Part 2: Further functions of the OGA relating to offshore petroleum Chapter 2: Disputes Section 19: Qualifying disputes and relevant parties
This Chapter makes provision for the OGA to consider, and make recommendations in relation to the resolution of, certain disputes (qualifying disputes) and this section establishes the nature of the disputes to which the Chapter applies. Those are disputes relating to "qualifying issues". Qualifying issues are issues which are either relevant to the fulfilment of the principal objective (as set out in section 9A(1) of the Petroleum Act 1998) or to an activity carried out under an offshore petroleum licence. Qualifying issues exclude issues which are the subject of consideration under the process in Chapter 3 of Part 2 of the Energy Act 2011 (Access to upstream petroleum infrastructure). Where the dispute relates to multiple issues, the OGA may only consider those issues that are within the scope of these provisions.
	They must also be disputes including at least one person listed in section 9A(1)(b) of the Petroleum Act 1998 (a relevant party). These terms are used elsewhere in this Chapter.