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In This Issue

  1. OCS Crane Requirements
  2. Louisiana Rules for Pipeline Integrity Management
  3. O&M Manual Up-To-Date?
  4. Homeland Security Advisory System – Brochure
  5. DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop – March 19-20, 2003 – Houston Includes update on the new Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 signed into law on Dec 17, 2002
  6. Withdrawal of MMS Proposed Rule – Pipeline Repairs
  7. Air Permit Needs?
  8. MMS Safety Alert on Pipeline Safety Joints
  9. OQ-2 Teleconference
  10. RCP Website hang-ups
  11. Interested in Web-Based Compliance Management Systems?
  12. New Southeast Louisiana Area Contingency Plan
  13. Definition of “Waters of the United States”: extension of comment period
  14. Pipeline Integrity Management in High Consequence Areas (Gas Transmission Pipelines): Notice of public meeting

OCS Crane Requirements

The Minerals Management Service (MMS) has incorporated by reference into its regulations the Fifth Edition of the American Petroleum Institute’s Specification for Offshore Cranes (API Spec 2C). MMS has taken this action to establish a minimum design standard for cranes installed on fixed platforms on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) after the effective date of this rule. The rule also requires lessees to equip all existing cranes installed on OCS fixed platforms with anti-two block safety devices. This final rule will ensure that OCS lessees use the best available and safest technologies for the design and construction of future cranes installed on the OCS.

MMS is responsible for the regulation of cranes, booms, and other material-handling equipment installed on fixed platforms according to the 1998 MMS/United States Coast Guard (USCG) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). MMS currently regulates cranes by requiring lessees and operators to comply with the American Petroleum Institute’s Recommended Practice for the Operation and Maintenance of Offshore Cranes (API RP 2D), Fourth Edition. As outlined in the 1998 MOU, USCG is responsible for cranes, booms, and other material-handling equipment installed on mobile offshore drilling units and floating production systems. In short, MMS regulates cranes installed on fixed platforms and the USCG regulates cranes installed on floating facilities.

This rule is effective March 17, 2003. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wilbon Rhome, Industrial Specialist, Operations and Analysis Branch, at (703) 787-1587. The full text of the rule can be downloaded from RCP’s website here through the Response Planning Gateway.