(1)An owner of a fishing vessel may make an application to the Licensing Officer for the grant of a licence for using the fishing vessel for fishing in a specified area and for a specified period.(2)Every application under sub-section (1) shall be in such form, contain such particulars and 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 factors specified in sub-section (4), either grant or refuse to grant to the owner of the fishing vessel, the licence for fishing in the specified area mentioned in the licence:Provided that no licence shall be granted in respect of a fishing vessel which is not registered under section 12:Provided further that, no licence shall be refused in respect of a fishing vessel unless the owner of the fishing vessel is given a reasonable opportunity of being heard.(4)In granting or refusing licence under sub-section (3), the Licensing officer shall have regard to the following factors, namely:-(a)whether the fishing vessel is a registered fishing vessel,(b)The condition of the fishing vessel including accessories and fishing gear with which it is fitted,(c)any notification issued under section 7,(d)whether the specified period is mentioned in the application, and(e)any other factors that may be prescribed.(5)A licence under this section shall be granted in such form, on such terms and conditions and on payment of such fees, as may be prescribed.(6)A licence granted shall be valid for a period of three years from the date on which it is granted unless it is suspended or cancelled earlier and may be renewed from time to time for a period of three years on payment of such fees as may be prescribed.
