Mineral Workings (Offshore Installations) Act 1971

1 Application of Act

(1) This Act shall apply to the underwater exploitation and underwater exploration of mineral resources—

(a) in or under the shore or bed of waters to which this Act applies, other than inland waters, and

(b) in or under the bed of such inland waters as may for the time being be specified for the purposes of this paragraph by Order in Council.

(2) In this Act—

(a) " waters to which this Act applies " means the waters in or adjacent to the United Kingdom up to the seaward limits of territorial waters, and the waters in any designated area within the meaning of the [1964 c. 29.] Continental Shelf Act 1964,

(b) " inland waters " means waters within the United Kingdom, other than estuaries and tidal rivers.

(3) For purposes of this Act " underwater exploitation " or " underwater exploration" means exploitation or exploration from or by means of any floating or other installation which is maintained in the water, or on the foreshore or other land intermittently covered with water, and is not connected with dry land by a permanent structure providing access at all times and for all purposes; and, subject to the provisions of section 12 of this Act, in this Act—

(a) " exploration " means exploration with a view to exploitation ; and

(b) " offshore installation " means any installation which is maintained, or is intended to be established, for underwater exploitation or exploration to which this Act applies.

(4) The power of making Orders in Council under this section shall include power to vary or revoke any Order in Council made under this section.