An application for an explosives licence, or for the transfer, renewal or variation of an existing licence is to be made in writing to the appropriate authority and is to be accompanied by such information and plans as that authority may require.

On receipt of an application, the appropriate authority must prepare a draft licence and require the applicant to publish, in an approved form, a notice giving such details of the draft licence as the appropriate authority may require.

A notice published in accordance with paragraph 2 is to state that any responses to the application are to be sent to the appropriate authority within one month of the publication of the notice.

Within the time for responses the applicant must provide any interested person with such information about the application as the appropriate authority may determine.

After the time for responses has passed the appropriate authority may amend the draft licence and must require the applicant to publish a further notice in accordance with paragraphs 2 and 3 unless the effects of the changes are minimal.

An applicant for a licence who is a berth operator must send a copy of the licence to the harbour authority.

In respect of a transfer or a variation of the terms of an existing licence the requirements as to publication and consultation in paragraphs 2 and 3 do not apply where the appropriate authority is satisfied that the changes affect only the title or where the effects are minimal.