Section 20. Appointment of ports or places of registry and Registrars of Inland Vessels.

(1) For the purposes of this Chapter, the State Government may, by notification, — (a) appoint ports or places of registry; and (b) appoint Registrar of Inland Vessels at the said ports or places of registry, who shall be deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860). (2) A Registrar of Inland Vessels shall, in respect to the port or place of registry for which he is appointed, perform his functions as may be prescribed by the State Government.