COS Accreditation Program
Accreditation Program
COS implemented a program to accredit qualified ASP in 2012 to perform independent audits of offshore energy operators’ SEMS against the requirements of the American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice 75 (API RP 75) Safety and Environmental Management System for Offshore Operations and Assets, 3rd Edition.
Today, ASP can be accredited by COS to perform audits of offshore energy facilities whether they are inside or outside the United States. Offshore oil and gas operations can be audited against either the 3rd or 4th Editions of API RP 75. Offshore wind and other renewables operations can be audited against API RP 75W.
COS-accredited ASP are also authorized to issue, jointly with COS, SEMS Certificates to organizations after verifying completion of their corrective action (see About SEMS Certificates).
COS Recognized as BSEE Accreditation Body
The United States Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) regulations (30 CFR 250 Subpart S) require offshore oil and gas operators in the US OCS to establish, implement, and maintain a SEMS meeting the requirements of API RP 75 (3rd Edition), and to have it regularly audited by an accredited ASP. COS remains the only Accreditation Body recognized by BSEE to accredit ASP to perform SEMS audits for BSEE’s program.
The 3rd Edition of API RP 75 is incorporated by reference into BSEE’s oil and gas regulations, and API RP 75W is one of the standards operators can choose to implement to satisfy BSEE-required safety management systems for offshore wind and renewable operations.
Find a COS-accredited Audit Service Provider
COS provides a list of COS-accredited companies that are authorized by BSEE to conduct SEMS audits, and to issue SEMS certificates.
Related Content
API Recommended Practice 75 provides guidance on SEMS in four area areas of maturity: establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving.
COS was established in 2011 to provide tools, peer learning opportunities, guidance, and support for offshore oil and natural gas companies.
Many COS members have obtained and maintain a COS SEMS certificate, demonstrating their commitment to the highest standards for safety and environmental protection.