A person may conduct an activity prohibited by § 922.112(a)(2) through (7), if such activity is specifically authorized by, and conducted in accordance with the scope, purpose, terms and conditions of, a permit issued under § 922.48 and this section.

The Director, at his or her discretion, may issue a national marine sanctuary permit under this section, subject to terms and conditions, as he or she deems appropriate, if the Director finds that the activity will:

Further research or monitoring related to Sanctuary resources and qualities;

Further the educational value of the Sanctuary;

Further salvage or recovery operations in or near the Sanctuary in connection with a recent air or marine casualty; or

Assist in managing the Sanctuary.

In deciding whether to issue a permit, the Director shall consider such factors as:

The applicant is qualified to conduct and complete the proposed activity;

The applicant has adequate financial resources available to conduct and complete the proposed activity;

The methods and procedures proposed by the applicant are appropriate to achieve the goals of the proposed activity, especially in relation to the potential effects of the proposed activity on Sanctuary resources and qualities;

The proposed activity will be conducted in a manner compatible with the primary objective of protection of Sanctuary resources and qualities, considering the extent to which the conduct of the activity may diminish or enhance Sanctuary resources and qualities, any potential indirect, secondary or cumulative effects of the activity, and the duration of such effects;

The proposed activity will be conducted in a manner compatible with the value of the Sanctuary, considering the extent to which the conduct of the activity may result in conflicts between different users of the Sanctuary, and the duration of such effects;

It is necessary to conduct the proposed activity within the Sanctuary;

The reasonably expected end value of the proposed activity to the furtherance of Sanctuary goals and purposes outweighs any potential adverse effects on Sanctuary resources and qualities from the conduct of the activity; and

The Director may consider additional factors as he or she deems appropriate.

Applications. (1) Applications for permits should be addressed to the Director, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries; ATTN: Superintendent, Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, P.O. Box 159, Olema, CA 94950.

In addition to the information listed in § 922.48(b), all applications must include information to be considered by the Director in paragraph (b) and (c) of this section.

The permittee must agree to hold the United States harmless against any claims arising out of the conduct of the permitted activities.