NTL No. 2008-G18 / Effective date: September 25, 2008

The U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Minerals Management Service (MMS) issued a notice to lessees and operators in the Gulf of Mexico OCS region, NTL No. 2008-G18 (which supersedes NTL No. 2008-G16, effective 9-11-08) to elaborate on the inspections you need to conduct and the plans and reports you need to prepare because of known and potential damage to OCS facilities caused by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. You may access a map of the affected area on the MMS Internet website. The MMS GOMR has determined that you must perform the following surveys on all fixed OCS platforms located in the affected areas of both hurricanes:

  • Level I survey before you man a platform located in the affected area.
  • Level II & III underwater surveys may be necessary (see full text for details)
  • Level IV survey if a Level III survey detects significant structural damage

Surveys should begin immediately, and the MMS GOMR encourages you to inspect the older platforms located nearest the eye center storm track. Complete all surveys by March 31, 2009 and correct any damage to a platform before June 1, 2009. NTL 2008-G18 outlines the steps for Emergency Repair notification to the MMS. If you make emergency repairs on a floating platform, you must also notify the US Coast Guard.

By November 1, 2008, submit the inspection information listed below by e-mail to structures@mms.gov:

  • A list of all your OCS platforms in the affected area;
  • For each listed platform, an initial inspection plan
  • A timetable that shows how you will complete all inspections by March 31, 2009

For more information or the full text of NTL No. 2008-G18, contact Jessica Roger.

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