•   This Part provides for the grant of petroleum special prospecting authorities over blocks in an offshore area.

•   A petroleum special prospecting authority may be granted over a block so long as none of the following is in force over the block:

  (a)   a petroleum exploration permit;

  (b)   a petroleum retention lease;

  (c)   a petroleum production licence;

  (d)   a greenhouse gas assessment permit;

  (e)   a greenhouse gas holding lease;

  (f)   a greenhouse gas injection licence.

•   A petroleum special prospecting authority authorises the holder to carry on petroleum exploration operations in the authority area (but not to make a well).