A petroleum exploration permit authorises the holder to explore for petroleum in the permit area. The Joint Authority for an offshore area may invite applications for the grant of a work or cash bid petroleum exploration permit over areas released as part of the annual Offshore Petroleum Exploration Acreage Release. All areas are clearly identified as either work program or cash bid.
View the relevant legislation and regulations on our Legislation page.
Read about the Offshore petroleum exploration acreage release process on our department's website.
Visit our Guidelines and Fact sheets pages for more information including:
Relevant forms and Forms Guidance are on our Forms page. These include:
