Division 1 The procedure for applications for, and issue of, licences enabling vessels flying the flag of a Member State of the Community to fish in the fishing zone of São Tomé and Principe shall be as follows:

The relevant Community authorities, via the authorities of the Commission of the European Communities on São Tomé and Principe, shall present to the Ministry for Fisheries, through the designated São Tomé and Principe authorities, an application for each vessel that wishes to fish under the Agreement at least 20 days before the date of commencement of the period of validity requested.

The applications shall be made on the forms provided for that purpose by the Government of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Principe, a specimen of which is attached.

Licences are issued for a given vessel. At the request of the Commission of the European Communities, a licence issued for one vessel may, and in a case of force majeure shall, be replaced by a licence issued for another Community vessel having the same characteristics.

Once signed, licences shall be delivered by the São Tomé and Principe authorities to the shipowners or their representatives via the authorities of the Commission of the European Communities on São Tomé and Principe.

Licences must be held on board at all times.