“After extensive review and development, the oil and natural gas industry has approved the creation of the Center for Offshore Safety, which will promote the highest level of safety for offshore operations, through an effective program that addresses management practices, communication and teamwork, and which relies on independent, third-party auditing and verification,” said Jack Gerard, API president and CEO. “The board directed API to further develop the operational framework and timeline for the center—working with other industry stakeholders—to enhance industry safety and environmental performance.”API Announcement
Comments:
- Encouraging decision.
- Organizational details will be critical.
- It’s good that the center will be affiliated with the standards function and located in Houston (not Washington).
- Member support must be consistent and sustained.
- Operating companies that are not API members should be involved.
- Non-US companies should be welcome.
- Contractors and service companies should be involved.
- The focus should not be solely on deepwater operations. Most major accidents have occurred on the shelf, and most of the contributing factors to Macondo were not deepwater related.
- A comprehensive, verified international incident data base is critical.
Bud's Offshore Energy (BOE) 
Additional Center for Offshore Safety comments:
1. Great idea!
2. The Center should not be dominated by “majors” and industry association insiders. Small to mid-sized independent operators should play a significant role in the Center’s development and path forward.
3. Industry consultants should have a voice in this process.
Ken,
I agree, especially with number 3. Over the past year, I have been learned how smart and essential consultants are 🙂