243.—(1) Where by reason of transfer of ownership or change of employment of a ship, the official log ceases to be required in respect of the ship or to be required at the same date, the master or owner of the ship shall, if the ship is then in the United Kingdom, within one month, and if she is elsewhere within six months, after the cessation, deliver or transmit to the superintendent at the port to which the ship belonged the official log-book (if any) duly made out to the time of the cessation.

(2) If a ship is lost or abandoned, the master or owner thereof shall, if practicable, and as soon as possible, deliver or transmit to the superintendent at the port to which the ship belonged the official log-book (if any) duly made out to the time of the loss or abandonment.

(3) If the master or owner of a ship fails without reasonable cause to comply with this section, he shall for each offence be liable to a fine not exceeding ten pounds.