Licence for coasting trade

(1) Every application for the grant of a licence for coasting trade shall be made to the Director-General in such form, manner and on payment of such fee, as may be prescribed. (2) Before issuing a licence under this section, the Director-General shall take into consideration the following factors, namely:— (a) whether the applicant has previously held a licence that was cancelled; (b) whether the applicant has engaged in violation of any of the provisions of this Act prior to or during the period of pendency of his application; (c) citizenship of the crew; (d) build requirements of the vessel; (e) availability of vessels on the route; (f) licences granted to vessels for the same route; (g) safety, national and maritime security concerns; (h) equipment on board the vessel including communication equipment; (i) the Strategic Plan under section 8; (j) cost efficiency of transport; (k) validity of the certificates of vessel and crew; (l) validity of the certificate of insurance of the vessel; and (m) any other requirements as the Director-General may consider necessary in furtherance of the objectives of this Act. (3) 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. (4) The class or category of licence to be granted under this section shall be such as may be prescribed.