
    (f) The requirements for marine sanitation devices in part 159 of 
this chapter.
    (g) If the facility is used for the storage of oil in bulk, the 
requirements--
    (1) For tank vessels in 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter D (Tank 
Vessels); and
    (2) For tank vessels carrying oil in bulk in part 157 of this 
chapter.


Sec. 144.710  What are the requirements for tension leg platforms?

    Each U.S. TLP must comply with the design and equipment 
requirements (other than those relating to production and drilling 
systems) in the following:
    (a) Section 144.705(c) through (g).
    (b) The design and equipment practices in API RP 2T, and API RP 
2FPS.
    (c) The following requirements in 46 CFR part 108:
    (1) Subpart A (General).
    (2) Subpart B (Construction and Arrangement), only Secs. 108.113 
through 108.187 and Secs. 108.221 through 108.241.
    (3) Subparts C (Stability) and D (Fire Extinguishing Systems).
    (4) Subpart E (Lifesaving Equipment), other than Sec. 108.597.
    (5) Subpart F (Cranes).
    (6) Subpart G (Equipment Markings and Instructions), only 
Secs. 108.621 through 108.639, Secs. 108.645 through 108.649, and 
Secs. 108.651 through 108.665.
    (7) Subpart H (Miscellaneous Equipment), only Secs. 108.697 through 
108.709.


Sec. 144.715  What are the requirements for a tank vessel being 
converted to a floating facility with oil storage?

    (a) Each tank vessel being converted to a U.S. floating facility 
capable of storing oil in bulk must comply with the requirements of 
Sec. 144.705 or if it is being converted to a TLP it must comply with 
Sec. 144.710.
    (b) Before a vessel is converted, the Coast Guard Marine Safety 
Center, at the address in Sec. 144.825(a)(4), determines, on a case-by-
case basis, if the conversion is major under the Oil Pollution Act of 
1990 (Pub. L. 101-380; 104 Stat. 484) (which includes a requirement for 
double hulls (46 U.S.C. 3703a)) and when the facility must comply with 
that act.

Subpart I--Plan Approval


Sec. 144.800 What does this subpart apply to?

    This part applies to each U.S. floating facility that--
    (a) Was contracted for, or the construction of which began, on or 
after [Effective date of final rule.];
    (b) Underwent a major conversion that began on or after [Effective 
date of final rule.]; or (c) Was relocated to another OCS location on 
or after [Effective date of final rule.].


Sec. 144.805  What is the purpose of this subpart?

    This subpart contains the requirements for submitting plans and 
information on U.S. floating facilities that are new, that are 
relocated, or that undergo a major conversion.


Sec. 144.810  When may a facility begin or continue operations after 
its plans are submitted?

    (a) Each U.S. floating facility that is new, is relocated, or 
undergoes a major conversion must have its plans approved under this 
subpart before the facility may begin, or continue to, engage in OCS 
activities.
    (b) If construction, relocation, or conversion of the facility 
begins before plans are approved, the owner or operator must make all 
changes necessary to conform the facility to the plans, once approved, 
before the facility may engage, or continue to engage, in OCS 
activities.


Sec. 144.815  What information is required before submitting plans?

    Before submitting plans under Sec. 144.820, the owner or operator 
of each U.S. floating facility must submit the following initial 
information to the Coast Guard Marine Safety Center at the address in 
Sec. 144.825(a)(2):
    (a) A general description of the facility that identifies the 
configuration, hull-type (i.e., ship, TLP, Spar, etc.), and whether or 
not the facility will store oil in bulk.
    (b) The method and type of mooring system to be used.
    (c) Information on whether the facility is to be new, converted 
from an existing facility or vessel, or relocated.
    (d) Information on whether the facility will be classed and, if so, 
what classification society will be used.


Sec. 144.820  What plans and information must be submitted?

    The owner or operator of a U.S. floating facility must submit, for 
approval, three copies of the following plans, calculations, and 
information concerning the design, construction, arrangement, required 
equipment, and safety features of the facility:
    (a) Specifications, other than those submitted with the initial 
information under Sec. 144.815 or with a design basis under 
Sec. 144.840.
    (b) General arrangement plan of decks, columns, pontoons, and other 
major structural components and inboard and outboard profiles.
    (c) Hull structural drawings listed in 46 CFR 107.305(c) through 
(p), as applicable to the type of facility.
    (d) Plans and information required under 46 CFR chapter I, 
subchapter S (Stability), as applicable to the type of facility.
    (e) Fire control plans showing for all decks of the facility and 
all accommodation spaces, the arrangement and location of control 
stations, fire sections enclosed by fire-resisting

[[Page 68495]]

bulkheads, alarm and extinguishing systems, fire extinguishers, means 
of access to compartments and other decks, and ventilation systems, 
including the location of ventilation shutdowns and the positions of 
ventilation fire dampers. The plan must include numbers identifying 
each system under this paragraph.
    (f) Ventilation system diagram, showing dampers and other fire 
control features.
    (g) Details of fire detection and alarm systems.
    (h) Details of fixed fire extinguishing systems.
    (i) Arrangement plans showing each accommodation space, its 
ventilation system, and its means of escape.
    (j) Plans required for marine engineering equipment and systems 
under 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter F.
    (k) Plans required for electrical engineering equipment and systems 
under 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter J.
    (l) Plans showing the location and arrangement of each lifesaving 
system.
    (m) For each embarkation deck, plans showing the clearances of all 
over-board discharges from lifeboats, rescue boats, life rafts, and 
their launching equipment throughout the range of list and trim angles 
required under 46 CFR part 108, subpart E.
    (n) The weight of each lifeboat, rescue boat, and davit-launched 
life raft, when fully equipped and loaded.
    (o) The working load of the davits and winches for each lifeboat, 
rescue boat, and life raft.
    (p) The types and sizes of falls used for launching.
    (q) The manufacturer's name and model number or other identifying 
information for all lifesaving equipment required to be approved under 
46 CFR chapter I, subchapter Q.
    (r) A construction portfolio of materials used, as described in 46 
CFR 107.305(hh).
    (s) An operating manual required by Sec. 144.210.
    (t) Crane plans and information required under 46 CFR 107.309.
    (u) An in-service inspection plan under Sec. 144.830.
    (v) For self-propelled U.S. floating facilities that are 100 meters 
(328 feet) or more in overall length, a plan that shows how visibility 
from the navigation bridge complies with 46 CFR 108.801.
    (w) A design basis under Sec. 144.835, only if the design of the 
facility is determined to be novel or unconventional.


Sec. 144.825  Where and when do I submit plans and information?

    (a) You must submit copies of the plans and information under 
Sec. 144.820 to one of the following, as applicable:
    (1) The OCMI in the zone in which the facility is to be built or 
altered.
    (2) Commanding Officer, Coast Guard Marine Safety Center, 400 
Seventh St. SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    (3) The American Bureau of Shipping, ABS Plaza, 16855 Northchase 
Drive, Houston, TX 77060.
    (4) The International Cargo Gear Bureau, Inc., 17 Battery Place, 
New York, NY 10004.
    (b) The Coast Guard Marine Safety Center (MSC) will, on a case-by-
case basis, inform the owner or operator where the plans and 
information should be sent. The owner or operator should, at an early 
stage of design, contact the MSC to arrange a ``kick-off'' meeting, so 
that submission of plans may be discussed and the most efficient plan 
for submission can be decided on by the MSC and the owner or operator.


Sec. 144.830  What are the requirements for in-service inspections 
plans?

    (a) The Coast Guard requires an in-service inspection plan as part 
of the plan approval process instead of the 2-year drydocking as 
required by 46 CFR 107.261(a). The plan, once approved, allows the 
facility to remain on-station during its field-depletion lifetime.
    (b) You must submit the in-service inspection plan to the 
Commandant (G-MOC-3) for approval under Sec. 144.820(u). It must be 
submitted at the same time the other information under Sec. 144.820 is 
submitted and, if applicable, at the same time the design basis under 
Sec. 144.840 is submitted.
    (c) The plan must address the following in detail:
    (1) Inspection techniques, including inspection of the shell 
plating from the inside, inspection of the underwater portion of the 
hull, and inspection of the mooring system, tendons, and tendon 
connections.
    (2) The extent of each annual inspection and the areas to be 
inspected for the lifetime of the facility at the intended site.
    (3) The manner in which you will handle deficiencies and the 
procedures for their repair.
    (4) The precise location and description of all compartments that 
may be inaccessible during an in-service inspection and the provisions 
you will take to assure the continued integrity of the compartments.


