Manning Regulations for Offshore Platforms and Rigs

In response to a congressional request, GAO answered several questions concerning Department of Transportation (DOT) manning regulations for offshore platforms and rigs. The regulations require the employment of American citizens or legal resident aliens for activities on the Outer Continental Shelf after April 5, 1983. GAO has concluded that: (1) the Secretary of Transportation did not comply with the timetable for promulgating the regulations; (2) the April 1983 date for compliance is required by authorizing legislation; and (3) the automatic 90-day exemption to the Outer Continental Shelf Amendments is a reasonable exercise of administrative discretion given to DOT under the statute.