Work and Activity Authorizations

Activities related to the exploration for, development of or transportation of petroleum cannot be conducted without a specific authorization issued by the Board. This applies to such activities as conducting geophysical programs, drilling exploration or production wells, installing production facilities, commencing production operations or undertaking diving operations. Prior to issuing any such authorizations, the Board requires that the following (as a minimum) be submitted in a satisfactory form:

• Canada-Nova Scotia Benefits Plan;
• Development Plan (for development related activities);
• Safety Plan;
• Environmental Assessment;
• Environmental Protection Plan and Spill Contingency Plan;
• Financial Security;
• Summary of Proposed Operations;
• Certificate of Fitness (if applicable), and
• Declaration of Operator.

The Board must be satisfied with the information provided before it will issue an activity authorization.

A certificate of fitness is required for certain equipment and installations, including drilling, production, diving, and accommodation installations. A certificate of fitness is issued by a Certifying Authority (CA) that has met the criteria established by regulation and is named in the Nova Scotia Offshore Certificate of Fitness Regulations. These CAs are required to review the design, construction, installation and operating manuals for the installation and certify to the Board that the installation is fit for its intended purpose, that it is in compliance with the regulations and that it can be operated safely without polluting the environment. The Board cannot issue an authorization unless there is a certificate in place for the installation.

A Declaration of Operator is required for all activities. This declaration is signed by a senior officer of the operator and states that this person has undertaken, or caused to be undertaken, sufficient work to satisfy the officer that the equipment is fit for purpose, and the personnel are properly trained so that the activity can be undertaken safely.