Foreword This Recommended Practice for Planning@ Designing@ and Constructing Fixed Offshore Platforms contains engineering design principles and good practices that have evolved during the development of offshore oil resources. Good practice is based on good engineering; therefore. this recommended practice consists essentially of good engineering recommendations. In no case is any specific recommendation included which could not be accomplished by presently available techniques and equipment. Consideration is given in all cases to the safety of personnel. compliance with existing regulations. and antipollution of water bodies. Metric conversions of customary English units are provided throughout the text of this publication in parentheses. e.g .. 6 in. (152 mm). Most of the converted values have been rounded for most practical usefulness. however. precise conversions have been used where safety and technical considerations dictate. In case of dispute. the customary English values should govern. Offshore technology is growing rapidly. In those areas where the committee felt that adequate data were available@ specific and detailed recommendations are given. In other areas general statements are used to indicate that consideration should be given to those particular points. Designers are encouraged to utilize all research advances available to them. As offshore knowledge continues to grow. this recommended practice will be revised. It is hoped that the general statements contained herein will gradually be replaced by detailed recommendations. This recommended practice may be used by anyone desiring to do so. and every effort has been made by API to assure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained herein. However. the Institute makes no representation. warranty or guarantee in connection with the publication of this recommended practice and hereby expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting from its use. for any violation of any federal. state or municipal regulation with which an API recommendation may conflict. or for the infringement of any patent resulting from the use of this publication.