Section 15. Power of Central Government to authorise survey, research and scientific investigations in areas covered under operating rights.

Any person or agency authorised by notification in the Official Gazette, by the Central Government in this behalf, may conduct survey, research, diving operations and scientific investigations in the offshore areas, including any area covered under operating rights and the permittee, licensee or lessee, as the case may be, shall permit such person or agency to undertake the said investigations in their respective areas and to render such assistance as may be necessary for conduct of the investigations.