§ 280.5 - Application for a prospecting or scientific research permit.

(a) An application for a prospecting or scientific research permit shall be submitted to the Director at least 60 days prior to the date proposed as the startup date for activities in the permit area.

(b)(1) An application for a prospecting permit shall be submitted in a form and manner approved by the Director. Three copies of each application shall be submitted and shall include—

(i) The name, address, and nationality of the person(s) submitting the application;

(ii) The name, address, and telephone number of the person(s) directly responsible for conducting the activities proposed;

(iii) A description and a map of the area(s) covered by the application;

(iv) The period of time to be covered by the primary term of the permit not to exceed 3 years;

(v) A narrative description in nonproprietary terms of the activities to be conducted, such as mapping, geophysical surveying, drilling, bottom sampling, and dredging;

(vi) A detailed description and schedule giving the estimated starting and completion dates for the proposed activities that are to be authorized under the permit; and

(vii) A prospecting plan.

(2) An applicant for a prospecting permit shall indicate which data and information included in the application and plan the applicant considers proprietary.

(c) Upon application submitted by a permittee pursuant to this section, the Director may approve the conversion of a permit issued under part 251 of this title to a permit issued under this part. A permit issued under part 251, which is converted to a permit issued under this part, shall be subject to all the requirements of this part.

(d) An application for a permit to conduct scientific research activities shall be submitted in a form approved by the Director. The application should be signed by an officer of the organization proposing to carry out the activity and shall state—

(1) The name of the person conducting the proposed research;

(2) The type of research activity and manner in which it will be conducted;

(3) The location designated on a map, plat, or chart where the research activity will be conducted;

(4) A schedule indicating the starting and completion dates for each proposed scientific research activity;

(5) The proposed time and manner in which the information and data resulting from the research will be made available to the public for inspection and reproduction, such time being the earliest practicable time;

(6) An agreement that the information and data resulting from the scientific research activity will not be sold or withheld for exclusive use;

(7) The name, registry number, registered owner, and port of registry of vessels used in the operation; and

(8) A scientific research plan.

(e) Within 30 days following the receipt of an application for a permit and the accompanying plan which does not require preparation of an environmental analysis the Director shall—

(1) Approve the application and plan;

(2) Require the applicant to modify the application and/or plan; or

(3) Disapprove the application and plan. If the Director disapproves an application and plan, the statement of rejection shall give the reasons for the disapproval and shall advise the applicant of the changes needed to obtain approval.