(a) Every owner of a watercraft over 21 feet in length required to be numbered by this State and for which no certificate of title has been issued by the Department of Natural Resources shall make application to the Department of Natural Resources for a certificate of title either before or at the same time he next applies for issuance, transfer or renewal of a certificate of number. All watercraft already covered by a number in full force and effect which has been awarded to it pursuant to Federal law is exempt from titling requirements in this Act.
     (b) The Department shall not issue, transfer or renew a certificate of number unless a certificate of title has been issued by the Department of Natural Resources or an application for a certificate of title has been delivered to the Department.