The why and where of drilling for oil and gas -- The leasing process -- Rigs and platforms -- Natural reefs and banks compared to the platforms -- How life arrives at the platforms -- Visitors above the waves -- Below the water -- Biological invasions and platforms -- Resident animals -- Seaweeds and the basis of the food chain -- Life on near-shore platforms -- Life on platforms of the outer continental shelf -- Life on blue-water platforms -- Deep life on platforms -- Life on platforms at night -- Large visiting animals -- Recreational use -- Fishing -- Diving -- The fate of platforms -- General resources.