Friday, July 9, 2010

The situation in the Gulf, following the BP/Haliburton/Transocean disgrace is really embarrassing and we look to the world like a bunch of people who cannot get their you know what together! We are doing an excellent imitation of the Russian Navy not being able to rescue their own nuclear submarines! Once this mess is sorted out and hopefully resolved some drastic actions are needed to avoid a repeat of this disgrace. Yes new rules have to be put in place and a new watcher has to be charged with the enforcement! Lest it be an enforcer with sharp teeth and claws! We also need to put all the research and technology development executed by the US Navy for their Submarine rescue equipment, the CIA for the Glomar Explorer, get the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution involved for their Navy contract and Titanic program and others together and create an independent agency financed by a the industry and capable to create and operate the technology needed to insure the safety and rescue of all underwater operations. In case of accident similar to the present snafu., lets give a very short time to the operator to resolve the issue. If after that period the problem is not resolved, the property is to be immediately deemed abandoned, the new agency moves in with all their means and technology and resolve the problem. The site will then be treated according to the Rule of the Sea where an abandoned vessel becomes the property of the salvage operator. Give the option to the previous operator to buy back at cost plus. If the option is not exercised in a timely manner then the US must takes over the well and use the crude for the purpose of the National Strategic Reserve. If their is a short end to the present stick, lets turn it around!