Part 2: Further functions of the OGA relating to offshore petroleum Chapter 2: Disputes Sections 21 and 22: Consideration of disputes
Section 21 sets out the process which the OGA must follow when a dispute is referred to it by a relevant party. The OGA must decide whether to reject, adjourn for further negotiations or accept the reference. Subsection (4) provides a non-exhaustive list of the grounds upon which the OGA may reject a reference, including grounds enabling the OGA to focus on the disputes with the potential to have the greatest impact on the delivery of the principal objective.
	Subsection (2) requires that the OGA issue guidance specifying the matters it will have regard to when making its decision.
	Where the OGA decides to adjourn the referral of the dispute it must set a timetable for the parties to conduct further negotiations with the aim that the dispute be settled without the need for OGA consideration. The OGA may also give directions to the parties, which they must comply with during the adjournment. After the period of adjournment has expired the OGA must again decide whether to reject, adjourn for a further period of negotiation or accept the reference.
	Any failure by a relevant party to comply with the timetable set by the OGA or any direction given may be the subject of sanctions under the provisions contained in Chapter 5.
	Section 22 gives the OGA the power to consider a dispute on its own initiative, in which case it is treated in the same manner as if the OGA had accepted a reference of it (section 23(1)). Where it does so, the OGA must notify all parties to the dispute, this includes any non-relevant parties.