REGULATION OF FISHING BY FOREIGN VESSELSCentral

Section 7 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981

Where any foreign vessel enters any maritime zone of India without a valid licence or permit granted under this Act, the fishing gear, if any, of such vessel shall, at all times while it is in such zone, be kept stowed in the prescribed manner.

Summary

This rule applies to foreign vessels that enter the maritime zones of India.
It applies when the vessel does not have a valid license or permit.
The vessel must keep its fishing gear packed away or safely stored (stowed).
The gear must be kept this way at all times while the vessel is in the zone.
The exact way to store the gear is determined by specific prescribed rules.

Practical examples

1On October 12, 2026, Captain Lars sails his Swedish fishing boat through Indian waters on his way to Australia. Because he has no Indian permit, he keeps all his fishing nets securely packed and locked below the deck for the entire trip.

2A foreign research ship enters the zone on January 4, 2027, without a license. The crew gathers all fishing poles and lines and stores them in a sealed container so they cannot be used, following the law exactly.

FAQ

1. Can a foreign vessel enter the zone without a fishing license?

Yes, but it must keep all of its fishing gear safely stored away at all times.

2. Does this apply to Indian boats?

No, this rule specifically applies to foreign vessels.

3. What does it mean to stow gear?

It means to pack away and securely store the fishing equipment so it cannot be actively used.

Test yourself

Q1.Under Section 7 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981, what is required of a foreign vessel entering the zone without a valid license or permit?

Q2.According to Section 7 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981, when must the fishing gear be kept stowed?

Q3.Which vessels are governed by Section 7 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981?

Q4.Under Section 7 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981, what exactly must be kept stowed?

Q5.In what manner must the gear be kept stowed under Section 7 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981?

6PreviousSection 6 Cancellation or suspension of licence or permit.8NextSection 8 Fishing for scientific research, investigation, etc.

←Section 6 Section 8→