Optimally, the regulator establishes clear objectives for the operating companies and a schedule for achieving those objectives. This approach was demonstrated with great success following the 2005 hurricane season (Katrina and Rita) when numerous mooring system and other stationkeeping issues were identified.
Minerals Management Service Director Johnnie Burton sent a letter (attachment 1) to industry leaders calling for a face-to-face meeting with Department of the Interior Secretary Gale Norton. The Secretary outlined her concerns and informed offshore operators that there would be no drilling from moored mobile drilling units or jackup rigs during the next hurricane season until the issues identified during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita were addressed.
The collaborative effort that followed was a resounding success (2nd attachment). In addition to addressing station keeping concerns, a comprehensive list of hurricane issues was developed. Industry and government then worked together to assess mitigations and develop new standards and procedures. The essential MODU standards were completed before the 2006 hurricane season, and all of the related concerns were effectively addressed prior to the 2009 hurricane season. Had the government elected to promulgate regulations to address all of these issues, much of this work would have never been completed.
Bud's Offshore Energy (BOE) 
Hi Bud, Thanks for posting this document on the regulatory response to the 2005 hurricanes. It is useful for my research.
I have a draft book manuscript of the first in a two-volume history of the politics and policy of offshore oil in the United States. I would love to get your thoughts if you have time to read it. The working title is “Offshore Oildom: The Political Foundations of Extracting Energy from the American Seabed.” If you send me an email message, I can reply with draft.
Best wishes, Ty
Sounds interesting. Your documentation of the history of the OCS program is very important. I’ll send you an email message later in the week. Bud