§ 50. Owners to notify inspector and apply for inspection. It shall be the duty of the owner of a public vessel which he intends to operate on the navigable waters of the state to notify the inspector of such intention at least one month before it is desired to place the vessel in operation and to request an inspection of such vessel. Upon receipt of such notification the inspector shall enter the application on the records of his office. A temporary permit to operate such vessel pending inspection may be issued by the inspector, if he finds through documentary evidence that such vessel is properly equipped and manned for the safety of life and property. No public vessel shall be used or operated without a certificate of inspection or a temporary permit as herein provided.