Attention of all concerned is drawn to section 409 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, which specifies that the Licenses issued under section 406 or section 407 of the said Act to are to be surrendered or cased to be surrendered to the Director General of Shipping without unreasonable delay when they ceased to be valid.

2. The above stipulation of theAct is not being complied with by the shipping companies/shippers/charterers in spite of this Directorte's letter of even number dated 10th August, 2001. This is highly objectionable and attracts legal provisions.

3. All the concerned are once again reminded to surrender the License as and when it expires, but not later than 15 days from the date of expiry. In case of any deviation from the above, it will be viewed seriously and action as deemed fit will be initiated without any further notice.