(1) The owner of a fishing vessel may make an application to the authorised 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, containing such particulars, and be accompanied by such fees, as may be prescribed.
(3) The authorised officer after making such enquiry as he deems fit and having regard to the matters referred to in sub-section (4), either grant or refuse to grant, to the owner of fishing vessel, a licence for using such fishing vessel for fishing in the specified area or specified areas mentioned in such licence.
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(4) In granting or refusing such licence under sub-section (3) the authorised officer shall have regard to the following namely:—
(a) whether the fishing vessel is a registered fishing vessel;
(b) the condition of the fishing vessel including the accessories and fishing gear with which it is fitted;
(c) any order that may be made under section 4;
(d) any other matter that may be prescribed.
(5) A licence granted under this section shall be in such form and subject to such conditions, including conditions as to payment of such fees and furnishing such security for 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 shall be valid for the period specified therein or for such extended periods as the authorised officer may think fit to allow in any case.