The US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) is taking initiatives to launch an independent Ocean Energy Safety Institute to improve safe and responsible operations across the offshore oil and gas industry.
BSEE considered establishing the institute after a recommendation from the Ocean Energy Safety Advisory Committee (OESC), a federal advisory group, which includes representatives from industry, federal government agencies, non-governmental organisations and the academic community.
The recommendation called for establishing a body that will provide a programme of research, technical assistance and education and serve as a centre of expertise in oil and gas exploration, development and production technology.
The proposed institute will provide a forum for dialogue, shared learning and cooperative research among academia, government, industry and other non-government organisations in offshore-related technologies and activities.
The institute will identify technological gaps and recommend improvement of drilling and production equipment, practices, and regulation.