Legislation Introduced To Restrict Non-U.S. Citizen Offshore Manning

Legislation was introduced on February 15, 2022, in the U.S. Congress by Representatives Garret Graves (R-LA) and John Garamendi (D-CA) and on February 17, 2022, by Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) that would restrict the citizenship of personnel manning vessels, rigs, platforms, and structures operating on the U.S. outer continental shelf in both the offshore wind and oil and gas industries.

Current law in effect since 1978 permits foreign-registered vehicles (including vessels) and structures to employ nationals of any country when working on the U.S. OCS, provided they can show that the vehicle or structure is more than 50 percent foreign-owned or controlled. The U.S. Coast Guard issues such approvals upon application. Absent an exception, U.S. citizens or lawful permanent U.S. residents must be employed.