Section 18

been used in contravention of any provisions of this Act, or any rule or order or Notification made thereunder or any of the conditions of the licence granted under this Act, he, shall, enter and search such fishing vessel and demand from the tandel or owner or any crew or master of such fishing vessel to produce all the documents related to the registration of fishing vessel, licence of fishing vessel and licence of fishing net or any other documents which is required on vessel under the law in force and may make such inquiry as deemed fit by him and in case he finds violation of the provisions of the Act, or any rule, order or notifications made thereunder or may condition of the licence, he may impound the fishing vessel and seize any fish found in it. The fishing vessel and its accessories shall be released by the Authorised Officer after making necessary enquiry as he deems fit and taking necessary undertaking from the owner of the fishing vessel in such form as prescribed.

(2) Every owner/tandel/master of fishing vessel shall allow the Authorised Officer to inspect and search the fishing vessel in order to ascertain the contravention of any of the provisions of the Act or any rule or order or notification made thereunder or any of the conditions of the licence. The Authorised Officer shall be not liable for the loss or damage if any caused to the fishing vessel, accessories or fishing gear while impounding the fishing vessel.