In order to obtain an authorization, the Operator must ensure that the statutory and regulatory requirements pertaining to the work or activity are satisfied. These matters pertain to:
- Safety
- Environment
- Resource Management
- Exploration
- Legal and Land
- Industrial Benefits
Where an Operator seeks an authorization to carry out work or activity relating to developing a pool or field, a Development Plan must first be approved, unless consent to issue the authorization is otherwise granted by both the provincial and federal governments. Exploration activities and other activities that do not involve development activities can be carried out without a Development Plan Approval.
The three types of authorizations administered by the C-NLOPB include:
- Operations Authorization
- Geophysical Program Authorization
- Diving Program Authorization
An Operations Authorization (OA) may include a drilling program, a production project, well operations, or all three activities. The installation of templates and facilities, construction of excavated drill centers or other activities that do not fall under the scope of either a Diving Program Authorization (DVPA) or a Geophysical Program Authorization (GPA) may also be covered by an OA.
In the case where installation, construction or other activities involve diving operations which necessitate the issuance of a DVPA, such activities may be included in the scope of the DVPA. Therefore, a separate OA is not required.
Before the C-NLOPB can issue any of the above authorizations, the statutory requirements in the Atlantic Accord Acts must be satisfied.
In the case of drilling and production activities, the information that must accompany the application for authorization is specified in sections 6-9 of the Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Drilling and Production Regulations.
Operators are encouraged to contact the C-NLOPB at an early stage in their planning process to gain a full understanding of the application and approval process. In the case of a new Operator, contact should be made 18-24 months in advance of the planned start of the program to ensure the regulatory requirements and expectations are taken into account throughout the contracting, procurement and planning phases. In the case of a renewal of an OA, contact should be made with the C-NLOPB at least six months in advance of the expiry date. Typically, the authorization process will require a minimum of four months once a complete application is filed.
The Operations Authorization form prescribes the format of the authorization and the standard conditions attached to the authorization. The expiry date of an OA will depend on the anticipated duration of the program. For a drilling program or production project, the OA is normally issued for a maximum of three years.
Operators should also be aware that, in the case of well operations, additional approvals are required. This is explained under the Approvals section of the website.
Geophysical Program Authorization
Operators applying to undertake a seismic program, a wellsite seabed survey, vertical seismic profiling, an electromagnetic program, or any other type of geological or geophysical program, (including a program that does not involve any fieldwork), a geotechnical program or an environmental program, may obtain a Geophysical Program Authorization (GPA) by submitting an application to the C-NLOPB. For producing projects, wellsite seabed surveys and vertical seismic profiling can be addressed as part of the Operations Authorization (OA).
The process for obtaining a GPA and a description of the information to be provided in support of the application for authorization is described in the Geophysical, Geological, Environmental and Geotechnical Program Guidelines.
To expedite the application and approval process for various types of activities, one of the following forms should be used:
- Geophysical Program Authorization (2D, 3D Seismic, Wellsite Survey)
- Geological Geotechnical Environmental Program Authorization
- Geophysical Geological Application for Programs Without Field Work
- Vertical Seismic Profile Program Application
- Electromagnetic Program Authorization
The various regulations, guidelines and other information pertaining to these activities are described under the Exploration section of this website.
A Diving Program Authorization (DVPA) may be obtained by submitting a Diving Program Authorization form to the C-NLOPB. The application should be made six months in advance of the anticipated commencement date of the program.
In addition to the various statutory and regulatory requirements pertaining to all work authorizations, the Newfoundland Offshore Area Petroleum Diving Regulations describe the information that is required to be provided in support of a DVPA.
Divers must possess a Diving Certificate issued by the Diver Certification Board of Canada (DCBC).
For each dive undertaken as part of a Diving Program a Notification of a Dive must be filed with the C-NLOPB.