Life on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico

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Preventing the blowout

The rig's blowout preventer caps the well in case of emergency.

Unlike the BP blowout preventer, mounted a mile below the ocean surface due to the long length of the drill pipe, shallow water drillers usually have them mounted right under the rig.

Industry executives say this design makes it easier to maintain and test, and is ultimately safer.

NEXT: Tight quarters

Last updated July 01 2010: 5:09 PM ET

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