(1)When the registered of inland vessel is altered so as not to correspond with the particulars relating to its tonnage and or description as shown in the book of registration, the onus of having the alteration recorded by the registering authority shall be on the owner or master of the inland vessel. The inland vessel shall be required to be registered if the registering authority so directs for reasons to be stated for such direction. The registering authority in deciding whether alteration will be recorded or whether the inland vessel should be registered a new shall be guided by the following considerations:-(a)Whenever any material alteration is made in the hull affecting the length or breadth or depth of the inland vessel or wherever there is alteration in the means of propulsion including addition or removal of an auxiliary engine the vessel shall require new registration.(b)Where the alteration consists merely of a change in the dimensions of close in space, the addition or removal of poop or deckhouse etc. or an allowance or disallowance or crew space of other similar change or an alteration from motor or steam crew to another motor or steam crew or reverse, the registering authority may allow such alteration to be recorded provided the stability of the vessel is not endangered thereby.
