Accreditation Body (AB) Qualifications
An Accredited Body (AB) is an independent third-party organization that has been approved by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) to evaluate and accredit Audit Service Providers (ASPs). The AB plays a key role in ensuring that ASPs meet the high standards required to perform SEMS audits for offshore oil and gas operations.
One example of a BSEE-approved Accredited Body is the Center for Offshore Safety (COS). COS is an industry-sponsored organization that focuses on improving safety practices specifically in the deepwater areas of the Gulf of Mexico, where water depths are greater than 1,000 feet. The main goal of COS is to promote high standards and help ensure safe and responsible offshore operations.
As an AB, COS is responsible for reviewing and accrediting ASPs to confirm that they meet the necessary qualifications to perform third-party SEMS audits. This includes evaluating their training, knowledge, experience, and adherence to regulatory requirements.
Major areas of COS activity include the following:
- Collecting, analyzing, and reporting offshore safety and SEMS data
- Developing good practices for safety and environmental performance
- Sharing safety knowledge and lessons learned across the offshore industry
- Managing SEMS audit practices and certification processes
- Overseeing the accreditation of qualified Audit Service Providers
BSEE relies on Accredited Bodies like COS to maintain the quality and consistency of SEMS audits, helping ensure that offshore operators meet the highest standards of safety and environmental management.
Ref: Title 30 SECTIONS 250.1921-1922
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
6-6. A BSEE-approved independent third-party organization that assesses and accredits Audit Service Providers (ASPs) is called an _____.
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