(1) The Central Government may establish and maintain at each of the ports of Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Kandla and such other ports or places in India, as it may consider necessary, an office of the Mercantile Marine Department for the administration of this Act and the rules made thereunder.
(2) The Central Government may, by notification, appoint a person to be the principal officer who shall be incharge of the office of the Mercantile Marine Departments at the ports of Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Kandla and any other port or places notified by the Central Government.
(3) The Central Government may, by notification, specify the office of the Mercantile Marine Department at any other port or place which shall be in the charge of such officer as the Central Government may appoint in this behalf