(1) The owner of a fishing vessel may make an application to the Licensing 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 Licensing Officer may after making such inquiry 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 the fishing vessel, a licence for using such fishing vessel for fishing in the specified area or specified areas mentioned in such licence :
Provided that, before making any order refusing to grant a licence, the Licensing Officer shall give a reasonable opportunity of being heard to the applicant.
(4) In granting or refusing licence under sub-section (3), the Licensing Officer shall have regard to the following matters, 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 made under section 4 ;
[(c-i) whether the fishing vessel has seaworthiness certificate of such authority as may be prescribed;]
[(c-ii) whether master or operator (tandel) who operated motorized or mechanized fishing vessels possess license and are trained in sea navigation;]
(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 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 shall be valid for a period of three years which may be renewed for similar periods from time to time.