(1)

The State Government may, on an application, without examination, grant a certificate of service to any person who has served as a master, or as an engineer, of a vessel of the Coast Guard, Indian Navy or regular Army for such period as may be prescribed in this behalf by the Central Government, to the effect that he is competent to act, as a first-class master, second-class master or serang, or as an engineer, first-class engine-driver or second-class engine-driver or in such capacity as may be specified therein, as the case may be, on board the mechanically propelled inland vessel.

(2)

For the purposes of granting of certificate of service under sub-section (1), the State Government shall verify the certificate, certifying the competence of the applicant as issued by the Coast Guard, Indian Navy or regular Army, as submitted to it by such applicant along with his application.

(3)

Notwithstanding anything contained herein, the State Government may by recording reasons thereof, refuse granting of certificate of service under sub-section (1).

(4)

A certificate of service so granted under sub-section (1), shall be in such form and manner; and shall be subject to such conditions, as may be prescribed by the Central Government, and shall have the same effect as a certificate of competency granted under section 37.