Merchant Shipping (Registration of Indian Fishing Boats) Rules, 1988.

These Rules are framed in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) read with clauses (a), (b), (c) and (l) of sub-section (2) of section 435U of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. Rule 3 lays down the procedure for application for registration of Indian fishing boats. The Rules make provisions in respect of naming of a fishing boat, its number, ascertainment of tonnage, issuing of registration certificate, painting of name and official number on the fishing boat and transfer of registry from one port to another. Rules 14 and 15 provide for mortgage of an Indian fishing boat and transfer of ownership, respectively. Rule 19 requires the Director General of Shipping to maintain a central register which contains all the entries recorded in the registers kept by the registrars. Rule 20 allows inspection by any person upon application of the registers maintained by the registrars. Rule 24 provides for appeal from decision of registrar by any aggrieved person.