The purpose of this joint investigation is to develop conclusions and recommendations as they relate to the Deepwater Horizon Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) explosion and loss of life on April 20, 2010. The facts collected at this hearing, along with the lead investigators' conclusions and recommendations will be forwarded to Coast Guard Headquarters and Minerals Management Service (MMS) for approval. Once approved, the final investigative report will be made available to the public and the media. No analysis or conclusions will be presented during the hearing.

Board Members

Department of the Interior Secretary Mr. Ken Salazar and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Ms. Janet Napolitano formally directed the U.S. Coast Guard and the Minerals Management Service to conduct a joint investigation in accordance with a pre-existing Memorandum of Agreement. The Joint Investigation Team is comprosed of both MMS and USCG personnel exercising both agencies’ authorities and is guided by the Joint Statement of Principles and Convening Order. Members on the Joint Investigation Team include:

• Capt. Hung Nguyen, USCG - co-chair
• Mr. David Dykes, BOEM - co-chair
• Mr. Russ Wheatley, USCG
• Mr. Jason Matthews, BOEM
• Mr. John McCarroll, BOEM
• Lt. Robert Butts, USCG - recorder

Hearing Procedures

The Joint Investigation Team is convening the public hearing portions of this joint investigation under the procedures for a Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation. A Marine Board of Investigation is the highest level of investigative effort following a maritime casualty. These investigations are intended to determine the cause of the casualty to the fullest extent possible, promote safety of life and property at sea, and obtain information for the purpose of preventing or reducing the effects of similar casualties in the future. The board has the power to administer oaths, summon witnesses, require persons having knowledge of the subject matter to answer questionnaires, and require relevant documents and any other evidence to be submitted. Furthermore, through its incorporation of public proceedings, the Marine Board of Investigation provides transparency of its processes to best serve the public’s interest.

If the investigation reveals criminal misconduct on the part of any involved parties, then the Coast Guard will determine if the matter should be referred to the Department of Justice for possible prosecution.

The purpose of this joint investigation is to develop conclusions and recommendations as they relate to the Deepwater Horizon MODU explosion and loss of life on April 20, 2010. The facts collected at this hearing, along with the lead investigators’ conclusions and recommendations will be forwarded to Coast Guard Headquarters and MMS for approval. Once approved, the final investigative report will be made available to the public and the media. No analysis or conclusions will be presented during the hearing. The team has been given nine months, from the date of the convening order (April 27, 2010), to submit the final report.

The Joint Investigation hearings are open to the public with the following limitations:

• The use of laptops, PDAs, and/or cellphones/iphones to capture video or still pictures during the proceedings is prohibited.
• The proceedings are open to the public; however, testimony will only be taken from sworn-in witnesses. As this is not a “town-hall” meeting, no comments will be taken from the general public.