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, 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:

• Activity Authorization Application Form
• Canada-Nova Scotia Benefits Plan;
• Development Plan (for development related activities);
• Safety Plan;
• Emergency Response Plans;
• Environmental Assessment;
• Environmental Protection Documentation, including a Spill Contingency Plan;
• Financial Security;
• Summary of Proposed Operations;
• Certificate of Fitness (if applicable); and,
• Declaration of Operator.

Please consult the Board on the specific filing requirements for your proposed work or activity. The Board must be satisfied with the information provided before it will issue an activity authorization.

A Certificate of Fitness is required for drilling, production, diving, and accommodation installations. A Certificate of Fitness is issued by a Certifying Authority (CA) that has met criteria and is named in the Nova Scotia Offshore Certificate of Fitness Regulations. In accordance with their Board-approved scope of work, 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 cited 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 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 and installations are fit for purpose, operating procedures are appropriate, and that personnel are qualified and competent.

For further information, contact:
Keith Landra
Director, Operations/ Health, Safety and Environment
Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board
18th Floor TD Centre
1791 Barrington Street
Halifax N.S. B3J 3K9
CANADA
Telephone: (902) 422-5588 (24 hour)
Fax: (902) 422-1799