(1)An inland [mechanically propelled vessel] [Substituted by Act 35 of 1977, Section 5, for " steam-vessel" (w.e.f. 1.5.1978).] registered under this Act in one State shall not be transferred to a person resident in another State in India or in any country outside India, without the previous approval of the Government of the State in which the vessel is registered: Provided that where an inland [mechanically propelled vessel] [Substituted by Act 35 of 1977, Section 5, for " steam-vessel" (w.e.f. 1.5.1978).] is [registered or deemed to be registered under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 (44 of 1958)] [Substituted by Act 35 of 1977, Section 12, for cetain words (w.e.f. 1.5.1978).] this sub-section shall have effect as if for the words "the Government of the State in which the vessel is registered" the words "the Central Government" had been substituted.
