Technology Assessment & Research (TA&R)
 

	Operational Safety and Engineering Research – activities address technological issues associated with the complete spectrum of operations, ranging from the drilling of exploratory wells to the removal and decommissioning of platforms and related production facilities.
	Oil Spill Response Research – provides research leadership to improve the capabilities for detecting and responding to an oil spill in the marine environment.
	TA&R Projects – all TA&R projects and reports.
	OTRC – the Offshore Technology Research Center at Texas A&M University.
	Ohmsett – the National Oil Spill Response Test Facility.
	TA&R Workshops – the TA&R Program sponsors workshops with various industry organizations to exchange information; to identify concerns and problems; technology transfer; set future research needs; and review recent accomplishments.

Additional Safety & Oil Spill Related Activities and Information
 

	MMS Oil Spill Program – oversees oil discharge planning, preparedness, and select response activities for facilities located seaward of the coastline in navigable U.S. waters and territorial seas.
	Oil Spill Modeling Program – assesses oil-spill risks associated with energy activities off the U.S. continental coast and Alaska, calculating spill trajectories and contact probabilities.
	Environmental Studies – goals are to establish the information needed for the assessment and management of environmental impacts; to predict impacts on the marine biota that may result from chronic, low-level pollution or large spills; and to monitor human, marine, and coastal environments to provide time series and data trend information.
	Safety Information – overview of offshore safety efforts.
	Fixed Platform Self-Inspection Program – oversight program in which MMS conducts workplace safety and health type inspections on fixed platforms on behalf of the U.S. Coast Guard, to provide oversight for the USCG’s Fixed Platform Self-Inspection Program.