(1) An Indian vessel shall be registered in accordance with such procedure, for such period and on payment of such fee as may be prescribed.
(2) On the expiry of the period specified in sub-section (1), the registration of the vessel shall be renewed in accordance with such procedure and on payment of such fee as may be prescribed.
(3) The Director-General shall, by way of an order, specify certain conditions for an Indian vessel and for different classes of vessels sought to be registered under this Act.
(4) Where it appears to the Registrar that there is any doubt as to the title of any Indian vessel, he may require evidence to be given to his satisfaction that the vessel is entitled to be registered as an Indian vessel in such manner and in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed.
(5) The Registrar shall, on being satisfied with the requirements of this section, grant---
(a) a certificate of registration containing the particulars of the vessel as entered in the register book in such form and manner as may be prescribed;
(b) a tonnage certificate containing the gross and net tonnage as determined in such manner as may be prescribed.
(6) In the event of the certificate of registration being defaced or mutilated, a new certificate shall be granted in lieu of the original certificate in such manner as may be prescribed.
(7) In the event of a registered vessel being,---
(a) actually, or constructively lost;
(b) taken by the enemy;
(c) burnt or broken up;
(d) for any reason, ceasing to be an Indian vessel; or
(e) registered under any other law for the time being in force at the relevant time,
every owner of such vessel shall immediately on obtaining knowledge of the event, comply with such procedure as may be prescribed.
(8) Every Indian vessel shall be described by such name, call sign and official number in such manner as may be prescribed.
(9) Every Registrar shall keep a register book, make entries in that book and maintain the records of vessels registered under the provisions of this Act, in such manner as may be prescribed.
(10) Where there is a change in ownership of a registered Indian vessel, the Registrar of the port of registry shall register the name of new owner and grant a fresh certificate of registration, in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed.