(1) If, at a port outside the State, a ship becomes the property of qualified persons, the diplomatic or consular officer there may, subject to the approval of the Minister, grant to the master, on his application, a temporary certificate and shall forward a copy of the certificate at the first convenient opportunity to the General Register and Record Office.

(2) A temporary certificate granted under this section shall contain such particulars as may be directed by the Minister and shall have the effect of a certificate of registry until the expiration of six months from its date or until the ship's arrival at a port in the State where there is a registrar (whichever first happens) and, on either of those events happening, shall cease to have effect.