A lien provided for in this article for repairs, labor, supplies, or materials for, or for storage or safekeeping of, a vessel may be assigned by written instrument accompanied by delivery of possession of the vessel subject to the lien, and the assignee may exercise the rights of a lienholder as provided in this article. A lienholder assigning a lien as authorized in this section shall at the time of assigning the lien give written notice of the assignment either by personal delivery or by certified mail, to the registered and legal owners of the vessel, indicating the name and address of the person to whom the lien is assigned.