API RP 1145

Abstract

Scope and Purpose This API Recommended Practice (RP) provides information and guidance for the development of oil spill response plans primarily for the offshore U.S. oil and gas exploration, production, and transportation (pipeline) industry. However, the general plan concepts described in Section 3 can be applied to oil spill response plans developed for all types of coastal/marine assets or operations, both in U.S. and international locations. Additionally, this RP, or selected components of it, may be used to inform the development of response plans for any company, organization, or public agency that oversees or conducts the response to oil spills. The primary purpose of this RP is to compile a series of best practices and other information from workgroup members into a document that can guide the user in the preparation of effective and functional oil spill response plans for offshore facilities. The RP can also be used to modify portions of existing oil spill response plans to enhance effectiveness and functionality. Although plans prepared or modified using this RP can be used to replace existing response plans required by regulation, the RP is not intended to be a regulatory compliance guideline or to supersede current regulations. The content recommended by this RP was, however, benchmarked against Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) regulations (30 CFR Part 254 and associated guidance in NTL 2012-N06) and found to be in general compliance but will depend on the specific information plan holders include in each section. Conversely, the recommended content is not limited to addressing current BSEE or other regulatory requirements and exceeds those requirements in many areas. Consequently, the incorporation of additional information may be necessary to comply with agencyspecific requirements and information not required by regulation can be removed if it does not apply, or add value, to the plan holder