The MMS offshore leasing and operations are governed by a wide variety of laws, regulations, and other communications with the offshore industry.

The Federal Register notices serve to advise the public of upcoming MMS regulatory actions or proposals. Notices to Lessees are less formal communications with operators and contractors that further clarify regulations. The Potential Incidents of Noncompliance (PINC) list is the backbone of the MMS Inspection Program. It gives our inspectors specific item-by-item checklists of what they should look for when conducting inspections. Similarly, it provides operators and contractors information about exactly what we're watching for during an inspection.