In April 2016, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) published the final Well Control Rule which includes key new requirements for Real-Time Monitoring (RTM) in offshore rig operations. Operators are required to gather real-time data using an independent, automatic, and continuous monitoring system capable of recording, storing, and transmitting data regarding:
• The BOP control system
• The well’s fluid handling system on the rig
• The well’s downhole conditions (with the bottom hole assembly tools, if any are installed)
This data must be sent to an onshore facility during operations for proper monitoring and response capability and also must be available to BSEE upon request. These requirements went into effect April 29, 2019.