17.—(1) The Secretary of State may authorise in writing any person who appears suitable to the Secretary of State to exercise, in accordance with the terms of that authorisation, any of the powers specified in paragraph (2) in respect of offshore installations for the purposes of—
(a)determining whether the requirements, restrictions or prohibitions imposed under or by virtue of these Regulations are being, or have been, complied with;
(b)discharging one or more of the functions conferred or imposed upon the Secretary of State under or by virtue of these Regulations; or
(c)determining whether and, if so, how such a function should be discharged.
(2) The powers exercisable under paragraph (1) are the powers in sub-paragraphs (a) to (k) of regulation 13(2) of the Offshore Regulations (but subject to paragraphs (3) to (4) of that regulation(1)).
(3) Regulation 18(1)(h) of the Offshore Regulations applies to a failure to comply with an obligation imposed pursuant to a power exercisable under paragraph (1) as it applies to a failure to comply with an obligation imposed pursuant to regulation 13(2) of the Offshore Regulations.
Paragraphs (1) and (2) of regulation 13 were amended, paragraph (3) substituted, and paragraphs (3A) and (3B) inserted, by S.I. 2005/2055.