Sec. 144.835  What if the design of the facility is considered novel or 
unconventional?

    (a) After reviewing the pre-plan information submitted under 
Sec. 144.815, the Coast Guard Marine Safety Center determines whether 
the design of a U.S. floating facility is considered novel or 
unconventional.
    (b) A design is considered novel or unconventional if--
    (1) There is no known facility of similar design on the U.S. OCS;
    (2) There are no Coast Guard regulations on the design;
    (3) There are no rules published by a classification society on the 
design; and
    (4) There are no standards issued by an industry standards 
organization on the design.

Design Basis


Sec. 144.840  What design basis plans and technical information must be 
submitted for novel or unconventional designs?

    (a) If the Coast Guard determines that a design of a U.S. floating 
facility is novel or unconventional, the owner or operator must submit 
a design basis along with the other plans and information submitted for 
approval under Sec. 144.820. You must submit the design basis only to 
the Coast Guard Marine Safety Center at the address in 
Sec. 144.825(a)(2).
    (b) The design basis must contain at least the following:
    (1) A description of the facility and its configuration.
    (2) The design methodology, including method of analysis, design 
codes and regulatory requirements, and environmental criteria and 
loading.
    (3) A design overview of primary structure and, if applicable, the 
tendons and mooring systems.
    (c) A design overview of electrical and control systems.
    (d) A design overview of marine and utility systems.
    (e) A design overview of fire-protection and safety systems.
    (f) A design overview of the in-service inspection plan under 
Sec. 144.830 for the hull and tendons, including philosophy, 
methodology, and, if available, preliminary drawings of areas to be 
inspected.
    (g) Intact and damage stability calculations for the afloat mode 
and, for TLPs, for the tendon-attached mode.
    (h) A description of the unique design aspects that alleviate the 
negative consequences of damage stability scenarios, facilitate safe 
operation, or enhance maintenance and inspection requirements.
    (i) For converted vessels or facilities, a summary of previous 
service, certifications, and classification status,

[[Page 68496]]

and an overview of any structural modifications proposed.
    (j) For TLPs--
    (1) A fatigue analysis of the hull and tendons;
    (2) A general damage stability and tendon risk analysis that 
examines possible modes of failure, their consequences, and the design 
aspect that alleviates the consequences of that failure mode; and
    (3) A tendon installation plan.

Subpart J--Inspection and Certification


Sec. 144.900  What does this subpart apply to?

    This subpart provides requirements for inspection and certification 
of U.S. floating facilities.


Sec. 144.905  What are the requirements for inspection, certification, 
and testing?

    Each U.S. floating facility must meet the requirements for 
inspection, certification, and testing of MODU's in 46 CFR part 107, 
subpart B.


Sec. 144.910  How do I get a Certificate of Inspection?

    (a) If the OCMI determines that a U.S. floating facility meets the 
requirements of this subpart and subparts D, E, F, G, and H of this 
part, the OCMI will issue a Certificate of Inspection for the facility. 
The OCMI may require inspection of the facility before making this 
determination.
    (b) A Certificate of Inspection issued under paragraph (a) of this 
section is valid for 2 years after the date of issue.


Sec. 144.915  What are the requirements for drydock examinations when a 
facility is relocated?

    A drydock examination under 46 CFR 107.261 must be performed before 
a U.S. floating facility is relocated to a new site. However, if 
approved by the Commandant (G-MOC), a special examination in lieu of 
drydocking may be performed. The special examination must be performed 
under 46 CFR 107.261 and 107.265.


Sec. 144.920  When may a Certificate of Inspection be suspended or 
revoked?

    The OCMI may suspend or revoke a Certificate of Inspection, if the 
OCMI determines that the owner or operator does not maintain the U.S. 
floating facility in accordance with the requirements of this subpart 
or subparts D, E, F, G, and H of this part or does not operate the 
facility in accordance with the facility's operating manual under 
Sec. 144.210.

Subpart K--Foreign Facilities

General


Sec. 144.1000  What does this subpart apply to?

    This subpart applies to foreign floating facilities engaged in OCS 
activities.

Operations


Sec. 144.1005  What are the operating requirements for a foreign 
facility?

    Each foreign floating facility must comply with one of the 
following:
    (a) The operating requirements in subparts B and C of this part.
    (b) The operating standards of the facility's nation, if the 
Commandant has determined that those standards provide a level of 
safety generally equivalent to, or greater than, that provided under 
subparts B and C. You must send requests for a determination by the 
Commandant to Commandant (G-MSO), U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second Street 
SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001, along with technical data that supports 
the requests.
    (c) The operating standards for MODU's in IMO Resolution A.649(16) 
and, for matters not addressed in the Resolution, the operating 
requirements for U.S. facilities in subparts B and C of this part.

Emergency Evacuation Plans


Sec. 144.1010  What are the requirements for an emergency evacuation 
plan for a foreign facility?

    Each foreign floating facility must comply with the emergency 
evacuation plan requirements for U.S. floating facilities and manned 
fixed facilities under Sec. 144.205(b).

Operating Manual


Sec. 144.1015  What are the requirements for operating manuals for a 
foreign facility?

    Each foreign floating facility must comply with the requirements 
for operating manuals under Sec. 144.210.

Design, Equipment, Inspection, and Testing


Sec. 144.1020  What are the design, equipment, and inspection 
requirements for a foreign facility?

    Each foreign floating facility must comply with one of the 
following:
    (a) The design and equipment requirements in subparts D, E, F, and 
H of this part, the inspection requirements for MODU's in 46 CFR 
107.231(a) through (z), and the drydock or special examination 
requirements of 46 CFR 107.261 and 107.265.
    (b) The design, equipment, and inspection standards of the 
facility's nation, if the Commandant has determined that the standards 
provide a level of safety generally equivalent to, or greater than, 
that provided under subparts D, E, F, G, H, and J of this part. You 
must send requests for a determination by the Commandant to the 
Commandant (G-MSE), U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second St. SW., Washington, 
DC 20093-0001, along with technical data supporting the request.
    (c) The design, equipment, and inspection standards for MODU's in 
IMO Resolution A.414(XI) or A.649(16) and, for matters not addressed in 
the Resolutions, the design, equipment, and inspection standards for 
certification requirements in paragraph (a) of this section.
    (d) Have both of the following valid SOLAS certificates and comply 
with paragraph (a) for items not addressed by these certificates:
    (1) Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate.
    (2) Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate.


Sec. 144.1025  What are the additional requirements for a foreign 
facility used for the storage of oil in bulk?

    (a) In addition to the other requirements of this subpart, foreign 
floating facilities used for the storage of oil in bulk must comply 
with the following tank vessel requirements:
    (1) Non-self-propelled facilities must comply with part 157 (Rules 
for the Protection of the Marine Environment Relating to Tank Vessels 
Carrying Oil in Bulk) of this chapter and be inspected and certificated 
under 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter D as a tank barge. The requirements 
of 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter D applicable to tank barges must be 
used in the inspection of the hull and its machinery and the electrical 
and piping systems.
    (2) Self-propelled facilities must meet paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section. However, the Coast Guard will accept valid SOLAS and 
International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) certificates as 
equivalent to the items required in paragraph (a)(1).
    (b) For a foreign floating facility used for the storage of oil in 
bulk that was converted from a tank vessel, the Coast Guard Marine 
Safety Center, at the address in Sec. 144.825(a)(2), determines, on a 
case-by-case basis, if the conversion is major under the Oil Pollution 
Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-380; 104 Stat. 484) (which includes a 
requirement for double hulls (46 U.S.C. 3703a)) and when the facility 
must comply with that act.

