Regulation No. 653 on petroleum industry.

This document enforces regulations with regard to petroleum activities in adherence with Act No. 72 of 29 November 1996. In particular, exploration authorization to conduct geological, petrophysical, geophysical, geochemical and geotechnical activities. Drilling to a depth determined by the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate shall be limited to individual exploration and will apply to particular types of research. Explorations will provide information about sale and research results for carrying out surveys. Application for inspection permit shall include information related to the national commercial representatives, the purpose and area where to undergo inspection activities. Permits shall be submitted no later than five weeks prior to exploration activity to the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate, the Directorate of Fisheries, the Institute of Marine Research and to the Ministry of Defence. The latter shall be responsible for assessing the environmental impact of such activities to nutritional and environmental factors due to contamination and pollution effects. A study programme shall address impact assessments providing a basis for decision making and suggestions on preventing these impacts and shall be electronically available to the public.