We continue to receive questions from pipeline operators concerning jurisdiction of offshore pipelines – specifically in the Gulf of Mexico. The general guideline (in federal waters) is that a pipeline operated by a "producing" company is regulated by the DOI / MMS, and a pipeline operated by a "transportation" company is regulated by the DOT / OPS. Note that this guidance is not binding on pipelines that are in STATE waters, where the DOI / MMS does not have jurisdiction over pipeline safety. When in doubt, there is no better approach than to review the specific rulemakings on this subject, which we have posted at