(1)  A gaming licence comes into force on the day specified in it as the commencement date.

(2)  A gaming licence, unless it is sooner surrendered or forfeited and notwithstanding any period of suspension, remains in force for such time as the ship in respect of which the licence is issued remains in operational service with –

(a) the State shipping company to which the licence has been issued; or

(b) a State shipping company to which the licence has been assigned under section 12 (2) .