Who We Are

The Center for Offshore Safety

The Center for Offshore Safety was established in 2011 and began providing tools, peer learning opportunities, good practices, and support for companies on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. Through SEMS, COS helps the industry meet its safety and sustainability objectives, while enabling the industry to remain a foundational part of our nation’s economy.

The work of COS is based on API RP 75, Safety and Environmental Management System for Offshore Operations and Assets. In addition to delivering tools, good practices, and implementation techniques based on API RP 75, COS also collects and publishes safety performance data from its members annually. This important work continues into its second decade and is the basis for COS in supporting the continual improvement in safety and environmental performance systems in offshore operations. 

COS coordinates with regulators including the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). BSEE regulations require offshore operators to implement SEMS for their operations and have their SEMS audited by an independent accredited auditing firm. The regulation incorporates by reference API RP 75, 3rd Ed. and COS guidance documents.

Download the Center for Offshore Safety Fact Sheet for more information on members, committees, and documents or check out this COS pamphlet for more information on what COS does. 

Major areas of COS activity include:

1. Safety and SEMS Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting
2. Good Practice Development
3. Sharing Industry Knowledge
4. SEMS Audit Practice and Certification
5. Accreditation of Audit Service Providers

Pandemic Resources & Information

COS and the entire oil and natural gas industry has prepared pandemic resources & information to monitor COVID-19 and provide vital information to protect people and maintain the global supply of oil and natural gas.