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 given in all cases to the safety of personnel@ compliance with existing regulations@ and antipollution of water bodies. 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.