[[Page 68497]]

Letter of Compliance


Sec. 144.1030  How do I get a letter of compliance for a foreign 
facility?

    (a) When engaged in OCS activities, each foreign floating facility 
must have on board a valid letter of compliance under this section.
    (b) If the OCMI determines that the facility meets the design, 
equipment, and inspection requirements of this subpart, and the lights 
and warning device requirements of Sec. 143.1210, the OCMI will issue a 
letter of compliance for the facility. The OCMI may require that the 
facility be inspected as part of this determination.
    (c) A letter of compliance under this section is valid for 2 years 
or until the facility departs the OCS, whichever comes first.


Sec. 144.1035  When must a foreign facility be reinspected?

    The OCMI reinspects each foreign floating facility within 2 months 
before to 2 months after the issue date of the facility's letter of 
compliance to determine whether the facility meets the requirements of 
this subpart.


Sec. 144.1040  When may a letter of compliance be suspended or revoked?

    If the OCMI determines that the owner or operator is not 
maintaining a foreign floating facility in accordance with the 
requirements of this subpart or is not being operated in accordance 
with the facility's operating manual under Sec. 144.1015, the OCMI may 
suspend or revoke a letter of compliance.

PART 145--OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF ACTIVITIES: MOBILE OFFSHORE 
DRILLING UNITS AND MOBILE INLAND DRILLING UNITS

Subpart A--General

Sec.
145.1  What does this part apply to?
145.5  Where can I find the definition of a term used in this part?
145.10  Where can I get a copy of a publication referenced in this 
part?
145.15  Where can I find the workplace safety and health 
requirements?
145.20  How may I request the use of alternate equipment or 
procedures?

Subpart B--Operations

145.100  What are the operational requirements for a U.S. MODU?
145.105  What are the operational requirements for a foreign MODU?
145.106  When is a notice of casualty required and what must it 
contain?
145.107  When must a written report of casualty be submitted and 
what must it contain?
145.110  What notice is required when a MODU arrives or relocates on 
the OCS?
145.115  What are the requirements for an emergency evacuation plan?
145.120  How must emergency equipment be maintained?
145.125  How must excess emergency equipment be maintained and 
inspected?
145.130  How must operational testing of emergency equipment be 
conducted?

Subpart C--Lifesaving Equipment

145.200  What are the requirements for lifesaving equipment on a 
U.S. MODU?
145.205  What are the requirements for lifesaving equipment on a 
foreign MODU?
145.210  What are the requirements for immersion suits on a U.S. 
MODU?
145.215  What are the requirements for immersion suits on a foreign 
MODU?

Subpart D--Fire Fighting and Fire Protection

145.300  What are the requirements for fire-fighting and fire-
protection equipment for a U.S. MODU?
145.305  What are the requirements for fire-fighting and fire-
protection equipment for a foreign MODU?

Subpart E--Design, Equipment, and Inspection

145.400  What does this subpart apply to?
145.405  What are the design, equipment, and inspection requirements 
for a U.S. MODU?
145.410  What are the design, equipment, and inspection requirements 
for a foreign MODU?
145.415  What are the requirements for lights and warning devices?
145.420  What MODU's must have a Certificate of Inspection?
145.425  What MODU's must have a letter of compliance?
145.430  What if a foreign MODU fails to comply with a letter of 
compliance?
145.435  What are the requirements for a mid-period inspection for a 
foreign MODU?
145.440  What are the fees for examining a foreign MODU for a letter 
of compliance?

Subpart F--Mobile Inland Drilling Units

General

145.500  What does this subpart apply to?
145.505  Where on the OCS may a MIDU operate?

Operations

145.510  What are the operational, training, and drill requirements 
for a MIDU?
145.515  What are the requirements for notifying the Coast Guard 
before the arrival or relocation of a MIDU on the OCS?
145.520  What are the requirements for an emergency evacuation plan?

Lifesaving Equipment

145.525   What are the lifesaving equipment requirements for a MIDU?

Fire Fighting and Fire Protection

145.530  What are the fire-fighting and fire-protection equipment 
requirements for a MIDU?

Design, Equipment, and Inspection

145.535  What are the design, equipment, and inspection requirements 
for a MIDU?
145.540  Must a MIDU under this subpart have a letter of compliance?
145.545  What if a MIDU fails to comply with a letter of compliance?
145.550  When must a MIDU be reinspected?

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1333(d), 1347(c), 1348(c), 1356; 49 CFR 
1.46. Sec. 145.100 also issued under 14 U.S.C. 664 and 31 U.S.C. 
9701.

Subpart A--General


Sec. 145.1  What does this part apply to?

    (a) This part applies to requirements for mobile offshore drilling 
units (MODU's) and mobile inland drilling units (MIDU's) when engaged 
in OCS activities.
    (b) Subparts B through E apply to MODU's.
    (c) Subpart F applies to MIDU's.


Sec. 145.5  Where can I find the definition of a term used in this 
part?

    See Sec. 140.25 of this chapter for the definition of a term used 
in this part.


Sec. 145.10  Where can I get a copy of a publication referenced in this 
part?

    You can get a copy of a publication referenced in this part from 
the sources listed in Sec. 140.30 of this chapter.


Sec. 145.15  Where can I find the workplace safety and health 
requirements?

    See part 142 of this chapter for requirements on workplace safety 
and health.


Sec. 145.20  How may I request the use of alternate equipment or 
procedures?

    You may request, under 46 CFR 104.105, the use of alternate 
equipment or procedures for those requirements in this subpart.

Subpart B--Operations


Sec. 145.100  What are the operational requirements for a U.S. MODU?

    Each U.S. MODU must comply with the operating requirements in 46 
CFR part 109 when engaged in OCS activities.


Sec. 145.105  What are the operational requirements for a foreign MODU?

    Each foreign MODU must comply with one of the following when 
engaged in OCS activities:
    (a) The operating requirements in 46 CFR part 109.
    (b) The operating standards of the MODU's nation, if the Commandant 
has determined that the standards provide a level of safety generally 
equivalent to, or greater than, that provided under 46 CFR part 109. 
Requests for a

[[Page 68498]]

determination by the Commandant must be sent to Commandant, U.S. Coast 
Guard (G-MSO), 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001, along 
with technical data that supports the requests.
    (c) The operating standards for MODU's in IMO Resolutions A.414(XI) 
or A.649(16) and, for matters not addressed in the Resolutions, the 
requirements of 46 CFR part 109.


Sec. 145.106  When is a notice of casualty required and what must it 
contain?

    (a) Immediately after aiding the injured and/or stabilizing the 
situation, the owner, operator, or person in charge of a foreign MODU 
operating on the OCS must ensure that the Coast Guard is--
    (1) Notified of each event listed in 46 CFR 4.05-1(a)(1) through 
(a)(6), and (2) Notified of an occurrence causing property damage in 
excess of $100,000, this damage including the cost of labor and 
material to restore the property to its condition before the 
occurrence, but not including the cost of salvage, cleaning, gas-
freeing, drydocking, or demurrage.
    (b) The notice under paragraph (a) of this section must identify 
the following:
    (1) The MODU involved.
    (2) The owner, operator, or person in charge of the MODU.
    (3) The nature and circumstances of the event.
    (4) The nature and extent of the injury and damage resulting from 
the event.


Sec. 145.107  When must a written report of casualty be submitted and 
what must it contain?

    (a) In addition to the notice of a casualty under Sec. 145.106, the 
owner, operator, or person in charge of a foreign MODU operating on the 
OCS must submit, within 10 days after the notice of casualty, a written 
report of the event to the OCMI. The report may be on Form CG-2692 
(Report of Marine Accident, Injury, or Death), supplemented as 
necessary by appended Form CG-2692B (Report of Required Chemical Drug 
and Alcohol Testing Following a Serious Marine Accident) or in 
narrative form if it contains all of the applicable information 
requested in Form CG-2692 and Form CG-2692B. Copies of Form CG-2692 and 
Form CG-2692B are available from the OCMI.
    (b) The written report must also contain information relating to 
alcohol and drug involvement as specified in 46 CFR 4.05-12.
    (c) If filed immediately after the occurrence, the written report 
required by paragraph (a) of this section, satisfies the notice 
required by Sec. 145.106.


