# 30 CFR § 551.4: Types of G&G activities that require permits or Notices

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-30-551.4

## Section

- **Citation:** 30 CFR § 551.4
- **Heading:** Types of G&G activities that require permits or Notices
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** September 22, 2026
- **Source:** Publisher's official text
- **Location:** Title 30—Mineral Resources > CHAPTER V—BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR > SUBCHAPTER B—OFFSHORE > PART 551—GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL (G&G) EXPLORATIONS OF THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF

## Text

(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.

## Nearby sections

- [30 CFR § 551.1 § 551.1 Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-30-551.1.md)
- [30 CFR § 551.3 § 551.3 Authority and applicability of this part.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-30-551.3.md)
- [30 CFR § 551.4 § 551.4 Types of G&G activities that require permits or Notices.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-30-551.4.md)
- [30 CFR § 551.5 § 551.5 Applying for permits or filing Notices.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-30-551.5.md)
- [30 CFR § 551.6 § 551.6 Obligations and rights under a permit or a Notice.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-30-551.6.md)
- [30 CFR § 551.8 § 551.8 Inspection and reporting requirements for activities under a permit.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-30-551.8.md)
- [30 CFR § 551.9 § 551.9 Temporarily stopping, canceling, or relinquishing activities approved under a permit.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-30-551.9.md)
- [30 CFR § 551.10 § 551.10 Penalties and appeals.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-30-551.10.md)
- [30 CFR § 551.11 § 551.11 Submission, inspection, and selection of geological data and information collected under a permit and processed by permittees or third parties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-30-551.11.md)
- [30 CFR § 551.12 § 551.12 Submission, inspection, and selection of geophysical data and information collected under a permit and processed by permittees or third parties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-30-551.12.md)
- [30 CFR § 551.13 § 551.13 Reimbursement for the costs of reproducing data and information and certain processing costs.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-30-551.13.md)
- [30 CFR § 551.14 § 551.14 Protecting and disclosing data and information submitted to BOEM under a permit.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-30-551.14.md)
- [30 CFR § 552.1 § 552.1 Purpose.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-30-552.1.md)
- [30 CFR § 552.2 § 552.2 Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-30-552.2.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-30-551.4. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.