141. Wages on termination of service by wreck, illness, etc.-

(1) Where the service of any seaman engaged under this Act terminates before the date contemplated in the agreement by reason of the wreck, loss or abandonment of the ship or by reason of his being left on shore at any place outside India under a certificate granted under this Act of his unfitness or inability to proceed on the voyage the seaman shall be entitled to receive-

(a) in the case of wreck, loss or abandonment of the ship-

(i) wages at the rate to which he was entitled at the date of termination of his service for the period from the date his service is so terminated until he is returned to and arrives at a proper return port; Provided that the period for which he shall be entitled to receive wages shall be not less than one month; and

(ii) compensation for the loss of his effects-

(a) in the case of a seaman employed on a home-trade ship, of not less than one month's wages; and

(b) in the case of a seaman employed on a foreign-going ship, of not less than three month's wages;

(b) in the case of unfitness or inability to proceed on the voyage, wages for the period from the date his service is terminated until he is returned to and arrives at a proper return port.

(2) A seaman shall not be entitled to receive wages under sub-clause (i) of clause (a) of sub-section (1) in respect of any period during which-

(a) he was, or could have been, suitably employed; or

(b) through negligence he failed to apply to the proper authority for relief as a distressed or destitute seaman.

(3) Any amount payable by way of compensation under sub-clause (ii) of clause (a) of sub-section (1) shall be deposited with the shipping master at the port of engagement in India for payment to the seaman, or, in the case of a deceased seaman,1[to the person nominated by him in this behalf under section 159A or if he has not made any such nomination or the nomination made by him is or has become void, to his legal heirs.]

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