API Partnership with ASEA Demonstrates Leadership and Commitment to Global Safety Standards for Offshore Development
WASHINGTON, June 13, 2016 – This month, the American Petroleum Institute (API) and Mexico’s recently created oil and natural gas regulatory agency, National Agency for Industrial Safety and Environmental Protection of the Hydrocarbons Sector (ASEA), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that ensures API’s technical standards, safety standards and associated programs are readily available for consideration and inclusion in ASEA’s safety programs, and highlights an ongoing collaboration between API and ASEA in the fields of safety, standards, certification and training.
“The adoption of API standards by Mexico’s energy sector reinforces the oil and natural gas industry’s overall commitment to global safety practices,” said API Vice President of Global Industry Services Lisa Salley. “This collaboration between Mexican regulators, API and the Center for Offshore Safety (COS) demonstrates our leadership and expertise on how to work closely with regulators to continuously improve and enhance the safety and operational management systems to responsibly develop offshore energy resources.”
The MOU further supports the opportunity for regulatory agencies in the Gulf of Mexico to work in cooperation to implement safety and environmental management systems (SEMS) based on API’s Recommended Practice 75 and COS processes and best practices. SEMS has been incorporated into U.S. federal regulatory requirements for offshore operations by the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE).
ASEA Deputy Executive Director of Regulation and Legal Standards Alejandro Carabias emphasized the key importance of harmonizing regulatory tools, having an open dialogue and collaborating on joint efforts during a recent COS event, stating, “There is only one ocean; nature knows no boundaries; and we must protect across boundary lines.”
“By supporting the alignment of SEMS programs and regulations in the Gulf of Mexico, regulators, operators, and contractors alike can further the industry-wide goal of achieving greater safety offshore,” said Jimena Marván, Deputy Director of Planning, Processes and Strategic Stakeholders Engagement of ASEA. “We look forward to working with COS regarding accreditation and training of auditors and other SEMS activities, and continuing to work with BSEE and all companies involved in the offshore oil and natural gas industry as we bring more effective safety and environmental protection through SEMS.”
API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 650 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 30 million Americans.