This recommended practice provides companies engaged in offshore operations with a framework for the establishment, implementation, and maintenance of a Safety and Environmental Management System (SEMS) to manage and reduce risks associated with safety and the environment to prevent incidents and events.

This recommended practice applies, in part or whole, to companies engaged in offshore operations, from lease evaluation through decommissioning.

This document is not intended to be prescriptive or limiting on the expectations of each SEMS element; rather, it allows flexibility appropriate to the size, scope, and risk of a Company's assets and operations. It is advised that users of this document review and comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, and conform with applicable industry codes and standards.

Consideration may be given to using this document to help systematically manage other aspects of operations, such as security and health.