PART 2Further functions of the OGA relating to offshore petroleum
CHAPTER 2Disputes
23Procedure for consideration of disputes
1
This section applies where the OGA—
a
accepts a reference of a dispute under section 21(1), or
b
decides to consider a dispute under section 22(1).
2
The OGA must—
a
consider the dispute, and
b
make a recommendation for resolving it.
3
The OGA—
a
must draw up a timetable for performing its duties under subsection (2), and
b
may give directions with which the relevant parties to the dispute are to comply in order to enable the OGA to carry out those duties.
4
The OGA's recommendation must be one which it considers will enable the dispute to be resolved in a way which best contributes to the fulfilment of the principal objective whilst having regard to the need to achieve an economically viable position for the parties to the dispute.
5
The procedure for considering the dispute and making a recommendation is the procedure that the OGA considers most appropriate.
6
Where the OGA makes a recommendation under this section, the OGA may publish—
a
the recommendation or any part of it;
b
a summary of the recommendation or of any part of it.
7
Before publishing anything under subsection (6), the OGA must give an opportunity to be heard to each relevant party to the dispute.
8
The OGA must issue guidance about the matters to which it will have regard when performing its duties under this section.
9
Requirements imposed by directions under subsection (3)(b) are sanctionable in accordance with Chapter 5.