Overview

In response to several marine pipeline incidents—such as the April 2018 gas pipeline strike by a dredge in Matagorda Bay near Port O'Connor, Texas, and the August 2020 pipeline strike, explosion, and fire aboard the dredging vessel Waymon Boyd in Corpus Christi, Texas—PHMSA led the formation of a Pipeline Task Force to address critical safety concerns in marine environments. These concerns stemmed from the interaction between vessels, dredging and construction operations, and submerged pipelines.

The Task Force brought together representatives from the dredging and marine construction industry, the pipeline industry, and various government agencies. Given that these industries often operate in shared waters, collaboration was essential to ensure the safety of people, property, and the environment, culminating in the publication of the “Working Safety Near Underwater Pipelines and Utilities: Recommended Best Practices Guide, Resources, and Checklist” in August 2025.

This comprehensive guide addresses key aspects of pipeline safety, damage prevention, and emergency response in marine environments. It outlines practices and processes for dredging companies, mariners, utility, and pipeline personnel to accurately locate and work near pipelines in marine environments—emphasizing the importance of direct communication with pipeline operators, integration with the 811 one-call system, use of survey-grade location data, and marine specific operational protocols.

All mariners, utility, and pipeline personnel engaged in dredging or marine construction are encouraged to treat this guide and checklist as an essential resource for ensuring safe and responsible operations.