BOEMRE Form MMS-0327 (Mo/Year-Supersedes all previous versions of Form MMS-327 which may not be used.) Page 1 of 13

 

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UNITED STATES

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT, REGULATION and 

ENFORCEMENT

______________________________________________________________________

(Insert Appropriate Regional Office)

Requirements for Geological and Geophysical Explorations

or Scientific Research in the Outer Continental Shelf

Application for Permit to Conduct Geological or Geophysical

Exploration for Mineral Resources or Scientific Research

in the Outer Continental Shelf

(Attachment 1)

Nonexclusive Use Agreement for Scientific Research

(Attachment 2)

SUBMIT: Original plus three copies, totaling four copies, which include one digital copy and one public 

 information copy (all with original signatures).

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) Statement: The PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) requires 

us to inform you that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE)

collects this information to evaluate applications for permits to conduct pre-lease exploration offshore and 

to monitor activities of scientific research conducted under notices. BOEMRE uses the information to 

ensure there is no environmental degradation, personnel harm, damage to historical or cultural sites, or 

interference with other uses. Responses are mandatory to obtain a benefit. Proprietary information is 

protected in accordance with standards established by the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 

1982 (30 U.S.C. 1733), the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552(1), (4)), and Department 

regulations (43 CFR 2). An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond 

to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget

control number. The reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 6 hours per response, including 

the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the 

form. Direct comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this form to the Information 

Collection Clearance Officer, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement, Mail

Stop 5438, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, DC 20240.
BOEMRE Form MMS-0327 (Mo/Year-Supersedes all previous versions of Form MMS-327 which may not be used.) Page 2 of 13

UNITED STATES

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT, 

REGULATION AND ENFORCEMENT

REQUIREMENTS FOR GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL EXPLORATIONS

OR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF

Authority

You must perform all geological and geophysical explorations or scientific research activities authorized 

and conducted in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) according to the OCS Lands Act, 30 CFR Part 251, 

and other applicable Federal statutes and regulations, and amendments thereto.

General Requirements of Permits and Notices

You must conduct geological and geophysical activities for mineral exploration or scientific research activities 

authorized under 30 CFR Part 251 so that those activities do not:

A. Interfere with or endanger operations under any lease or right-of-way or permit issued or maintained 

pursuant to the OCS Lands Act;

B. Cause harm or damage to aquatic life or to the marine, coastal, or human environment;

C. Cause pollution;

D. Create hazardous or unsafe conditions;

E. Unreasonably interfere with or harm other uses of the area; or

F. Disturb archaeological resources.

Any person conducting geological or geophysical activities for mineral exploration or scientific research under 

30 CFR Part 251 must immediately report to the Director, BOEMRE:

A. Detection of hydrocarbon occurrences;

B. Encounters of environmental hazards that constitute an imminent threat to human activity; or

C. Activities that adversely affect the environment, aquatic life, archaeological resources, or other uses of 

the area in which the exploration or scientific research activities are conducted.

Any person conducting shallow or deep stratigraphic test drilling activities under a permit for mineral 

exploration or scientific research under 30 CFR Part 251 must utilize the best available and safest technologies 

that BOEMRE determines to be economically feasible.

The authorization that BOEMRE grants you under 30 CFR Part 251 to conduct geological and geophysical 

explorations for minerals or for scientific research does not confer a right to any discovered oil, gas, or other 

minerals, or to a lease under the OCS Lands Act.
BOEMRE Form MMS-0327 (Mo/Year-Supersedes all previous versions of Form MMS-327 which may not be used.) Page 3 of 13

Time Restriction for Permits and Notices

Permitted activities approved for a specified period, including requests for extensions, and activities under a 

notice may not exceed 1 year.

Geological and Geophysical Activities Requiring Permits and Notices

 

Geological and Geophysical Explorations for Mineral Resources

You may not conduct geological and geophysical explorations for mineral resources in the OCS without an 

approved permit unless you conduct such activities pursuant to a lease issued or maintained under the OCS 

Lands Act. You must obtain separate permits for either geological or geophysical explorations for mineral 

resources. If BOEMRE disapproves an application, the statement of rejection will state the reasons for the 

denial and will advise the applicant of those changes needed to obtain approval.

Geological and Geophysical Scientific Research

You may not conduct geological and geophysical scientific research related to oil, gas, and sulphur in the 

OCS without an approved application for permit or filing of a notice. You must obtain separate permits for 

geological and geophysical scientific research that involves the use of solid or liquid explosives or the 

drilling of a deep stratigraphic test. If BOEMRE disapproves an application for permit, the statement of 

rejection will state the reasons for the denial and will advise the applicant of the changes needed to obtain 

approval.

