Power of Director-General to give directions and seek information

(1) The Director-General may,–– (a) in the public interest; or (b) in the interest of Indian shipping; or (c) in the interest of national defence and maritime security; or (d) for ensuring safety of life at sea and the safety of environment, by order, direct any vessel for which licence has been granted under this Act, in respect of the following, namely:— (i) the ports or places, whether within or outside India, to which, and the routes by which, the vessel shall proceed for any particular purpose; (ii) the diversion of a vessel from one route to another for any particular purpose; (iii) the classes of passengers or cargo which may be carried in the vessel; (iv) the order of priority in which passengers or cargo may be taken on or put off the vessel at any port or place, whether within or outside India; (v) to ban any vessel from entering any port, anchorage or offshore facility in India; (vi) any other matter which the Director-General may deem necessary. (2) The Director-General may, by notice, require the licensee or agent of any vessel in respect of which— (a) licence is granted under this Act; or (b) any direction is given relating to diversion of a vessel from one route to another for any particular purpose, to furnish such information as may be considered necessary within such period as may be specified in the said notice, which may include— (i) the classes of passengers and cargo which the ship is about to carry, or is capable of carrying, or has carried during any specified period; or (ii) the rates of passenger fares and freight charges applicable to the vessel; or (iii) any other matter as may be prescribed.