(1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, constitute an advisory board to be called the National Welfare Board for Seafarers (hereinafter referred to as the Board) for the purpose of advising the Central Government on the measures to be taken for promoting the welfare of seamen (whether ashore or on boardship) generally and in particular the following:--
         (a) the establishment of hostels or boarding and lodging houses for seamen;
         (b) the establishment of clubs, canteens, libraries and other like amenities for the benefit of seamen;
         (c) the establishment of hospitals for seamen or the provision of medical treatment, for seamen;
         (d) the provision of educational and other facilities for seamen.
     (2) The Central Government may make rules providing for--
         (a) the composition of the Board and the term of office of members thereof;
         (b) the procedure to be followed in the conduct of business by the Board
         (c) the travelling and other allowances payable to members of the Board;
         (d) the levy of fees payable by owners of ships at such rates as may be prescribed (which may be at different rates for different classes of ships) for the purpose of providing amenities to seamen and for taking other measures for the welfare of seamen;
         (e) the procedure by which any such fees may be collected or recovered and the manner in which the proceeds of such fees, after deduction of the cost of collection, shall be utilised for the purpose specified in clause (d).