Part 2: Further functions of the OGA relating to offshore petroleum Sanction notices Section 48: Operator removal notices
Section 48 sets out what must be contained in an operator removal notice. An operator removal notice will contain information about how an operator has failed to comply with a petroleum-related requirement in their capacity as operator under the relevant petroleum licence and specify a date on which the licensee is to be required to remove the operator (the "removal date"). The OGA is required to give the operator removal notice to the operator (subsection (2)). The OGA is also required to give a copy of the notice to the licensee and require the licensee to remove the operator with effect from the removal date (subsection (4)). The removal date must not be earlier than 28 days from the day on which the operator removal notice was given.
	The effect of subsection (7) is that an operator removal notice may only be given where the licence under which the operator operates is one which, on the date the notice is given, the OGA would have the power to grant. This reflects the proposed devolution (through the Scotland Act 2016 and the forthcoming Wales Bill, respectively) of the licence-granting functions in respect of "onshore" licences under the Petroleum Act 1998.
	The effect of subsection (8) is that the OGA will be able to give a sanction notice to the licensee for a failure to remove the operator in accordance with the requirement imposed on it by the OGA.