119 DM 1 - Creation, Authorities, Objectives, and Reporting Relationships

3/19/2021 - replaced Word document with updated 508 compliant PDF document.

This Departmental Manual Release (119 DM 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5) provides the functional description for the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE).  The new Part 119 and new chapters 1 – 5 incorporate the requirements for establishing the BSEE that were authorized in Secretary’s Order 3299 - Establishment of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, and the Office of Natural Resources Revenue, dated, May 19, 2010, and its Amendments.  

The BSEE is responsible for regulating and enforcing safety, environmental, and conservation compliance during the development of the Nation’s ocean energy and marine mineral resources on the outer continental shelf.  The functions include field operations, offshore regulatory programs, production and development, training, environmental compliance, and the Bureau’s aviation program.  It is also responsible for the review and creation of policy, guidance, direction, and oversight of activities related to the BSEE’s oil spill response program, as well as managing and developing area and regional oil spill contingency plans.  The BSEE programs will be carried out by one office, two divisions, and three regional offices.