(1)  A person may apply to the Secretary for the allocation of a vessel distinguishing mark in respect of a fishing vessel.

(2)  On receipt of an application under subrule (1) or on the Secretary’s own initiative, the Secretary is to –

(a) allocate a distinguishing mark in respect of a fishing vessel; and

(b) if the distinguishing mark is allocated as a result of an application under subrule (1) , advise the applicant of that mark; and

(c) if the distinguishing mark is allocated on the Secretary’s own initiative, advise the owner of the fishing vessel of that mark.

(3)  The Secretary is not to allocate a distinguishing mark to a vessel if that mark has previously been allocated to another vessel.

(4)  A distinguishing mark –

(a) consists of any combination of letters, or letters and numerals, the Secretary determines; and

(b) subject to subrule (5) , is to be painted or displayed –

(i) in the case of a distinguishing mark painted or displayed on the side of the hull of a vessel – in white characters on a dark background, or in dark characters on a white background, with characters of not less than 150 millimetres high, not less than 25 millimetres wide; and

(ii) in the case of a distinguishing mark painted or displayed on a wheelhouse or deck of a vessel – in black characters on an orange background surrounded by a black border, with characters of not less than 900 millimetres high, not less than 75 millimetres wide and spaced 100 millimetres apart; and

(c) in the case of a distinguishing mark painted or displayed on a wheelhouse or deck of a vessel, is to be painted or displayed from port to starboard, and from forward to aft, of the boat; and

(d) is to be kept unobscured and is to be maintained in a clean condition while the fishing vessel, in respect of which the distinguishing mark is allocated, is specified in a fishing licence (vessel).

(5)  If it is impractical for the distinguishing mark on the wheelhouse or deck of the vessel to be marked in accordance with subrule (4)(b)(ii) , the Secretary may, by notice in writing, authorise the distinguishing mark to be painted or displayed, as specified in the notice, on the wheelhouse or deck of the vessel.

(6)  The holder of a fishing licence (vessel) must cause the distinguishing mark, allocated under this rule to the fishing vessel specified in the licence, to be painted or displayed in distinct and legible characters –

(a) on each side of the hull of the fishing vessel, and each auxiliary vessel used in conjunction with the fishing vessel, above the waterline of the vessel; and

(b) if the fishing vessel has a wheelhouse or deck, on the topside of that wheelhouse, or deck, so as to be visible from the air.

Penalty:  Grade 1 penalty.