New Rig Law

[Graham]

Have been reading a lot of chatter about a law that took action on July 1 concerning the rigs and how close you can get to them. Anyone have any input on this?

[ROCK BOTTOM]

What is your source? They might have to remove me by force.

Zz

[Graham]

Been seeing some stuff on rodnreel.com
Somebody got run off of the Deepwater Horizon in Green Canyon this weekend and the workers said there was a new law in action. A bunch of people have been coming back with different answers. Not like we are pulling up to the rigs with towels on our heads holding AK's. If anything I think we will defend those rigs from terrorist.

[bottomnout]

some of these guys on the rigs will try to run you off because you are fishing or diving on their favorite fishing hole. the only way id get off a rig is if a crew boat is pulling up or if a F-16 buzzes your tuna tower. if worse comes to worse cover up your numbers and drop of divers, its not like the coast gaurd is going to get there any time soon. We have had oil, bleach, and stinky ass water pored on us, the best way to deal with these ass holes is to give them the bird and do what you came to that rig to do, kill fish.

[ramblin'wreck]

I found some information on these regulations at the USCG MTSA press kit (http://www.uscg.mil/news/Headquarters/MTSAPressKit.pdf) .

The Maritime Transportation Security Act applies to a lot of different facilities and vessels, including oil and gas platforms. The press kit identifies:
OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF FACILITIES – Part 106
Examples of offshore oil & gas platforms most directly impacted by the new regulations
• Oil rig that produces more than 100,000 barrels of oil per day
• Platform that produces more than 200 million cubic feet of natural gas per day
• Platform that is consistently manned by more than 150 people

The public comment included a request to prevent restrictions on fishing around these facilities, but the response was along the lines of "these restrictions only apply to 1 percent or less of OCS facilities, and therefore do not impose an undue burden...etc. No specific prohibition against fishing around OCS facilities...etc."

Steve, I think MP299 is safe for the moment (we were out there yesterday), but if they turn it into a LNG unloading facility (as they have submitted a permit application (http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-IMPACT/2004/June/Day-09/i12965.htm) to do, it will be off-limits.

Part of the problem with all this is the "heightened" security mandated for MARSEC levels 2 and 3. We are currently at level 2, and I can't foresee going to level 1 anytime soon.

I really hope this Marsec stuff is not translated by the oil and gas companies into blanket policies preventing small boats from approaching the platforms.

One thing that becomes even more important in the face of all this: we should support efforts to require the platforms to be left in place after they are encrusted with live rock, even when they are no longer in service. These are "our" artificial reefs, and we don't have any natural ones out there. Currently when a platform goes out of service it must be removed within a short time period. See Al Walker's towers of life (http://www.towersoflife.com) website for more information.

Mike

[Graham]

Thanks for the update.

[Wet Spot]

I went to a meeting a couple of years ago regarding this. All said and done I tried to get the oil companies to use us as their eyes and ears of the Gulf. I recommended that they designate a vhf channel or phone number for reporting suspicious activity and nothing came of it. The docks and passes are as important to keep watch on because you surly don't need to get even close to a rig to destroy it. Also mentioned was to have a channel to report to before you tie up so someone can watch our activities if they wish.

[NOLA Hunter]

Ramblin,
I have to correct you. We are at MARSEC level 1, which is the lowest level of security. The marsec levels apply mostly to the marine industry (i.e. ships, ports, docks, etc.). We (ship operators) are notified by the USCG when the level changes.


MARSEC 1
Normal Operations. Facilities should be aware and vigilant of suspicious activities and possible threats. Facilities should employ the necessary measures to reduce the vulnerability and risk of their waterfront facility from a marine incident. This is the baseline level of security.

MARSEC 2 This security level is an enhanced security posture and will be the result of an increased risk either due to specific intelligence or increased vulnerability that heightens risk. Facilities can expect the need for additional personnel and material resources to reach this level. At this level, facilities will employ those additional measures identified in their security plan to reduce the vulnerability of and risk to their facility from an incident.

