(a) When application for a certificate of number is made for a vessel which has been assembled, reconstructed, reconstituted or restored from one or more vessels, or the hull identification number as required by law is unidentifiable or uncertain, the owner of such vessel shall request the secretary inquire into the origin of the vessel. Such information shall be supplied by affidavit of the owner, if requested by the secretary. If, in the determination of the secretary, the vessel contains no stolen parts, the secretary shall assign an existing or new hull identification number to the vessel and direct the location and manner to affix the hull identification number. A charge of $10 shall be paid by the owner of a vessel requesting the inquiry.

(b) Any vessel having a destroyed, removed, altered or defaced hull identification number, which was not constructed in accordance with subsection (a), and if the true identity of the vessel cannot be determined, shall be reassigned a new hull identification number by the secretary or destroyed.