(1) Every owner of a registered fishing vessel shall make an application in writing 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 forin, shall contain such particulars, and shall be accompanied by such fees, as may be prescribed.
(3) The authorised officer may, after making such enquiry as he deems fit and having regard to the provisions of 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.
(4) In granting or refusing a licence under sub-section (3), the authorised officer shall have regard to the following matters:—
(a) whether the fishing vessel is a registered fishing vessel;
(b) the condition of the fishing vessel including the accessories and the fishing gear attached to it;
(c) whether any order has been 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 shall be subject to such conditions (including the conditions of payment of fees and furnishing of security for due compliance with the conditions), as may be prescribed:
Provided that different fees 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 period as the authorised officer may think fit to allow in any case.
114 The West Bengal Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1993.
IX of 1993.]
(Chapter IL—Regulation of fishing.—Sections 8, 9.)
(7) Where the authorised officer refuses to grant a licence, it shall record a brief statement of the reasons for such refusal.