The Fisheries Department has decided to initiate stringent action against mechanised fishing boats flouting norms. According to officials, boats without registration and licence will be impounded and imposed with hefty fines. The department has directed owners of fishing vessels, inboard engine crafts, and traditional outboard-motor-fitted craft whose fishing licence has already been expired to renew the licence by November 30. Boats will be issued licences only after physical check and ensuring that safety measures are in place. Boat operators should keep lifebuoys and life jackets in proportion to the number of employees on board the boat, said Anirudhan, Deputy Director of Fisheries, Alappuzha, on Friday. Uniform colour coding has been made mandatory for all fishing boats. As per the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the hull of boats should be painted dark blue and the wheelhouse, orange. The licence or registration of fishing boats which do not follow the guidelines will not be renewed, the officials added.