The offshore oil and gas industry is an international organization. Major companies operate in many countries, and in each, certain organizations assess and ensure the use of sound technological developments. ICRARD's purpose is to coordinate research activities, to exchange information, and to promote research cooperation between these organizations. The ICRARD is open for membership to any country interested. Links to member countries may be found on the ICRARD web page at www.ICRARD.org.

To promote further cooperation, the terms of reference have been modified to accept participation from not only the regulatory bodies, but their representative research branches and any national oil companies that support offshore research and development programs.

	To provide a forum to advise on research and development activities funded by offshore regulatory authorities
	To exchange details of current research and development programs on a regular basis.
	To make available reports from completed research and development programs to other authorities.
	To co-sponsor research and development projects, when appropriate.
	To exchange information on research and development program strategy.

The meetings of ICRARD are held annually and are hosted on a rotating basis by the member authorities. The host authority chairs the meetings and provides the Secretariat for the meeting.