1. What does “USCG Approved Buildings” mean and when are they required?

Any building that is placed upon a floating vessel is required to be US Coast Guard  Certified.  This includes MODU’s, TLP’s, Spars, Semi-submersibles, OSV’s and Lay Barges.  Fixed platforms are not required to have USCG Approved buildings.  In order to be approved, the building must have USCG design approval before it is constructed.  Upon final USCG inspection, the building is given the propeller stamp ensuring that has met all of the requirements.  This stamp must always be displayed on the building. 

2. Are ship containers or aluminum buildings US Coast Guard approved?

No.  In order to be USCG approved, a building must be designed to meet the appropriate USCG regulations.  Ship containers do not meet USCG minimum requirements for steel bulkheads or wind resistance. Aluminum melts at 1220 degrees, and therefore must be insulated on the exterior to meet USCG requirements. Fiberglass resins are combustible and do not meet USCG requirements for non-combustible building materials.

3. Has the USCG ruled on the “Fiberglass vs. Steel Building” issue yet? 

No.  The USCG is currently proposing the 33 CFR “Sub-Chapter N” Regulations for Outer Continental Shelf Activities.   These proposed regulations represent a major revision of current regulations affecting fixed platforms on the OCS. In the current proposal, accommodation modules on platforms built after the regulations are passed will be required to meet these new standards. Accommodation modules on platforms built before these new regulations go into effect will be grand-fathered and will not be required to meet these regulations unless they undergo a major renovation.  Abbeville Offshore Vice President Tommy Putnam sat on the industry sponsored NOSAC committee that reviewed and made recommendations to this proposed legislation and is very familiar with these regulations.  The regulations are still under review and it is still unknown when and how they will be published as a final rule.

4. On a new fixed platform can you use Fiberglass Temporary Quarters?

Yes.

5. Does Abbeville Offshore Quarters have US Coast Guard Approved buildings?

Yes.  We have USCG approved buildings for lease.  And we can also custom build them to meet your own specifications.

6. Are ship containers safer than fiberglass buildings?

Absolutely not! Ship containers are built with 14 gage (0.0747” thick) sheet metal.  This lightweight steel does not even withstand a 125 MPH wind load.

7. Do all fiberglass building manufacturers use fire retardant resins?

No.  Many manufacturers are not presently using fire retardant resins!  Abbeville Offshore was one of the first offshore building manufacturers to recognize the important safety features of using fire retardant resins.  We have been using only fire retardant on all of the fiberglass buildings we manufacture for the last 15 years.  Be sure to always specify and ensure that the manufacturer is using fire retardant resins on your next building.  It could be a life saver!

8. Can your buildings be stacked?

Yes.  Our rental buildings, including our US Coast Guard Approved Buildings, can be stacked and cantilevered to save valuable deck space.

9. Can your buildings be cantilevered off the platform?

Yes.  Our buildings can be cantilevered off of the host platform as much as 9 feet in a single level or stacked condition.

10. Do you hook-up your rental buildings?

Yes.  We have the experienced personnel to completely hook up and service your camp site.  We can also supply the plumbing fittings and electrical wire needed to hook up the buildings.  These are easily shipped inside the rental building to save space on your supply boat.

11. How hard is it to hookup your buildings?

Not at all. Electrical and plumbing connections are all that is required.

12. How heavy are your buildings?

13. What are the electrical requirements for your rental buildings?

14. Do you also rent accessory equipment?

Yes.  We also rent water tanks, pressure sets, sewage treatment units, light stands, generators, linens, life jackets, TV’s, Direct TV service and more.