Section 8563.

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), the permittee shall be aboard the vessel and shall be in possession of a valid drift gill net shark and swordfish permit when engaged in operations authorized by the permit.

(b) A permittee may have any person serve in his or her place on the permittee's vessel and engage in fishing under his or her drift gill net shark and swordfish permit for not more than 15 calendar days in any one year, except that a longer period may be allowed in the event of serious illness. A permittee shall notify the department's Long Beach office of a substitution of 15 days or less per calendar year, by certified letter or telegram at least 24 hours prior to the commencement of the trip. Written authorization for a substitution of greater than 15 days shall be obtained from the director and shall be given only on the director's finding that the permittee will not be available to engage in the activity due to serious illness, supported by medical evidence. An application for a substitution of greater than 15 days shall be made to the Department of Fish and Game, Headquarters Office, Sacramento, and shall contain such information as the director may require. Any denial of the substitution may be appealed to the commission.

(Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1078, Sec. 3. Effective September 15, 1982.)