The amendments referred to in C‑II, 3.1 are made by the applicant "of his own volition" (applicants are required to respond to the search opinion in the EESR, but do not necessarily have to respond by filing amendments; they can also respond by filing observations on the search opinion – see B‑XI, 8). This means that the applicant is not restricted to amendment(s) necessary to remedy a defect in the application. Further amendments may be made only with the consent of the examining division (see H‑II, 2.3).[Rule 137(2); Rule 137(3); ]