Sec. 145.110  What notice is required when a MODU arrives or relocates 
on the OCS?

    (a) Fourteen days before a MODU arrives on the OCS or as soon after 
that as practicable, the owner or operator of the MODU must notify the 
District Commander for the area where the MODU will operate of the 
following:
    (1) The MODU's name, nationality, and designation assigned for 
identification under 30 CFR 250.15.
    (2) The location where, and year when, the MODU was built.
    (3) The name and address of the MODU's owner and the owner's local 
representative, if any.
    (4) Whether the MODU has a Classification Society Certificate or a 
Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection.
    (5) The location where the MODU will operate.
    (6) The date that operations are expected to begin and end.
    (7) The location where, and date when, the MODU will be available 
and ready for inspection by the Coast Guard.
    (b) Once the MODU is located on the OCS, the owner or operator of 
the MODU must notify the District Commander of the information under 
paragraph (a) of this section before relocating the unit.
    (c) Information under paragraphs (a) and (b) of th is section may 
be provided by telephone or may be submitted together with, and need 
not repeat, information submitted in applications and notices under the 
aids to navigation requirements in part 67 of this chapter.


Sec. 145.115  What are the requirements for an emergency evacuation 
plan?

    (a) Each MODU must meet the requirements for Emergency Evacuation 
Plans (EEP's) for manned fixed facilities under part 143, subpart D, of 
this chapter, except as required by paragraphs (b) through (d) of this 
section.
    (b) An EEP must be submitted by--
    (1) The holder of a lease or permit under the Act for each MODU 
within the area of the lease or the area covered by the permit; or
    (2) The operator under 30 CFR 250.2(gg) for each MODU within the 
area where the operator controls or manages operations.
    (c) The EEP may refer to sections in the MODU's operating manual 
required by 46 CFR 109.121 to avoid unnecessary duplication.
    (d) The EEP must designate the master or person in charge of the 
MODU under 46 CFR 109.107 as the individual under Sec. 143.310(c)(4) 
primarily responsible for implementing the EEP as it relates to the 
MODU.


Sec. 145.120  How must emergency equipment be maintained?

    All lifesaving, fire-fighting, and other emergency equipment on 
MODU's required by this subchapter must be maintained in good working 
condition and ready for immediate use when the MODU is in use.


Sec. 145.125  How must excess emergency equipment be maintained and 
inspected?

    All emergency equipment that is in addition to the equipment 
required by this subchapter must be maintained and inspected as 
prescribed in this subchapter for that item of equipment.


Sec. 145.130  How must operational testing of emergency equipment be 
conducted?

    When emergency equipment must be operated as part of a drill or 
inspection, the equipment must be operated according to the operating 
instructions of the equipment's manufacturer.

Subpart C--Lifesaving Equipment


Sec. 145.200  What are the requirements for lifesaving equipment on a 
U.S. MODU?

    Each U.S. MODU must comply with the requirements for lifesaving 
equipment applicable to U.S. MODU's under 46 CFR part 108, subparts E, 
G, and H.


Sec. 145.205  What are the requirements for lifesaving equipment on a 
foreign MODU?

    Each foreign MODU must comply with one of the following:
    (a) The requirements for lifesaving equipment applicable to U.S. 
MODU's under 46 CFR part 108, subparts E, G, and H.
    (b) The lifesaving equipment standards of the MODU's nation, if the 
Commandant has determined that the standards provide a level of safety 
equivalent to, or greater than, that provided under the lifesaving 
equipment requirements in 46 CFR part 108, subparts E, G, and H. You 
must send requests for a determination by the Commandant to the 
Commandant (G-MSE-4), U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second St. SW., 
Washington, DC 20093-0001, along with technical data supporting the 
performance of the equipment.
    (c) The lifesaving equipment standards for MODU's under IMO 
Resolutions A.414(XI) or A.649(16) and, for matters not addressed in 
the Resolutions, the requirements of 46 CFR part 108, subparts E, G, 
and H.


Sec. 145.210  What are the requirements for immersion suits on a U.S. 
MODU?

    (a) This section applies to U.S. MODU's that are located North of 
32 degrees North latitude.
    (b) Each U.S. MODU must comply with the requirements for immersion

[[Page 68499]]

suits or anti-exposure suits for U.S. MODU's under 46 CFR 108.580(c) 
and 108.649(c), (d), and (g).
    (c) Suit stowage containers and the spaces housing the containers 
must not be capable of being locked.


Sec. 145.215  What are the requirements for immersion suits on a 
foreign MODU?

    (a) Except as under paragraph (b) of this section, foreign MODU's 
that are located North of 32 degrees North latitude must meet the 
immersion suit requirements for U.S. MODU's under Sec. 145.210(b) and 
(c).
    (b) Immersion suits, anti-exposure suits, or other similar suits 
approved by the MODU's nation may be used instead of suits under 
Sec. 145.210(b), if the suits are accepted by the Commandant as 
providing thermal protection equivalent to, or greater than, that 
provided by immersion suits approved under approval series 160.171 or 
anti-exposure suits approved under approval series 160.153. Requests 
for acceptance of suits must be sent to the Commandant at the address 
in Sec. 145.205(b), along with technical data supporting the thermal 
performance of the suits.

Subpart D--Fire-Fighting and Fire Protection


Sec. 145.300  What are the requirements for fire-fighting and fire-
protection equipment for a U.S. MODU?

    Each U.S. MODU must comply with the fire-fighting and fire-
protection equipment requirements applicable to U.S. MODU's under 46 
CFR part 108, subparts B and D, and Secs. 108.621 through 108.635, 
108.637, 108.651, and 108.653.


Sec. 145.305  What are the requirements for fire-fighting and fire-
protection equipment for a foreign MODU?

    Each foreign MODU must comply with one of the following:
    (a) The fire-fighting and fire-protection equipment requirements 
under Sec. 145.300.
    (b) The fire-fighting and fire-protection equipment standards of 
the MODU's nation, if the Commandant has determined that the standards 
provide a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, that provided 
under Sec. 145.300. Requests for a determination by the Commandant must 
be sent to Commandant at the address in Sec. 145.205(b), along with 
technical data that supports the request.
    (c) The fire-fighting and fire-protection equipment standards for 
MODU's under IMO Resolutions A.414(XI) or A.649(16) and, for matters 
not addressed in the Resolutions, the requirements of Sec. 145.300.

Subpart E--Design, Equipment, and Inspection


Sec. 145.400  What does this subpart apply to?

    (a) This subpart contains requirements on design, equipment, and 
inspection for MODU's, except for MODU's under paragraph (b) of this 
section.
    (b) Each MODU constructed, under construction, or contracted for 
construction before April 5, 1982, need not meet the design, equipment, 
and inspection requirements of this subpart, until rebuilt. Until 
rebuilt, the MODU must continue to comply with the requirements 
applicable to MODU's on April 4, 1982, namely Navigation and Vessel 
Inspection Circular (NVIC) No. 4-78 entitled ``Inspection and 
Certification of Existing Mobile Offshore Drilling Units.''


Sec. 145.405  What are the design, equipment, and inspection 
requirements for a U.S. MODU?

    Each U.S. MODU must comply with the design, equipment, and 
inspection requirements in 46 CFR parts 107 and 108. Existing MODU's 
under Sec. 145.400(b) must comply with NVIC 4-78.


Sec. 145.410  What are the design, equipment, and inspection 
requirements for a foreign MODU?

    Each foreign MODU must comply with one of the following:
    (a) The requirements for design and equipment in 46 CFR part 108, 
for inspection of U.S. MODU's in 46 CFR 107.231(a) through (z), and for 
drydock or special examination in 46 CFR 107.261.
    (b) The design, equipment, and inspection standards of the MODU's 
nation, if the Commandant has determined that the standards provide a 
level of safety generally equivalent to, or greater than, that provided 
under 46 CFR 107.231(a) through (z), 107.261, and part 108. You must 
send requests for a determination by the Commandant to the Commandant, 
U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second St. SW., Washington, DC 20093-0001, along 
with technical data that supports the request.
    (c) The design, equipment, and inspection standards for MODU's in 
IMO Resolution A.414(XI) or A.649(16) and, for matters not addressed in 
the Resolutions, the requirements of 46 CFR 107.231(a) through (z), 
107.261, and part 108.


