More layers of regulation on the cards

摘要

Speaking at the 2014 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston in early May, during a panel discussion on the final day of the conference, the US Coast Guard's assistant commandant for prevention policy, rear admiral Joseph Servidio, and Brian Salerno, director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, said they intended to "crack down" on companies that cut corners. Admiral Servidio said the Coast Guard "will consider launching unannounced inspections of oil and gas industry vessels" after a number were found to have more five deficiencies during recent surveys. "There are significant areas of concern, and we have a way to go with some vessels and some companies," Admiral Servidio said. The admiral also promised the same kind of approach for rig operators, noting that the Coast Guard continues to see "a few repeat offenders" among companies with a deep commitment to safety and environmental management systems (SEMS). "There are companies we have encountered that think they can cut corners or regard SEMS as just a plan on a shelf," admiral Salerno said. "In some tragic cases, lives have been lost because of failure to follow established safety processes."