(a) Subsurface safety device. All wells capable of flowing oil or gas to the ocean floor shall be equipped with a surface controlled subsurface tubing safety valve installed at a depth of 100 feet or more below the ocean floor. Such device shall be installed in all oil and gas wells, including artificial lift wells, unless proof is provided to the Supervisor that such wells are incapable of any natural flow to the ocean floor. For shut-in wells capable of flowing oil or gas, a tubing plug may be installed, in lieu of a subsurface safety device, and such plug shall also be installed when required by the Supervisor.

(b) Subsurface safety devices shall be adjusted, installed, and maintained to insure reliable operation. When a subsurface safety device is removed from a well for repair or replacement, a standby subsurface safety device or tubing plug shall be available at the well location, and shall be immediately installed within the limits of practicability, consideration being given to time, equipment, and personnel safety. All wells in which subsurface safety device or tubing plug is installed shall have the tubing-casing annulus sealed below the valve or plug setting depth.

(c) Each subsurface safety device and tubing plug installed in a well shall be tested at intervals not exceeding one month and a report filed with the Division within five (5) days. Failures shall be reported to the Division immediately. The tests shall be performed in the presence of a Division inspector following installation or reinstallation and at 90-day intervals thereafter. The Supervisor may adjust the testing sequence based on equipment performance.

(d) The control system for the surface-controlled subsurface safety devices shall be an integral part of the shut-in system for the production facility.

(e) The operator shall maintain records, available at the structure or facility to any representative of the Division, showing the present status and history of each subsurface safety device or tubing plug, including dates and details of inspection, testing, repairing, adjustment, and reinstallation or replacement.