Section 46. Suspension or cancellation of certificate of fitness.

(1) If any special category vessel does not comply with the provisions of this Act or the rules made thereunder, the State Government may issue notice to the owner or operator or master or any person in-charge of such vessel, for rectifying the noncompliance within such time as may be specified therein. (2) In case of continuance of non-compliance by the owner or operator or master or any person incharge of the special category vessel even after receipt of the notice issued under sub-section (1), the State Government may, after providing an opportunity of being heard and for reasons to be recorded in writing, suspend or cancel the certificate of fitness issued to such vessel under this Chapter. (3) If the certificate of fitness of a special category vessel has been suspended or cancelled under subsection (2), then such vessel shall cease to operate till the suspension is revoked, or in the event of cancellation, shall cease to operate till a new certificate of fitness is granted.