America's energy independence is tied to its offshore oil and gas reserves. The country draws almost a third of its oil and more than a quarter of its gas from offshore drilling and production. Many experts believe the offshore oil and gas sector will become even more important in the future, perhaps holding as much as two-thirds of the untapped oil and gas reserves our nation will need in the years to come. As technology develops, the offshore world may also be a significant source of wind-generated electricity. And OMSA member vessels are the lifeline to those resources, serving as a source for safe, secure and dependable transportation. OMSA members are themselves an important part of the economy of the Gulf Coast. Their boats account for a significant portion of the local tax base in coastal areas, and they supply local revenue from vessel construction, repairs and supplies. Vessel operators employ roughly 12,000 crewmembers, who live and
contribute in their local communities as well as paying taxes. The transportation link provided by OMSA member vessels has helped make the offshore energy sector a major engine of the U.S. economy. According to one oil and gas industry study, offshore oil and gas activities help support some 6,000 companies and generate an estimated payroll of $1.2 billion.