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Compliance Glossary Term

Jones Act Waiver

A temporary federal exemption allowing foreign-flagged vessels to transport cargo between U.S. ports. Subcontractors may encounter this during emergency offshore operations or disaster response work. Waivers affect vessel availability, crewing rules, and subcontract scope on marine projects.

Related Terms

API (American Petroleum Institute)

Compliance

The leading industry organisation that develops technical standards, safety protocols, and equipment specifications that subcontractors must follow when working on oil and gas projects. API certifications and compliance with API standards are often mandatory requirements in service contracts and can affect your ability to bid on projects.

Federal Acreage

Compliance

Land or mineral rights owned and managed by the federal government where drilling or construction activity requires federal permits and approvals. Subcontractors working on federal acreage must meet stricter regulatory requirements than on provincial or private land. Expect longer permitting timelines and additional compliance obligations that can affect project schedules and mobilisation.

Contractor Certification

Compliance

Formal verification that a subcontractor meets a client's safety, technical, or insurance standards before being awarded work. Most major operators require active certification through third-party registries such as ISNetworld or Avetta. Lapsed certification can result in immediate removal from approved vendor lists.

TRC (Texas Railroad Commission)

Compliance

The TRC regulates oil, gas, and pipeline operations in Texas. Subcontractors must meet TRC requirements for permits, well operations, and environmental compliance. Non-compliance can halt work and affect contractor eligibility on job sites.

Surface Use Plan

Compliance

A document outlining how land above a wellsite or pipeline corridor can be accessed and used during operations. Subcontractors must follow it to avoid disturbing restricted areas or triggering landowner disputes. Non-compliance can result in work stoppages or liability on your crew.

State Plan Program

Compliance

A U.S. state-run workplace safety programme approved by OSHA to enforce its own regulations instead of federal standards. Standards may differ from federal OSHA rules, so subcontractors must verify local requirements before mobilising. Operating across multiple states means tracking each plan separately.

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