(1) A local fishing vessel shall not be used for fishing or related activities in the fishery waters without a valid licence issued under this section in respect of that vessel.
(2) An application for a local fishing licence shall be made in the prescribed form to the Minister.
(3) Subject to subsection (4), the Minister may issue a local fishing licence in the prescribed form.
(4) An application for a local fishing licence shall not be refused except on any of the following grounds, namely—
(a) that it is necessary to do so in order to give effect to any licensing programme specified in the fisheries plan;
(b) that the Minister has reason to believe that the applicant will not comply with the conditions of the licence;
(c) that the vessel in respect of which the application is made does not have a valid certificate of inspection where so required under the laws governing merchant shipping, or is not in compliance with regulations prescribed under section 39 relating to the safety of the vessel; or
(d) such other grounds as are specified in this Act or any regulations made under this Act.
(5) Where a local fishing vessel is used in contravention of subsection (1) or of any condition of the local fishing licence, the master, owner and charterer of that vessel each commits an offence and is each liable upon summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $ 10,000.