Merchant Shipping Act, 1951 (Act No. 57 of 1951)RegulationsDistressed Seamen's Regulations, 19616. Manner on Dealing with Distressed Seamen |
| (1) | If a proper officer is satisfied that a person is entitled to be treated as a distressed seaman or if a distressed seaman comes under the charge of a proper officer, that officer shall provide relief and maintenance upon the most reasonable terms possible. |
| (2) | If a proper officer is satisfied (by a medical certificate or otherwise) that a distressed seaman is fit to work and such seaman refuses to accept reasonable employment, no further relief or maintenance shall be granted to him. |
| (3) | A distressed seaman who is in receipt of relief from a proper officer and who is unable to find employment shall be sent to a proper return port as soon as practicable: Provided that if circumstances require it, employment for such seaman may be found at any place en route to the proper return port. |
| (4) | In all cases where' a distressed seaman has been on charge for longer than thirty days full details of the circumstances shall be reported to the Secretary. |