MARSEC 3 This security level is a fully enhanced security posture and will be the result of higher risk that a specific threat exists to the maritime domain or marine transportation system. At this level, facilities will employ the full measures identified in their security plan.

[Graham]

Per what was posted by wreck, this is a post that came straight from someone who asked the Coast Guard.

After thoroughly interrogating the Coast Guard, I wanted to post what I have learned about these new Facility Security Plans.

The bottom line is that certain rigs (or ships), due to the number of people, or amount of oil or gas produced, are indeed covered under new regs. CFR 33 Part 106.

The rest, as it was told to me, are covered under CFR 33 Part 103 (which I haven't read yet).

The ones under 106 have a Facility Security Plan, that's why the guy was run off of Deepwater Horizon. The problem is they can have different plans. However, all the plans have to be approved by the USCG so they won't vary that much.

So then I ask, "well how do I know if it's covered under 106 or 103?"

You don't.

They do not make a list for security reasons.

All you can do is learn from experience, or you can call them on the radio and ask.

It's a shame because you don't know if they have such a plan, and if they do, you don't know what it is until you're there.

That's how it was told to me by the MSO of the USCG. Don't send me email telling me I'm crazy or dumb, I already know that. I just relayed what I was told.

Oh yeah, if you're out fishing and find a rig with this kind of restrictions (like Deepwater Horizon) then post here so others won't have to burn the fuel and learn the hard way.

[ROCK BOTTOM]

"That's some catch, that Catch-22"

Zz

[ramblin'wreck]

NOLA,

Thanks for the correction. My workplace is also a MARSEC facility (chem plant) and I thought we were at Marsec 2, but honestly I'd have to check to be sure. Maybe certain facilities can be upgraded/downgraded independently?

Mike

[NOLA Hunter]

Wreck,
A facility or vessel can operate at the current MARSEC Level or above, so your facility may in fact be at Level 2. This MARSEC thing is the biggest load of crap ever. It is a feel good response to terrorism. Have a good one.
Clint

[LSUBigL]

I don't think that any level of security is going to prevent terrorists from blowing stuff up if they are willing to die for the cause. If you really want to help out the anti-terrorism cause, vote for George Bush this November.

[Rig Magician]

I am with you BigL.

[rigdvr]

after being run off the Elf, Mars, Ursa, Medusa, and Ram Powell I just started turning my radio off. Now they chase me around with the crew boats....I checked with the USCG and they told me of safety zones and security zones. Safety zones declare that a vessel of 100' or more may not encroach within 500 yrds. Security zones mean NO vessel may enter within 500 yrds. The floaters are SAFETY ZONES. Unless there is an elevated terror warning they can not run you off unless they are doing hazardous work.

When they do give me problem I ask them to communicate with me on ch 16 so the USCG can monitor. Try to be polite...it will get you further with these guys than you think, but dont be a pushover. They have threatened me with USCG intervention but I have never been ticketed, stopped or harrassed at the docks as they said I would be....100 miles is a long way to go and not get in the water....

As for the drill ships(deepwater horizon, pathfinder, explorer, ect.) I dont dive around them. They have all kind of thrusters and what not. They even make the rod n reel guys stand down. All I want is equal access...

[ROCK BOTTOM]

I had two special agents for the USCG Criminal Investigations group in my office today. From what they said, there is no legal basis for the harassment that you have been dealing with at those floaters for the very reasons that you mention. Put up your dive flags and pull out your video cameras, if they approach in a threatening manner within YOUR zone, catch them on film and the shoe will be on the other foot. Use common sense and don't instigate shit and you will come out okay. If they are engaged in hazardous activities you don't want to be in the water anyway(drill ships are very hazardous.)

How is the Ocean Master running? I love those boats! I fished on one many times in the 90s; fast and spacious.

Zz