Sec. 145.415  What are the requirements for lights and warning devices?

    MODU's, when in contact with the seabed, must meet the requirements 
for lights and warning devices in part 67 of this chapter (Aids to 
Navigation on Artificial Islands and Fixed Structures).


Sec. 145.420  What MODU's must have a Certificate of Inspection?

    When engaged in OCS activities, each U.S. MODU must have on board a 
valid Certificate of Inspection under 46 CFR part 107, subpart B.


Sec. 145.425  What MODU's must have a letter of compliance?

    (a) When engaged in OCS activities, each foreign MODU must have on 
board a valid letter of compliance under this section.
    (b) If the OCMI determines that the foreign MODU meets the design, 
equipment, and inspection requirements of Sec. 145.410 and the lights 
and warning device requirements of Sec.  145.415, the OCMI issues a 
letter of compliance for the MODU. The OCMI may require that the MODU 
be inspected as part of this determination.
    (c) A letter of compliance under this section is valid for 2 years 
or until the MODU departs the OCS, whichever comes first.


Sec. 145.430  What if a foreign MODU fails to comply with a letter of 
compliance?

    If the OCMI determines that a foreign MODU is not in compliance 
with the requirements for its letter of compliance under Sec. 145.425 
or is not being operated in accordance with the operations requirements 
in subpart B of this part, the OCMI may suspend or revoke the letter of 
compliance.


Sec. 145.435  What are the requirements for a mid-period inspection for 
a foreign MODU?

    The OCMI reinspects each foreign MODU within 2 months before to 2 
months after the issue date of the MODU's letter of compliance to 
determine whether the MODU meets the requirements of this subpart.


Sec. 145.440  What are the fees for inspecting a foreign MODU for a 
letter of compliance?

    The owner or operator of a foreign MODU requiring inspection for a 
letter of compliance under Sec. 145.425 must pay the fee under 46 CFR 
2.10-130.

Subpart F--Mobile Inland Drilling Units

General


Sec. 145.500  What does this subpart apply to?

    This subpart applies to mobile inland drilling units (MIDU's) when 
engaged in OCS activities.


Sec. 145.505  Where on the OCS may a MIDU operate?

    MIDU's may operate only on the OCS shoreward of the first 9.15-
meter (30-

[[Page 68500]]

foot) contour from shore and shoreward of the Boundary Line described 
in 46 CFR 7.10 through 7.180.

Operations


Sec. 145.510  What are the operational, training, and drill 
requirements for a MIDU?

    When operating on the OCS shoreward of the first 9.15 meters (30-
foot) contour from shore and shoreward of the Boundary Line described 
in 46 CFR 7.10 through 7.180, each MIDU must meet the operations, 
training, and drill requirements for manned fixed facilities in 
subparts B, C, E, and F of part 143 of this chapter, unless otherwise 
required by this subpart.


Sec. 145.515  What are the requirements for notifying the Coast Guard 
before the arrival or relocation of a MIDU on the OCS?

    MIDU's under this subpart must meet the requirements for notice of 
arrival and relocation on the OCS under Sec. 145.110; except that, the 
notice must also state that the unit is a MIDU.


Sec. 145.520  What are the requirements for an emergency evacuation 
plan?

    MIDU's under this subpart must meet the requirements for emergency 
evacuation plans for MODU's under Sec. 145.115.

Lifesaving Equipment


Sec. 145.525  What are the lifesaving equipment requirements for a 
MIDU?

    When operating on the OCS shoreward of the first 9.15-meter (30-
foot) contour from shore and shoreward of the Boundary Line described 
in 46 CFR 7.10 through 7.180, each MIDU must meet the following 
lifesaving requirements for manned fixed facilities:
    (a) The requirements for maintenance and repair of lifesaving 
equipment in subpart G of this part.
    (b) The tests and inspection of lifesaving equipment in subpart H 
of this part.
    (c) The requirements for lifesaving equipment on manned fixed 
facilities in subpart I of this part.

Fire Fighting and Fire Protection


Sec. 145.530  What are the fire-fighting and fire-protection equipment 
requirements for a MIDU?

    When operating on the OCS shoreward of the first 9.15-meter (30-
foot) contour from shore and shoreward of the Boundary Line described 
in 46 CFR 7.10 through 7.180, each MIDU must meet the requirements for 
fire-fighting and fire-protection equipment for manned fixed facilities 
in subpart K of part 143 of this chapter.

Design, Equipment, and Inspection


Sec. 145.535  What are the design, equipment, and inspection 
requirements for a MIDU?

    When operating on the OCS shoreward of the first 9.15-meter (30-
foot) contour from shore and shoreward of the Boundary Line described 
in 46 CFR 7.10 through 7.180, MIDU's need not meet the design, 
equipment, and inspection requirements in subpart E of this part.


Sec. 145.540  Must a MIDU under this subpart have a letter of 
compliance?

    (a) When engaged in OCS activities, each MIDU must have on board a 
valid letter of compliance issued under this section that indicates 
that the MIDU meets the lifesaving equipment requirements under 
Sec. 145.525 and the fire-fighting and fire-protection requirements 
under Sec. 145.530.
    (b) If the OCMI determines that the MIDU meets the requirements of 
paragraph (a) of this part, the OCMI issues a letter of compliance for 
the MIDU. The OCMI may require that the MIDU be inspected as part of 
this determination.
    (c) A letter of compliance under paragraph (b) of this part is 
valid for 2 years or until the MIDU departs the OCS, whichever comes 
first.


Sec. 145.545  What if a MIDU fails to comply with a letter of 
compliance?

    If the OCMI determines that a MIDU is not in compliance with the 
requirements for its letter of compliance under Sec. 145.540 or is not 
being operated in accordance with the operations requirements in this 
subpart, the OCMI may suspend or revoke the letter of compliance.


Sec. 145.550  When must a MIDU be reinspected?

    The OCMI reinspects each MIDU within 2 months before to 2 months 
after the issue date of the MIDU's letter of compliance to determine 
whether the MIDU meets the requirements of this subpart.

PART 146--OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF ACTIVITIES: VESSELS

Subpart A--General

Sec.
146.1  What does this part apply to?
146.5  Where can I find the definition of a term used in this part?
146.10  Where can I get a copy of a publication referenced in this 
part?
146.15  Where can I find the workplace safety and health 
requirements?

Subpart B--Operations

146.100  Who designates the person in charge of a vessel engaged in 
OCS activities?
146.105  What notice is required when a foreign vessel arrives on 
the OCS?
146.110  How must the Coast Guard be notified of casualties 
involving U.S. vessels and how must they be reported?
146.115  When is a notice of casualty required for a foreign vessel 
and what must it contain?
146.120  When must a written report of casualty be submitted for a 
foreign vessel and what must it contain?
146.125  How must emergency equipment be maintained?
146.130  How must excess emergency equipment be maintained and 
inspected?
146.135  How must operational testing of emergency equipment be 
conducted?
146.140  What are the load line requirements of vessels?

Subpart C--Lifesaving

146.200  What are the requirements for lifesaving equipment and 
immersion suits on a U.S. vessel?
146.205  What are the requirements for lifesaving equipment on a 
foreign vessel?
146.210  What are the requirements for immersion suits on a foreign 
vessel?

Subpart D--Fire Fighting and Fire Protection

146.300  What are the requirements for fire-fighting and fire-
protection equipment on a U.S. vessel?
146.305  What are the requirements for fire-fighting and fire-
protection equipment on a foreign vessel?

Subpart E--Design, Equipment, and Inspection

146.400  What are the design, equipment, and inspection requirements 
for a U.S. vessel?
146.405  What are the design, equipment, and inspection requirements 
for a foreign vessel?
146.410  What are the requirements for lights and warning devices?
146.415  What vessels must have a Certificate of Inspection?
146.420  What vessels must have a letter of compliance?
146.425  What if a foreign vessel fails to comply with a letter of 
compliance?
146.430  When must a foreign vessel be reinspected?

