After extensive review and development, the oil and natural gas industry has approved the creation of the Center for Offshore Safety, which will promote the highest level of safety for offshore operations, through an effective program that addresses management practices, communication and teamwork, and independent third-party auditing and verification.  The Center for Offshore Safety will draw on the lessons learned from successful, existing safety programs, applying the best elements of these programs to accommodate the unique challenges of offshore oil and natural gas operations.  The Center will be based in Houston and will be open to all companies that operate in deepwater exploration and production.