§ 970.300 Purposes and definitions.

(a) This subpart sets forth the procedures which the Administrator will apply to applications filed with NOAA covering areas of the deep seabed where the applicants have engaged in exploration prior to June 28, 1980, and to the resolution of conflicts arising out of such applications. This subpart also establishes the date on which NOAA will begin to accept applications or amendments filed by new entrants, and certain other procedures for new entrants. (b) For the purposes of this subpart the term: (1) Amendment means an amendment to an application which changes the area applied for; (2) Application means an application for an exploration license which is filed pursuant to the Act and this subpart; (3) Conflict means the existence of more than one application or amendment with the same priority of right: (i) Which are filed with the Administrator or with the Administrator and a reciprocating state; and (ii) In which the deep seabed areas applied for overlap in whole or part, to the extent of the overlap; (4) Original conflict means a conflict solely between or among applications; (5) New conflict means a conflict between or among amendments filed after July 22, 1982, and on or before October 15, 1982; (6) Domestic conflict means a conflict solely between or among applications or amendments which have been filed with the Administrator. (7) International conflict means a conflict arising between or among applications or amendments filed with the Administrator and a reciprocating state.