Section 106

Where a seaman who has been lawfully engaged and has received under his agreement an advance note, after negotiating his advance note, wilfully or through misconduct fails to join his ship or deserts therefrom before the note becomes payable, he shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $100 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 21 days.

Nothing in this section shall take away or limit any remedy by action or otherwise which any person would otherwise have in respect of the negotiation of the advance note, or which an owner or master would otherwise have for breach of contract.

Where it is shown to the satisfaction of the Superintendent that a seaman lawfully engaged has wilfully or through misconduct failed to join his ship, the Superintendent may direct that any of the seaman’s certificates of discharge shall be withheld for such period as he thinks fit.

While a seaman’s certificate of discharge is so withheld, the Superintendent and any other person having the custody of the necessary documents may, notwithstanding anything in this Act, refuse to furnish copies of any of his certificates of discharge or certified extracts of any particulars of service or character.[121