(1) When an inland ¹[mechanically propelled vessel] is so altered as not to correspond with the particulars relating to her or the description entered in the certificate of registration, then the owner of the vessel shall, within such period as may be prescribed, make a report of such alteration to the registering authority of the place where the vessel is registered.
     (2) The report under sub-section (1) shall be made in such form and shall contain such particulars with respect to the alteration as may be prescribed and shall be accompanied by the certificate of registration in force in respect of the vessel at_ the time of the report.
     (3) The registering authority, on receipt of the report under sub-section (1) and on payment of the prescribed fee, shall either cause the alteration to be registered or direct that the vessel be registered anew:
     Provided that where the registering authority directs that the vessel be registered anew, it shall either grant a provisional certificate describing the vessel as altered or provisionally endorse the particulars of the alteration on the existing certificate.
     (3) Any provisional certificate granted or endorsement made under the provisions of this section shall be valid for a period of one month from the date thereof, within which period the owner shall cause all necessary steps to be taken to have the vessel regist ered anew.