BSEE works to promote safety, protect the environment, and conserve resources offshore through vigorous regulatory oversight and enforcement.
BSEE is supported by three regional offices: New Orleans, La., Camarillo, Calif. and Anchorage, Alaska. The regional offices are responsible for reviewing Applications for Permit to Drill to ensure all of the recently implemented enhanced safety requirements are met and for conducting inspections of drilling rigs and production platforms using multi-person, multi-discipline inspection teams. BSEE’
s inspectors issue Incidents of Non-Compliance and have the authority to fine companies through Civil Penalties for regulatory infractions. Regional and field operations personnel also investigate accidents and incidents. DOI Social Media Policy Regarding Public Comments
Comments received through two-way blogs must be reviewed by the bureau (or DOI if it is a Departmental blog). Each blog must have clear and defensible standards for comments. All sites that allow visitors to post comments should make it clear whether comments will be moderated and should include a disclaimer. For example:
“We welcome your comments and hope that our conversations here will be courteous. You are fully responsible for the content of your comments.
“We do not discriminate against any views, but we reserve the right to delete any of the following:
• off-topic comments
• violent, vulgar, obscene, profane, hateful, or racist comments
• comments that threaten or defame any person or organization
• the violation of the privacy of another individual
• solicitations, advertisements, or endorsements of any financial, commercial, or nongovernmental agency
• comments that suggest or encourage illegal activity
• comments promoting or opposing any person who is campaigning for election to a political office or promoting or opposing any ballot proposition
• comments including phone numbers, e-mail addresses, residential addresses, or similar information
• multiple, successive off-topic posts by a single user
• repetitive posts copied and pasted by multiple users”
“Communication made through this service’s e-mail and/or messaging system will in no way constitutes a legal or official notice or comment to the U.S. Department of the Interior (or bureau) or any official or employee of the U.S. Department of the Interior (or bureau) for any purpose.”
“References to commercial entities, products, services, or nongovernmental organizations or individuals are provided solely for information. These references are not intended to reflect the opinion of U.S. Department of the Interior (or bureau), the United States Government, or its officers or employees concerning the significance, priority, or importance to be given the referenced entity, product, service, or organization. Such references are not an official or personal endorsement of any product, person, or service and may not be quoted or reproduced for the purpose of stating or implying U.S. Department of the Interior (or bureau) endorsement or approval of any product, person, or service.”
“Reporters or other media representatives are asked to send questions through their normal channels (the appropriate DOI/bureau office public affairs or communications office) and to refrain from submitting questions here as comments. Reporter questions may be removed.”
“This Comment Policy is subject to amendment or modification at any time to ensure that its continued use is consistent with its intended purpose as a limited forum.”
06/05/2026
At the core of hurricane preparedness is one priority: people.
Operators are responsible for protecting personnel, including making evacuation decisions based on real-time conditions. BSEE ensures operators are prepared through required plans, safety systems, and emergency response drills.
Strong preparation supports safe outcomes.
06/04/2026
Staying informed is a key part of hurricane preparedness.
Offshore operators are responsible for real-time decisions during a storm, including evacuation actions in coordination with agencies like the U.S. Coast Guard. BSEE’s role is to ensure operators have the plans, systems, and safety measures in place before those decisions are required.
Preparedness enables confident action.
06/03/2026
Strong communication is essential during hurricane season.
Operators must have clear emergency response plans, defined communication procedures, and reporting protocols in place. BSEE ensures these systems are established and maintained, supporting coordination and accountability before, during, and after a storm.
Clear communication starts with strong planning.
06/02/2026
Preparation offshore means acting early.
Operators are required to secure equipment, stage materials, and prepare facilities ahead of severe weather. BSEE enforces these preparedness standards through inspections and regulatory oversight to help reduce risks to personnel, infrastructure, and the environment.
Early action is critical when conditions change quickly.
06/01/2026
Hurricane season begins June 1, and preparation starts now.
Offshore operators should review and update hurricane preparedness plans, including evacuation procedures, well shut-ins, and securing facilities. BSEE’s role is to ensure operators maintain strong preparedness plans, meet regulatory requirements, and are ready to respond safely.
Preparation today helps protect lives and the environment tomorrow.
05/26/2026
Inspecting subsea pipeline connections is critical for safe offshore operations, but it can be complex and resource-intensive.
BSEE-supported research is developing an autonomous robotic system that can locate, grasp, and inspect these connections using “smart-touch” sensing.
By combining sonar, cameras, and machine learning, the system can assess bolt integrity without the need for manual subsea inspection—improving both safety and efficiency.
On Memorial Day, we pause to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation.
Their sacrifice represents the highest commitment to duty, and it is never forgotten.
At BSEE, we carry forward that legacy through our mission—protecting lives, safeguarding the environment, and ensuring the responsible management of America’s offshore energy resources.
Today, we remember.
05/22/2026
On National Maritime Day, BSEE recognizes the vital role of the U.S. maritime workforce in supporting the nation’s economy, energy production, and security.
From offshore platforms to vessels operating across the Outer Continental Shelf, maritime professionals help ensure the safe, efficient, and responsible development of America’s offshore energy resources.
Today, we thank the men and women of the maritime industry whose work helps power the nation and support safe offshore operations.
The transition to the Marine Minerals Administration does not change BSEE’s core mission or authorities. Oversight, inspections and enforcement continue without interruption.
05/20/2026
During National Infrastructure Week, BSEE is highlighting the importance of managing offshore infrastructure across its full lifecycle — including end-of-life and orphan infrastructure.
As offshore infrastructure ages and more assets reach the end of their operational life, BSEE is taking a risk-based approach to prioritize orphan wells, structures and pipelines that pose the greatest potential risk first. This helps ensure decommissioning work continues safely, responsibly and to standard.
BSEE is currently tracking 92 orphan wells, 18 orphan structures and 98 orphan pipelines. Looking ahead, planned work over the next couple of years includes the temporary abandonment of 31 orphan wells and the decommissioning of 13 orphan pipelines as BSEE continues to drive down that inventory.
By addressing these assets, BSEE helps keep America’s offshore energy infrastructure accountable from development through decommissioning — supporting safe operations, environmental protection and responsible energy development for America.
05/19/2026
Infrastructure Week is a reminder that keeping America’s offshore energy infrastructure operating also means ensuring it is safely addressed when it reaches the end of its service life.
Decommissioning is a critical part of BSEE’s oversight role. When wells, pipelines, platforms and other offshore facilities are no longer in service, BSEE works to ensure they are properly decommissioned in accordance with federal requirements.
Since 2022, BSEE has signed five Cooperating Party Agreements covering the full decommissioning of 11 orphan wells, 14 orphan pipelines and one orphan platform. Through government contracting, BSEE has also completed orphan decommissioning work including the temporary abandonment of 15 wells, the permanent abandonment of one well, and the flush, fill and decommissioning of four pipelines.
This work reflects BSEE’s commitment to full lifecycle accountability — ensuring offshore infrastructure is safely operated, properly maintained and responsibly decommissioned while protecting workers, coastal communities and the marine environment.
05/25/2026
05/22/2026