(1)  A rail transport operator may apply to the Rail Safety Regulator for accreditation in respect of specified railway operations carried out, or proposed to be carried out, by, or on behalf of, that operator.

(2)  An application must be made in the manner and form approved by the Rail Safety Regulator and must –

(a) specify the scope and nature of the railway operations in respect of which accreditation is sought; and

(b) include a safety management plan relating to those railway operations; and

(c) specify whether or not the applicant is accredited, or has applied for accreditation, under a corresponding law; and

(d) contain the prescribed information; and

(e) be accompanied by the application fee determined under section 25 .

(3)  The Rail Safety Regulator may require a rail transport operator who has applied for accreditation –

(a) to supply further information requested by the Rail Safety Regulator; and

(b) to verify by statutory declaration any information supplied to the Rail Safety Regulator.