30 CFR § 551.4 - Types of G&G activities that require permits or Notices.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t30/s551.4"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "30 CFR § 551.4 - Types of G&G activities that require permits or Notices."
title_number: 30
title_name: "Mineral Resources"
section_number: "551.4"
section_name: "Types of G&G activities that require permits or Notices."
chapter_name: "BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR"
subchapter_number: "B"
subchapter_name: "OFFSHORE"
part_number: "551"
part_name: "GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL (G&G) EXPLORATIONS OF THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "Section 104, Public Law 97-451, 96 Stat. 2451 (30 U.S.C. 1714), Public Law 109-432, Div C, Title I, 120 Stat. 3000; 30 U.S.C. 1751; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 43 U.S.C. 1334; 33 U.S.C. 2704, 2716; E.O. 12777, as amended; 43 U.S.C. 1331  43 U.S.C. 1337."
regulatory_source: "76 FR 64623, Oct. 18, 2011, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "551"
---


# 551.4 Types of G&G activities that require permits or Notices.

(a) *Exploration.* You must have a BOEM-approved permit to conduct G&G exploration, including deep stratigraphic tests, for oil, gas, or sulphur resources. If you conduct both geological and geophysical exploration, you must have a separate permit for each.

(b) *Scientific research.* You may only conduct G&G scientific research related to oil, gas, and sulphur in the OCS after you obtain a BOEM-approved permit or file a Notice.

(1) *Permit.* You must obtain a permit if the research activities you propose to conduct involve:

(i) Using solid or liquid explosives;

(ii) Drilling a deep stratigraphic test; or

(iii) Developing data and information for proprietary use or sale.

(2) *Notice.* Any other G&G scientific research that you conduct related to oil, gas, and sulphur in the OCS requires you to file a Notice with the Regional Director at least 30 days before you begin. If circumstances preclude a 30-day Notice, you must provide oral notification and followup in writing. You must also inform BOEM in writing when you conclude your work.