You must file a notice with the BOEMRE at least 60 days before you begin scientific research not 

requiring a permit. We may inform you of all environmental laws and regulations pertaining to the OCS. 

Information Required for Permits

Each applicant for a permit must complete the applicable sections of the Application for Permit (Attachment 1) 

and must include a public-information, page-size plat(s) showing the location of the proposed area of activity

(Section B.2 or C.2). In addition, each applicant for a geological or geophysical permit must submit the 

appropriate attachment to section D of the application. This includes a detailed map of the proposed activity 

for Section D.8 (Geological Application) or Section D.12 (Geophysical Application). Only applicants for a

notice of scientific research must complete a Nonexclusive Use Agreement (Attachment 2). 

The information provided on the Application for Permit (excluding section D) and on the Nonexclusive Use 

Agreement, including continuation sheets and the page-size plat(s), is considered NON-PROPRIETARY 

INFORMATION. These non-proprietary portions of the application constitute the “public information” copy 

of Form 327 and with the executed permit will be available to the public upon request. 

The information listed in section D is considered PROPRIETARY INFORMATION and you should NOT 

attach it to the public information copy. BOEMRE will not make this information available to the public 

without the consent of the potential permittee or for a period mandated by law or regulation. However, 

BOEMRE may determine that earlier release is necessary for the proper development of the area permitted.
BOEMRE Form MMS-0327 (Mo/Year-Supersedes all previous versions of Form MMS-327 which may not be used.) Page 4 of 13

Modifications to Approved Permits

The BOEMRE Regional Supervisor must approve any modification to the permitted operations.

Filing Locations for Permits to Conduct Explorations for Mineral

Resources and for Permits or Notices to Conduct Scientific Research

File each notice or application for a permit with an original plus three copies, totaling four copies, which

include one digital copy and one public information copy (all with original signatures) at the following 

locations at least 60 days before you begin operations:

A. For the OCS off the State of Alaska:

Regional Supervisor for Resource Evaluation

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement

Alaska OCS Region

3801 Centerpoint Drive

Suite #500

Anchorage, Alaska 99503-5823

B. For the OCS in the Gulf of Mexico and off the Atlantic Coast:

Regional Supervisor for Resource Evaluation

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement

Gulf of Mexico OCS Region

1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard

New Orleans, Louisiana 70123-2394

C. For the OCS off the States of California, Oregon, Washington, or Hawaii:

Chief, Office of Reservoir Evaluation & Production

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement

Pacific OCS Region

770 Paseo Camarillo

Camarillo, California 93010-6092
BOEMRE Form MMS-0327 (Mo/Year-Supersedes all previous versions of Form MMS-327 which may not be used.) Page 5 of 13

Attachment 1

UNITED STATES

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT

______________________________________________

(Insert Appropriate Regional Office)

APPLICATION FOR PERMIT TO CONDUCT GEOLOGICAL OR GEOPHYSICAL

EXPLORATION FOR MINERAL RESOURCES OR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF

(Section 11, Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of August 7, 1953, as amended on September 18, 1978, by 

Public Law 95-372, 92 Statute 629, 43 U.S.C. 1340; and 30 CFR Part 251)

______________________________________________________________

Name of Applicant

______________________________________________________________

Number and Street

______________________________________________________________

City, State, and Zip Code

Application is made for the following activity: (check one)

_______Geological exploration for mineral resources

_______Geological scientific research

_______Geophysical exploration for mineral resources

_______Geophysical scientific research

Submit: Original plus three copies, totaling four copies, which include one digital copy, and one public 

information copy.

================================================

To be completed by BOEMRE

Permit Number: __________________________ Date: ________________________
BOEMRE Form MMS-0327 (Mo/Year-Supersedes all previous versions of Form MMS-327 which may not be used.) Page 6 of 13

A. General Information

1. The activity will be conducted by:

________________________________ For_________________________________

Service Company Name Purchaser(s) of the Data

________________________________ ________________________________

Address Address

________________________________ ________________________________

City, State, Zip City, State, Zip

________________________________ ________________________________

Telephone/FAX Numbers Telephone/FAX Numbers

________________________________ ________________________________

E-Mail Address E-Mail Address

 2. The purpose of the activity is: _________ Mineral exploration

_________ Scientific research

3. Describe your proposed survey activities (i.e., vessel use, benthic impacts, acoustic sources, etc) 

and describe the environmental effects of the proposed activity, including potential adverse effects 

on marine life Describe what steps are planned to minimize these adverse effects (mitigation 

measures). For example: 1) Potential Effect: Excessive sound level Mitigation: Soft Start, MMOs, 

mammal exclusion zone or 2) Potential Effect: Bottom disturbance: Mitigation: ROV 

deployment/retrieval of bottom nodes) (use continuation sheets as necessary or provide a separate 

attachment) :