Subpart F--Standby Vessels

146.500  What does this subpart apply to?
146.505  What are the requirements for certification of a standby 
vessel?
146.510  What are the operational requirements for a standby vessel?
146.515  What are the design and equipment requirements for a 
standby vessel?
146.520  What are the additional equipment requirements for a 
standby vessel?
146.525  What are the manning requirements for a standby vessel?

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1333(d)(1), 1348(c), 1356; 49 CFR 1.46.

[[Page 68501]]

Subpart A--General


Sec. 146.1  What does this part apply to?

    This part applies to vessels engaged in OCS activities, other than 
floating facilities, MODU's, and MIDU's. Vessels under this part 
include, but are not limited to, standby vessels, attending vessels, 
offshore supply vessels, pipelay vessels, derrick ships, diving support 
vessels, and oceanographic research vessels.


Sec. 146.5  Where can I find the definition of a term used in this 
part?

    See Sec. 140.25 of this chapter for the definition of a term used 
in this part.


Sec. 146.10  Where can I get a copy of a publication referenced in this 
part?

    You can get a copy of a publication referenced in this part from 
the sources listed in Sec.  140.30 of this chapter.


Sec. 146.15  Where can I find the workplace safety and health 
requirements?

    See part 142 of this chapter for requirements on workplace safety 
and health.

Subpart B--Operations


Sec. 146.100  Who designates the person in charge of a vessel engaged 
in OCS activities?

    (a) Each vessel engaged in OCS activities must have an individual 
on the vessel who is designated under paragraph (b) of this section as 
the person in charge of the vessel.
    (b) The owner or operator, or their agent, must designate the 
person in charge by title. They must designate, by title and in order 
of succession, enough individuals so that one individual on the vessel 
is acting as the person in charge.
    (c) The owner and operator must ensure that the name of the 
individual acting as the person in charge is made available upon 
request by Coast Guard personnel.


Sec. 146.105  What notice is required when a foreign vessel arrives on 
the OCS?

    (a) Fourteen days before a foreign vessel arrives on the OCS or as 
soon after that as practicable, the owner or operator of the vessel 
must notify the District Commander for the area where the vessel will 
operate of the following:
    (1) The vessel's name and country of registry.
    (2) The name and address of the vessel's owner and the owner's 
local representative, if any.
    (3) Whether the vessel has a classification society certificate or 
a previous letter of compliance issued by the Coast Guard.
    (4) The date that operations are expected to begin and end.
    (5) The location where, and date when, the vessel will be available 
and ready for inspection by the Coast Guard.
    (b) Information under paragraph (a) of this section may be provided 
by telephone or may be submitted together with, and need not repeat, 
information submitted in applications and notices under the aids to 
navigation requirements in part 67 of this chapter.


Sec. 146.110  How must the Coast Guard be notified of casualties 
involving U.S. vessels and how must they be reported?

    The requirements for notifying the Coast Guard of a casualty and 
the reporting of marine casualties are listed in 46 CFR part 4. The 
owner or operator must ensure that the Coast Guard is--
    (a) Notified of each event listed in 46 CFR 4.05-1(a)(1) through 
(a)(6), and
    (b) Notified of an occurrence causing property damage in excess of 
$100,000, this damage including the cost of labor and material to 
restore the property to its condition before the occurrence, but not 
including the cost of salvage, cleaning, gas-freeing, drydocking, or 
demurrage.


Sec. 146.115  When is a notice of casualty required for a foreign 
vessel and what must it contain?

    (a) Immediately after aiding the injured and or stabilizing the 
situation, the owner, operator, or master of a foreign vessel engaged 
in OCS activities must ensure that the Coast Guard is notified of each 
event listed in 46 CFR 4.05-1.
    (b) The notice under paragraph (a) of this section must contain the 
following:
    (1) The name of the vessel involved.
    (2) The name of the owner, operator, or master of the vessel.
    (3) The nature and circumstances of the event.
    (4) The nature and extent of the injury and damage resulting from 
the event.


Sec. 146.120  When must a written report of casualty be submitted for a 
foreign vessel and what must it contain?

    (a) In addition to the notice of a casualty under Sec. 146.115, the 
owner, operator, or master of a foreign vessel engaged in OCS 
activities must submit, within 10 days after the notice of casualty, a 
written report of the event to the OCMI.
    The report may be on Form CG-2692 (Report of Marine Accident, 
Injury, or Death) supplemented as necessary by appended Form CG-2692B 
(Report of Required Chemical Drug and Alcohol Testing Following a 
Serious Marine Accident) or in narrative form if it contains all of the 
applicable information requested in Form CG-2692 and Form CG-2692B. 
Copies of Form CG-2692 and Form CG-2692B are available from the OCMI.
    (b) The written report must also contain information relating to 
alcohol and drug involvement as specified in 46 CFR 4.05-12.
    (c) If filed immediately after the occurrence, the written report 
required by paragraph (a) of this section, satisfies the notice 
required by Sec. 146.115.


Sec. 146.125  How must emergency equipment be maintained?

    All lifesaving, fire-fighting, and other emergency equipment 
required by this subchapter, must be maintained in good working 
condition and ready for immediate use when the vessel is in use.


Sec. 146.130  How must excess emergency equipment be maintained and 
inspected?

    All emergency equipment that is in addition to the equipment 
required by this subchapter must be maintained and inspected as 
prescribed in this subchapter for that item of equipment.


Sec. 146.135  How must operational testing of emergency equipment be 
conducted?

    When emergency equipment must be operated as part of a drill or 
inspection, the equipment must be operated according to the operating 
instructions of the equipment's manufacturer.


Sec. 146.140  What are the load line requirements of vessels?

    (a) Each U.S. or foreign vessel subject to the load line 
requirements in 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter E, arriving at or 
proceeding to sea from any port or place within the United States, must 
comply with the requirements in 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter E when 
engaged in OCS activities.
    (b) Load line certificates and load line exemption certificates 
issued or accepted under 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter E, are accepted 
as evidence of compliance with paragraph (a) of this section.

Subpart C--Lifesaving


Sec. 146.200  What are the requirements for lifesaving equipment and 
immersion suits on a U.S. vessel?

    Each U.S. vessel must comply with the requirements for lifesaving 
equipment and immersion suits applicable to that category of vessel 
under 46 CFR chapter I.


Sec. 146.205  What are the requirements for lifesaving equipment on a 
foreign vessel?

    Each foreign vessel must comply with one of the following:

[[Page 68502]]

    (a) The lifesaving equipment requirements applicable to that 
category of vessel under 46 CFR chapter I.
    (b) The lifesaving equipment standards of the vessel's nation, if 
the Commandant has determined that the standards provide a level of 
safety equivalent to, or greater than, that provided under the 
lifesaving equipment requirements applicable to that category of vessel 
under 46 CFR chapter I. Send your request for a determination along 
with technical data supporting the performance of the equipment to the 
Commandant (G-MSE-4), U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second Street SW., 
Washington DC 20593-0001.
    (c) The lifesaving equipment requirements of the International 
Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended, (SOLAS) 
applicable to the vessel, if the vessel meets all other SOLAS 
requirements applicable to that vessel.


Sec. 146.210  What are the requirements for immersion suits on a 
foreign vessel?

    (a) Each foreign vessel that is operated North of 32 degrees North 
latitude must comply with the immersion-suit requirements for U.S. 
vessels under Sec. 146.200, except as under paragraph (b) of this 
section.
    (b) You may use an immersion suit, exposure suit, or other similar 
suit approved by the vessel's nation instead of immersion suit under 
Sec. 146.200. The suit must be accepted by the Commandant as providing 
thermal protection equal to, or greater than, the thermal protection 
provided by an immersion suit approved under approval series 160.171 or 
an anti-exposure suit approved under approval series 160.153. Send your 
request for acceptance of a suit along with technical data supporting 
the thermal performance of the suit to the Commandant (G-MSE-4) at the 
address in Sec. 146.205(b).

Subpart D--Fire Fighting and Fire Protection


Sec. 146.300  What are the requirements for fire-fighting and fire-
protection equipment on a U.S. vessel?

    Each U.S. vessel must comply with the requirements for fire-
fighting and fire-protection equipment applicable to that category of 
vessel under 46 CFR chapter I.


Sec. 146.305  What are the requirements for fire-fighting and fire-
protection equipment on a foreign vessel?

    Each foreign vessel must comply with one of the following:
    (a) The requirements for fire-fighting and fire-protection 
equipment applicable to that category of vessel under 46 CFR chapter I.
    (b) The standards for fire-fighting and fire-protection equipment 
of the vessel's nation, if the Commandant determines that the standards 
provide a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, that provided 
under the requirements for fire-fighting and fire-protection equipment 
applicable to that category of vessel under 46 CFR chapter I. Send your 
request for a determination along with technical data that supports the 
request to the Commandant (G-MSE-4), U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second 
Street SW., Washington DC 20593-0001.
    (c) The requirements for fire-fighting and fire-protection 
equipment applicable to the vessel under the 1975 SOLAS Convention, as 
amended, if the vessel meets all other SOLAS requirements applicable to 
that vessel.

Subpart E--Design, Equipment, and Inspection


Sec. 146.400  What are the design, equipment, and inspection 
requirements for a U.S. vessel?

    Each U.S. vessel must comply with the design, equipment, and 
inspection requirements applicable to that category of vessel under the 
following subchapters of 46 CFR chapter I:
    (a) Subchapter D--Tank Vessels.
    (b) Subchapter F--Marine Engineering.
    (c) Subchapter H--Passenger Vessels.
    (d) Subchapter I--Cargo and Miscellaneous Vessels.
    (e) Subchapter J--Electrical Engineering.
    (f) Subchapter L--Offshore Supply Vessels.
    (g) Subchapter P--Manning of Vessels.
(h) Subchapter T--Small Passenger Vessels.
(i) Subchapter U--Oceanographic Research Vessels.


Sec. 146.405  What are the design, equipment, and inspection 
requirements for a foreign vessel?

    Each foreign vessel must comply with one of the following:
    (a) The design, equipment, and inspection requirements in 
Sec. 146.400 applicable to U.S. vessels in similar service.
    (b) The design, equipment, and inspection standards of the vessel's 
nation, if the Commandant has determined that the standards provide a 
level of safety generally equivalent to, or greater than, that provided 
by the design, equipment, and inspection standards applicable to that 
category of vessel under 46 CFR chapter I. You must send requests for a 
determination by the Commandant to the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, 
2100 Second Street SW., Washington DC 20593-0001, along with technical 
data that supports the request.


Sec. 146.410  What are the requirements for lights and warning devices?

    All vessels must meet the requirements for lights and warning 
devices in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at 
Sea 1972 (33 CFR part 81) or under local rules provided for in Rule 1 
of those regulations.


Sec. 146.415  What vessels must have a Certificate of Inspection?

    When engaged in OCS activities, the owner or operator of a U.S. 
vessel must have on board a valid Certificate of Inspection under 46 
CFR chapter I.


Sec. 146.420  What vessels must have a letter of compliance?

    (a) When engaged in OCS activities, the owner or operator of a 
foreign vessel must have on board a valid letter of compliance under 
this section.
    (b) If the OCMI determines that the vessel meets the design and 
equipment requirements of Sec. 146.405, the OCMI issues a letter of 
compliance for the vessel. The OCMI may require that the vessel be 
inspected as part of this determination.
    (c) A letter of compliance issued under this section is valid for 2 
years or until the vessel departs the OCS, whichever comes first.


Sec. 146.425  What if a foreign vessel fails to comply with a letter of 
compliance?

    The OCMI may suspend or revoke the letter of compliance if the OCMI 
determines that the owner or operator of a foreign vessel--
    (a) Is not in compliance with the requirements for its letter of 
compliance under Sec. 146.420; or
    (b) Is not operating according to the operations requirements in 
subpart B of this part.


Sec. 146.430  When must a foreign vessel be reinspected?

    The OCMI reinspects each foreign vessel between 10 and 14 months 
after the issue date of the vessel's letter of compliance to determine 
whether the vessel meets the requirements of this subpart.

Subpart F--Standby Vessels


Sec. 146.500  What does this subpart apply to?

    (a) This subpart applies only to standby vessels specifically 
designated in an Emergency Evacuation Plan (EEP) under part 143, 
subpart D, Sec. 144.205, or

[[Page 68503]]

Sec. 145.115 of this chapter to rapidly evacuate personnel in the event 
of an emergency on a facility, MODU, or MIDU.
    (b) The requirements in this subpart are in addition to those in 
subparts B through E of this part. If a requirement in this subpart 
differs from one in another subpart, the requirement in this subpart 
must be complied with on standby vessels.


Sec. 146.505  What are the requirements for certification of a standby 
vessel?

    Your vessel may operate as a standby vessel if--
    (a) It is a U.S. vessel; and
    (b) It has a valid Certificate of Inspection issued in compliance 
with 46 CFR chapter I, subchapters H, I, K, T, or L.


Sec. 146.510  What are the operational requirements for a standby 
vessel?

    The owner or operator must ensure that--
    (a) A standby vessel does not carry or store goods, supplies, and 
equipment on the deck or other location that may hinder the vessel's 
ability to render assistance to the facility, MODU, or MIDU that the 
vessel is designated under the Emergency Evacuation Plan to assist; and
    (b) A standby vessel does not carry or store any hazardous material 
as defined in 49 CFR 171.8.


Sec. 146.515  What are the design and equipment requirements for a 
standby vessel?

    The owner or operator ensures that each standby vessel meets the 
following:
    (a) Comply with the design and equipment requirements under 46 CFR 
chapter I, subchapters H, I, K, T, or L applicable to the category of 
vessel.
    (b) Be capable of carrying and providing shelter for 100 percent of 
the number of persons on the most populated facility, MODU, or MIDU 
that the vessel is designated under the Emergency Evacuation Plan to 
assist. Crew spaces may be used to meet the requirements of this 
paragraph.
    (c) Have aircraft-type reclining seats for 10 percent of the number 
of persons on the most populated facility, MODU, or MIDU that the 
standby vessel is designated to assist. You may use crew spaces to meet 
the requirements of this paragraph.


Sec. 146.520  What are the additional equipment requirements for a 
standby vessel?

    (a) In addition to the equipment requirements under Sec. 146.515, 
you must have at least the following equipment:
    (1) Multiple propellers or propulsion devices.
    (2) Two searchlights.
    (3) For vessels certificated under 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter H, 
one line throwing appliance that meets the requirements in 46 CFR 
75.45.
    (4) For vessels certified under 46 CFR chapter I, subchapters I, K, 
L, or T, one line throwing appliance that meets the requirements of 46 
CFR 94.45.
    (5) A Stokes or comparable litter.
    (6) One blanket for each person on the most populated facility, 
MODU, or MIDU that the vessel is designated to assist.
    (7) A means for safely retrieving persons, including injured or 
helpless persons, from the water. The means of retrieval must be 
demonstrated to the satisfaction of the OCMI.
    (8) A scramble net that can be rigged on either side of the vessel.
    (9) A minimum of four Coast Guard approved ring life buoys, each 
equipped with 30 meters (100 feet) of line.
    (10) An immersion suit approved by the Coast Guard under approval 
series 160.171, or an anti-exposure suit approved under approval series 
160.153, for each member of the standby vessel's crew when the vessel 
operates North of 32 degrees North latitude.
    (11) Two boat hooks.
    (12) A fire monitor with a minimum flow rate of at least 1,893 
liters (500 gallons) per minute.
    (13) One two-way radio capable of voice communication with the 
facility, MODU, or MIDU and with helicopters or other rescue aircraft, 
rescue boats, and the shore-side support personnel.
    (14) Floodlights to illuminate the personnel and boat retrieval 
area, the scramble net when deployed, and the water around the 
personnel retrieval and scramble net deployment areas.
    (15) A copy of ``The Ship's Medicine Chest and Medical Aid at 
Sea'', DHHS Publication No. (PHS) 84-2024, available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, DC 20402, or a copy of the ``American Red Cross First Aid 
Manual,'' available from Little Brown and Company, 3 Center Plaza, 
Boston, MA 02108.
    (16) An industrial first aid kit sized for 50 percent of the number 
of persons on the most populated facility, MODU, or MIDU that the 
vessel is designated to assist.
    (17) Coast Guard approved life preservers for 50 percent of the 
number of persons on the most populated facility, MODU, or MIDU that 
the vessel is designated to assist.
    (b) The OCMI must approve the equipment required by paragraph (a) 
of this section.


