Licensing of fishing vessels

(1) The owner of a fishing vessel may make an application to the authorized officer for the grant of a licence for using such fishing vessel for fishing in any specified area. (2) Every application under sub-section (1) shall be in such form, contain such particulars, and be accompanied by such fees, as may be prescribed. (3) The authorized officer may, after making such inquiry as he may deem fit and having regard to the matters referred to in sub-section (4), either grant or refuse to grant, to the owner of the fishing vessel a licence for using such fishing vessel for fishing in the specified area or specified areas as may be mentioned in such licence. (4) In granting or refusing to grant a licence under sub-section (3), the authorised officer shall have regard to the following matters, namely:- (a) whether the fishing vessel is registered or not; (b) the condition of the fishing vessel including the accessories and fishing gear with which it is fitted; (c) whether any order has been made under section 4; and (d) any other matter as may be prescribed. (5) A licence granted under this section shall be in such form and valid for such period and subject to such conditions, including conditions as to payment of such fees and furnishing such security for the due performance of the conditions, as may be prescribed: Provided that different fees and different amounts by way of security may be prescribed in respect of licences for different classes of fishing vessels. (6) A licence granted under this section may be renewed by the authorised officer subject to the rules made under sub-section (5).