______________________________________________________________________________

 

 ______________________________________________________________________________

 

4. The expected commencement date is: ________________________________________________

The expected completion date is: ___________________________________________________

5. The name of the individual(s) in charge of the field operation is: 

____________________________

May be contacted at: _____________________________________________________________

Telephone (Local) ______________________ (Marine) _______________________________

Email Address: _________________________ Radio call sign ___________________________
BOEMRE Form MMS-0327 (Mo/Year-Supersedes all previous versions of Form MMS-327 which may not be used.) Page 7 of 13

6. The vessel(s) to be used in the operation is (are):

Name (s) Registry Number(s) Registered owners) 

___________________ ________________________ __________________________

___________________ ________________________ __________________________

___________________ ________________________ __________________________

7. The port from which the vessel(s) will operate is: ______________________________________

8. Briefly describe the navigation system (vessel navigation only): ___________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

B. Complete for Geological Exploration for Mineral Resources or 

Geological Scientific Research

1. The type of operation(s) to be employed is: (check one)

(a) __________ Deep stratigraphic test, or 

(b) __________ Shallow stratigraphic test with proposed total depth of ___________, or

(c) __________ Other ____________________________________________________

2. Attach a page-size plat showing: 1) The generalized proposed location for each test, where 

appropriate, a polygon enclosing the test sites may be used, 2) BOEMRE protraction areas; 

 coastline; point of reference; 3) Distance and direction from a point of reference to area of activity.

 ___________________________________________________________________________

C. Complete for Geophysical Exploration for Mineral Resources or 

Geophysical Scientific Research

1. The type(s) of operation(s) to be employed is (are): 

 a) Acquisition method (OBN, OBC, Streamer):________________________________

 b) Type of acquisition: (High Resolution Seismic, 2D Seismic, 3D Seismic, gravity, magnetic, CSEM,

 etc.) _____________________________________________________________________________

 _____________________________________________________________________________

2. Attach a page-size plat showing:

 a) The generalized proposed location of the activity with a representative polygon,

 b) BOEMRE protraction areas; coastline; point of reference,

 c) Distance and direction from a point of reference to area of activity.

3. List all energy source types to be used in the operation(s): (Air gun, air gun array(s), sub-bottom 

 profiler, sparker, towed dipole, side scan sonar, etc.).

 ________________________________________________________________________

 ________________________________________________________________________

 ________________________________________________________________________
BOEMRE Form MMS-0327 (Mo/Year-Supersedes all previous versions of Form MMS-327 which may not be used.) Page 8 of 13

4. Explosive charges will ______ will not ______ be used. If applicable, indicate the type of 

explosive and maximum charge size (in pounds) to be used:

Type ___________________ Pounds ____________ Equivalent Pounds of TNT ___________

D. Proprietary Information Attachments

Use the appropriate form on page 9 for a “geological” permit application or the form on page 11 for a 

“geophysical” permit application. You must submit a separate BOEMRE Form MMS-327 to apply for 

each geological or geophysical permit.

E. Certification

I hereby certify that foregoing and attached information are true and correct.

 Print Name:__________________________________________

SIGNED ____________________________________________ DATE _____________________

 

TITLE __________________________________________________________________________

 COMPANY NAME: _______________________________________________________________

================================================

TO BE COMPLETED BY BOEMRE

Permit No.__________________ Assigned by ________________________________ Date ________

of BOEMRE

This application is hereby:

a. _____ Accepted

b. _____ Returned for reasons in the attached

SIGNED __________________________ TITLE Regional Supervisor DATE _____________
BOEMRE Form MMS-0327 (Mo/Year-Supersedes all previous versions of Form MMS-327 which may not be used.) Page 9 of 13

Section D Proprietary Information Attachment

Required for an Application for Geological Permit

1. Description of proposed coring, drilling or sampling method. Include heat flow measurements and

depth of penetration.

