Pipeline Safety Stakeholder Communications

Quick Facts:

• Offshore transmission and gathering pipelines in federal waters (on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)) are regulated by either the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) in the U.S. Department of Transportation or by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in the U.S. Department of the Interior.
• Offshore transmission and gathering pipelines in state waters closer to shore are regulated by either OPS or by certified state agencies.

Overview

An offshore pipeline is defined in the Code of Federal Regulations as a pipeline that lies beyond the low water mark of the coast of the United States that is adjacent to the open seas. Offshore pipelines consist of gathering and transmission lines. The gathering lines run from offshore production platforms to centralized platforms or pipelines where the product is transported to the shore through transmission pipelines. Offshore platforms are a familiar sight in Alaska’s Cook Inlet and in the Gulf of Mexico.

In addition, special offloading terminals called deepwater ports are also located in the Gulf of Mexico. At these ports, tankers can remain in deep water and offload their cargoes of petroleum and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to platforms for pipeline transportation to onshore storage or processing facilities.

Offshore pipe normally lies either directly on the natural seabed or just below the natural seabed surface. However, in shallow water (15 feet or less) where the pipe is exposed to potential navigation hazards, the pipe must be placed a specified depth below the natural seabed and adhere to other regulatory requirements not applicable at deeper water depths.

Additional Regulation of Offshore Pipelines

Even when regulated by OPS or its certified state agencies, certain aspects of offshore pipelines (such as new construction or modifications) are also regulated by the BSEE, the U.S. Coast Guard, and when located in state waters, by other state agencies.

Offshore Pipelines: Where can I learn more?

• PHMSA Community Liaison Services
• Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, U.S. Department of the Interior
• Code of Federal Regulations 49 CFR Part 192, Transportation of Natural Gas
• Code of Federal Regulations 49 CFR Part 195, Transportation of Hazardous Liquid by Pipeline

Date of Revision: 12012011