Sec. 146.525  What are the manning requirements for a standby vessel?

    Standby vessels must be crewed in accordance with their Certificate 
of Inspection for 24-hour operation. The OCMI may require the crew to 
be augmented, as necessary, to provide for maneuvering the vessel, for 
lookouts, for rigging and operating retrieval equipment, and for caring 
for survivors.

PART 147--OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF ACTIVITIES: SAFETY ZONES

Subpart A--General

Sec.
147.1  What does this part apply to?
147.5  What is the purpose of this part?
147.10  How is safety promoted in a safety zone?
147.15  Where can I find the definition of a term used in this part?
147.20  Who may establish safety zones and enforce this part?
147.25  How are safety zones established?
147.30  How will the public be notified of new or proposed safety 
zones?
147.35  When may a zone be established and how long may it last?
147.40  How far may safety zones extend?

Subpart B--Specific Safety Zones

147.100  What is the purpose of this subpart?
147.105  What do I need to know about the geographic coordinates 
used in this subpart?
147.110  Where are the safety zones in the Eleventh Coast Guard 
District and what are their regulations?

    Authority: 14 U.S.C. 85; 43 U.S.C. 1333: 49 CFR 1.46.

Subpart A--General


Sec. 147.1  What does this part apply to?

    This part applies to the owner, operator, or master of a fixed 
facility, floating facility, mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU), and 
mobile inland drilling unit (MIDU) engaged in OCS activities.


Sec. 147.5  What is the purpose of this part?

    A safety zone under this part is a zone around a facility, MODU, or 
MIDU being constructed, maintained, or operated on the Outer 
Continental Shelf. The purpose of a safety zone is to promote the 
safety of life and property on the facility, MODU, or MIDU, on their 
appurtenances and attending vessels, and on the adjacent waters within 
the zone.


Sec. 147.10  How is safety promoted in a safety zone?

    The safety of life and property within a safety zone is promoted by 
regulations under this part that prevent or control specific activities 
and access by vessels or persons or that protect the living

[[Page 68504]]

resources of the sea from harmful agents.


Sec. 147.15  Where can I find the definition of a term used in this 
part?

    See Sec. 140.25 of this chapter for the definition of a term used 
in this part.


Sec. 147.20  Who may establish safety zones and enforce this part?

    The District Commander may establish safety zones and enforce this 
part.


Sec. 147.25  How are safety zones established?

    (a) Before establishing a safety zone, the District Commander 
considers all factors detrimental to safety, including the congestion 
of vessels, the presence of unusually harmful or hazardous substances, 
and the presence of obstructions within 500 meters (1,640 feet) of the 
facility, MODU, or MIDU.
    (b) If the District Commander decides to establish a zone, the 
District Commander publishes a notice of proposed rulemaking in the 
Federal Register and provides an opportunity for public comment. After 
consideration of the comments, the District Commander may publish a 
final rule establishing the zone and its regulations.
    (c) When there is an imminent threat to the safety of life and 
property within the zone, the District Commander may establish the 
safety zone and its regulations in an interim rule without first 
publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking. The interim rule makes the 
safety zone and its regulations effective on publication in the Federal 
Register and requests public comments. After consideration of the 
comments received, the District Commander publishes a final rule, which 
may adopt the interim rule with or without changes or remove it.
    (d) If required by circumstances, safety zones may be placed into 
effect immediately. A Federal Register document must be published 
promptly.


Sec. 147.30  How will the public be notified of new or proposed safety 
zones?

    In addition to documents published in the Federal Register under 
Sec. 147.25, the District Commander may provide public notice of new or 
proposed safety zones by Broadcast Notices to Mariners, Notices to 
Mariners, Local Notices to Mariners, newspapers, and broadcast 
stations, or other means.


Sec. 147.35  When may a zone be established and how long may it last?

    A safety zone and its regulations may go into effect as early as 
when construction equipment and materials arrive at the zone and may 
remain in effect until the facility, MODU, or MIDU for which the zone 
was established is removed.


Sec. 147.40  How far may safety zones extend?

    A safety zone may extend to a maximum distance of 500 meters (1,640 
feet) around the facility, MODU, or MIDU measured from each point on 
its outer edge or from its construction site. However, the zone may not 
interfere with the use of recognized sea lanes.

Subpart B--Specific Safety Zones


Sec. 147.100  What is the purpose of this subpart?

    This subpart contains specific safety zones and their regulations.


Sec. 147.105  What do I need to know about the geographic coordinates 
used in this subpart?

    The geographic coordinates used in this subpart are not intended 
for plotting on charts or maps using coordinates based on the North 
American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83). If you use the geographic coordinates 
in this subpart to plot on a chart or map referencing NAD 83, you must 
make corrections as shown on the chart or map.


Sec. 147.110  Where are the safety zones in the Eleventh Coast Guard 
District and what are their regulations?

    The safety zones in the Eleventh Coast Guard District and their 
regulations are as follows:
    (a) Location. Each safety zone is the area within a line 500 meters 
(1,640 feet) from each point on the outer edge of each facility listed 
in the following table.

                                         Table 147.110(a)--Safety Zones
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Name of safety zone                                     Location of facility
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EDITH.......................................  33 deg.-35'-45''N, 118 deg.-08'-27''W.
ELLEN \1\...................................  33 deg.-34'-57''N, 118 deg.-07'-42''W.
ELLY \1\....................................  33 deg.-35'-00''N, 118 deg.-07'-40''W.
EUREKA......................................  33 deg.-33'-50''N, 118 deg.-07'-00''W.
EXXON SANTA YNEZ \2\........................  34 deg.-24'-19''N, 120 deg.-06'-00''W.
GAIL........................................  34 deg.-07'-30''N, 119 deg.-24'-01''W.
GILDA.......................................  34 deg.-10'-56''N, 119 deg.-25'-07''W.
GINA........................................  34 deg.-07'-02''N, 119 deg.-16'-35''W.
GRACE.......................................  34 deg.-10'-47''N, 119 deg.-28'-05''W.
HARMONY.....................................  34 deg.-22'-36''N, 120 deg.-10'-03''W.
HARVEST.....................................  34 deg.-28'-09.5''N, 120 deg.-40'-46.1''W.
HERITAGE....................................  34 deg.-21'-01''N, 120 deg.-16'-45''W.
HERMOSA.....................................  34 deg.-27'-19''N, 120 deg.-38'-47''W.
HIDALGO.....................................  34 deg.-29'-42''N, 120 deg.-42'-08''W.
HONDO.......................................  34 deg.-23'-27''N, 120 deg.-07'-14''W.
IRENE.......................................  34 deg.-36'-37.5''N, 120 deg.-43'-46''W.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Facilities ELLEN and ELLY are approximately 120 meters (394 feet) apart.
\2\ Facility EXXON SANTA YNEZ is a mooring for offshore storage and treatment vessels.


[[Page 68505]]

    (b) Regulations. No vessel may enter or remain in a safety zone 
under paragraph (a) of this section, except the following:
    (1) An attending vessel.
    (2) A vessel under 30 meters (100 feet) in overall length not 
engaged in towing. Overall length means the horizontal distance between 
the foremost part of the vessel's stem to the aftermost part of its 
stern, excluding fittings and attachments.
    (3) A vessel authorized by the Commander, Eleventh Coast Guard 
District, to enter or remain in the safety zone.

    Dated: November 22, 1999.
Jeffrey P. High,
Acting Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety and Environmental 
Protection.
[FR Doc. 99-30895 Filed 11-30-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-U