 ____________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

2. Description of coring, drilling or sampling equipment to be used: 

_________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

3. List proposed coring, drilling or sample location(s) with their latitude and longitude coordinates and 

the total number of samples to be acquired. These locations may be sent digitally on a CD. (Attach

separate page if necessary): ___________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

4. Navigation system or method to be used to position sample locations: _________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

5. Method of sample storage, and handling: _______________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

6. List each test to be conducted on the samples with a brief description of its objective: 

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

7. Estimated date on which samples, logs, and analyzed and/or processed data will be ready for

inspection: _______________________________________________________________________
BOEMRE Form MMS-0327 (Mo/Year-Supersedes all previous versions of Form MMS-327 which may not be used.) Page 10 of 13

8. Attach map(s), plat(s), and chart(s) (preferably at a scale of 1:250,000) and/or an electronic version of 

same showing latitude and longitude, scale, protraction areas, specific block numbers, and specific 

sample location(s) in latitude(s) and longitude(s) for each of the proposed sample site(s). The map, 

plat or chart should be submitted at a sufficient size and scale to make out all details of the activities 

shown. Along with the hardcopy map, submit on CD, the ArcGIS shape files needed to reproduce the 

map of the proposed sample site(s) including individual site names in the attribute table. 
BOEMRE Form MMS-0327 (Mo/Year-Supersedes all previous versions of Form MMS-327 which may not be used.) Page 11 of 13

Section D Proprietary Information Attachment

Required for an Application for Geophysical Permit

1. Detailed narrative, modeling of sound propagation, and visual description of the energy source(s) and 

streamer(s) (receiving array): ________________________

2. Attach a map view diagram to demonstrate vessel(s) source and receiver(s) configuration. Label each 

vessel indicating its function and include the dimensions of streamer(s), tow fish, etc. Indicate the 

number of chase and alternate vessels to be used.

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

3 List each energy source to be used (e.g., airgun, airgun array(s), sparker, towed dipole, side scan sonar, 

sub bottom profiler, etc.). Indicate the source’s manufacturer, model, total energy output per impulse 

in dB (RMS), peak to peak in db, frequency in Hz (if applicable) etc.

Energy Source Manufacturer Model Gun 

Size (cu. 

in.)

Total Energy 

Output Peak to 

Peak in db, 

Amp, etc.

Total Energy 

Output rms 

in db

Frequency

(Hz-kHz 

range)

4. Shot (energy pulse) frequency per linear mile (statute): 

_________________________________________________________________________________

5. Towing depth (ft/m) of the energy source: 

_________________________________________________________________________________

6. Towing depth (ft/m) of the receiver(s): 

_________________________________________________________________________________

7. CSEM, OBN, Magnetotelluric, and OBC surveys: Describe the node deployment and retrieval

procedures. Indicate the location (latitude and longitude coordinates), number and spacing of any ocean 

bottom receivers, cables, and anchors. If anchors will not be retrieved, provide their physical 

composition and rate of decomposition. Location data may be submitted digitally on a CD (attach

separate page if necessary).

 _________________________________________________________________________________
BOEMRE Form MMS-0327 (Mo/Year-Supersedes all previous versions of Form MMS-327 which may not be used.) Page 12 of 13

8. Navigation/positioning system or method used to position shotpoint locations and or ocean bottom 

receivers: 

_________________________________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________________________________

9. Proposed areal extent (blocks) for 3D surveys or total number of line miles proposed for 2D or high 

resolution survey: ____________________________________________________________

10. Provide the company identification name of the proposed survey (e.g. Deep Six Survey). List all 

proposed initial and final processed data sets that will result from acquisition under this activity (e.g. 

3D Time Migration processed as Kirchhoff Depth Migration, Wave Equation Migration, etc). 

________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

11. Estimated date (month and year) on which initial and final processing will be available for all 

 proposed processed data sets: ______________________________________________________

12. Attach map(s), plat(s), and chart(s) (preferably at a scale of 1:250,000) and an electronic version of 

same showing latitude and longitude, scale, specific protraction areas, block numbers. The map, plat or 

chart should be submitted at a sufficient size and scale to make out all details of the activities shown. 

For 2D data acquisition provide specific track lines with line identifications with the total number of 

line miles proposed or a representative polygon and total number of blocks for 3D surveys. Along with 

the hardcopy map, submit on CD, the necessary ArcGIS shape files to reproduce the map for 2D track 

lines including individual line names in the attribute table. For 3D surveys provide a representative 

polygon as an ArcGIS shape file. 
BOEMRE Form MMS-0327 (Mo/Year-Supersedes all previous versions of Form MMS-327 which may not be used.) Page 13 of 13

Attachment 2

UNITED STATES

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT

______________________________________________

(Insert Appropriate Regional Office)

NONEXCLUSIVE USE AGREEMENT FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF

A. State the time and manner in which data and information resulting from the proposed activity will be 

made available to the public for inspection and reproduction, such time being the earliest practicable 

time.

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

B. ____________________________________ (applicant) agrees that the data and information resulting 

from the proposed activity will not be sold or withheld for exclusive use.

_____________________________________________

(Signature of Applicant)

_____________________________________________

(Type or Print Name of Applicant)

_____________________________________________

(Title)

_____________________________________________

(Date)

Submit: Original plus three copies, totaling four copies, which include one digital copy and one public 

information copy (all with original signatures).