Section 2, The Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Act, 2008.

The Merchant Shipping Act, 2003 is amended by theinsertion immediately after section 52 thereof of the following sections:– 52A (1) Subject to this Act, no person shall operate as a shipping agent unless that person holds a shipping agent’s licence issued by the Administration. (2) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding Le20,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both the fine and imprisonment. 52B (l) Any person who wishes to operate as a shipping agent shall apply to the Administration for a licence for that purpose. (2) A shipping agent’s licence may be granted to- (a) an individual; (b) a co-operative society registered in Sierra Leone; (c) a partnership; or (d) a company incorporated or registered in Sierra Leone. (3) An application for a licence shall be in such form as the Administration may determine. 52C (1) Subject to this Act, where the Administration is satisfied with an application, it shall grant a licence to the applicant subject to such terms and conditions as it may specify. (2) The Administration shall charge such fee for the granting of a licence as may be prescribed. (3) Where the Administration refuses an application, it shall, within thirty days of the refusal, notify the applicant in writing of the reasons for the refusal. (4) An applicant aggrieved by the refusal by the Administration to grant a licence may, within thirty days of receipt of the notice, appeal to the High Court. 52D A licence granted under section 52C shall be valid for one year and may, on application made to the Administration, be renewed. 52E A shipping agent shall charge such fees for its services as may be prescribed. 52F A shipping agent shall, in the provision of any service, apply the standards of diligence and efficiency as laid down in the United Nations (UNCTAD) Minimum Standards for Shipping Agents (1988).” Amendment of section 3 of Act No. 3 of 2003. Insertion after section 52. “Licensing of shipping agents. Shipping agent’s licence. Grant of shipping agent’s licence. Duration of licence. Charging of fees. Conduct of shipping agents.