Requirement of licence by chartered vessels

(1) No vessel, other than an Indian vessel, chartered by a citizen of India or a non-resident Indian or an overseas citizen of India or a company or a co-operative society or a limited liability partnership or any other entity as the Central Government may, by notification specify in this behalf, shall be taken to sea from a port or place within India or outside India, except under a licence granted by the Director-General under this section: Provided that no vessel which is chartered by an overseas citizen of India shall be required to obtain licence, if such vessel is chartered exclusively for operation outside India. (2) A licence granted under this section may be–– (a) a general licence; or (b) a licence for a specified period or voyage. (3) Every application for the grant of a licence under this section shall be made to the Director-General in such form, manner and on payment of such fee, as may be prescribed. (4) A licence granted under this section shall be in such form, for such period and shall be subject to such conditions, as may be prescribed: Provided that the Director-General may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, specify such other conditions as may be necessary, for grant of the licence under this section.