Cooperatives operate within specific geographic areas.

The petroleum companies in each Co-op work together to achieve a state of spill response readiness. To accomplish this Cooperatives maintain spill contingency plans and strategically place OSCARS (Oil Spill Containment and Recovery units) that are available to all member companies in the area. They hold annual training exercises and provide educational funding for their membership. In an effort to continually improve, Co-ops are often involved in research and development projects.