(1)

The Central Government or a person duly authorised by it in this behalf shall appoint persons for the purpose of examining the qualifications of persons desirous of obtaining certificates of competency under section 78.

(2)

The Central Government or such authorised person shall grant to every applicant, who is duly reported by the examiners to have passed the examination satisfactorily and to have given satisfactory evidence of his sobriety, experience and ability and general good conduct on board ship, such a certificate of competency as the case requires:

Provided that the Central Government may, in any case in which it has reason to believe that the report has been unduly made, require, before granting a certificate, a re-examination of the applicant or a further inquiry into his testimonials and character.

(3)

[ Every certificate granted under sub-section (2), shall be valid for such period as may be prescribed.]