USCG: Guidance on the Coast Guard’s roles and responsibilities for OREIs on the Outer Continental Shelf

The United States Coast Guard has published a navigation and vessel inspection circular (NVIC) - Guidance on the Coast Guard’s roles and responsibilities for Offshore Renewable Energy Installation on the Outer Continental Shelf.

The circular was published on 5 October 2023.

This guide is for Coast Guard Program Offices, Unit Commanders, and Offshore Renewable Energy Installation (OREI) developers.

The document provides guidance on the regulatory framework for OREI development, the Coast Guard's collaboration with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement, and the specific roles and responsibilities of Coast Guard Program Offices and Unit Commanders in overseeing OREI development on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

The OCS is a broad area of the United States' continental shelf that extends from 3 nautical miles to 200 nautical miles offshore.

It is a valuable resource for renewable energy development, with significant potential for offshore wind, wave, and tidal energy.

However, the development of OREI on the OCS presents unique challenges, including navigation safety, environmental protection, and coordination with other stakeholders.

This NVIC outlines the regulatory framework governing OREI development, encompassing the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

Additionally, it offers direction regarding the Coast Guard's partnership with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement, the agency tasked with overseeing OREI development on the OCS.

The document emphasizes the importance of safety and environmental protection in OREI development and provides guidance on navigation safety risk assessments, environmental impact statements, and other key considerations for OREI development.

The Coast Guard's role is to give subject matter expertise on maritime safety, maritime security, maritime mobility, national defense, and protection of the marine environment during the development of any Request for Interest (RFI), Call for Information and Nominations (Call), other planning notices prepared by BOEM, or during BOEM's review of any unsolicited lease or grant requests.

The NVIC also instructs on the specific roles and responsibilities of Coast Guard Program Offices and Unit Commanders in overseeing OREI development on the OCS.

This includes conducting navigation safety risk assessments, coordinating with other stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Guidance on the Coast Guard’s Roles and Responsibilities for Offshore Renewable Energy Installations (OREI) on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)