14.—(1) If the Secretary of State is of the opinion that the operation of an offshore installation involves an imminent risk of serious pollution as a consequence of any discharge of oil, the Secretary of State or an inspector appointed by her under regulation 12 may serve a notice in writing (“a prohibition notice”) on the permit holder.
(2) A prohibition notice may be served whether or not the risk relates to the contravention of a permit granted under these Regulations, and may relate to any aspects of the operation of an offshore installation whether or not regulated by the conditions of such a permit.
(3) A prohibition notice—
(a)shall state that the Secretary of State is of the opinion mentioned in paragraph (1);
(b)shall specify the risk involved in the operation of the offshore installation;
(c)shall specify the steps that must be taken to remove it and the period within which they must be taken; and
(d)may direct that any permit granted under these Regulations shall, until the notice is withdrawn wholly or in part, cease to have effect and where the direction applies to part only of the operation of the offshore installation, it may impose conditions to be observed in carrying on that part of the operation which is authorised under the relevant permit.
(4) The Secretary of State or an inspector appointed by her under regulation 12 may by notice withdraw a prohibition notice wholly or in part at any time and shall withdraw a notice when the Secretary of State is satisfied that the steps required by the notice have been taken.
(5) It shall be the duty of the person to whom the prohibition notice is addressed to comply with its terms save to the extent that it is withdrawn wholly or in part.
(6) The service of a prohibition notice shall be without prejudice to the exercise by any person of any power under any other provision of these Regulations.