•   It is an offence to explore for petroleum in an offshore area except:

  (a)   under a petroleum exploration permit; or

  (b)   as otherwise authorised or required by or under this Act.

•   This Part provides for the grant of petroleum exploration permits over blocks in an offshore area.

•   A petroleum exploration permit authorises the permittee to explore for petroleum in the permit area.

•   There are 4 types of petroleum exploration permits:

  (a)   a petroleum exploration permit granted on the basis of work program bidding (a work - bid petroleum exploration permit );

  (b)   a petroleum exploration permit granted on the basis of cash bidding (a cash - bid petroleum exploration permit );

  (c)   a petroleum exploration permit granted over a surrendered block or certain other blocks (a special petroleum exploration permit );

  (d)   a petroleum exploration permit granted as a result of a change in the boundary of the coastal waters of a State or Territory (a boundary - change petroleum exploration permit ).

•   If a petroleum pool is identified in a petroleum exploration permit area, the Joint Authority may declare a location over the blocks to which the petroleum pool extends.