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shipping casualties are specified in Section 56 of the Merchant
Shipping Act 1970. Two amendments are required to these
arrangements. The first is to clarify the powers of the Wreck
Commissioner or Sheriff holding the inquiry in respect of persons
other than officers of the ship or ships involved. The second
is to extend his powers to make orders regarding the costs of
the investigation to allow costs and expenses to be referred
to a Taxing Office. This would overcome restrictions currently
placed on him when considering applications for costs.
Disputes about Wages and Other Complaints and Property of Deceased
Seamen
48.
Under Sections 10 and 23 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1970,
disputes about wages and other complaints by seamen may be
referred to a British Consular Officer. Under Sections 65 and
66 of the same Act there are powers to provide for the custody
and disposal of the property of deceased seamen. These are powers
that it is no longer necessary or appropriate for Government
to exercise, and it is proposed to repeal them.
Regulations on Crew Agreements
49. A reserve power is needed to require employers to keep
copies of agreements with crews and make them available for
inspection.
Misconduct Endangering a Ship or Persons on Board
50. Section 27 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1970 contains
penalties for misconduct endangering a ship on which the offender
The amendment would remove an important anomaly
on t
is on board.
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