Section 178: Disposal of unclaimed property of deceased seamen

178. Disposal of unclaimed property of deceased seamen.—(1) Where no claim to the property of a deceased seamen or apprentice received by a Shipping Master is substantiated within one year from the receipt thereof by such Shipping Master, the Shipping Master shall cause such property to be sold and pay the proceeds of the sale into the public treasury. (2) If, after any money has been so paid into the public treasury, and claim is made thereto, then if the claim is established to the satisfaction of the Shipping Master, the amount, or so much as shall appear to be due to the claimant, shall be paid to him and if the claim is not so established, it shall be rejected and the claimant may thereupon apply by petition to the High Court which shall, after taking evidence either orally or on affidavit make such order on the petition as shall seem just: Provided that, after the expiration of six years from the receipt of such property by the Shipping Master, no claim to such property shall be entertained by the Shipping Master without the sanction of the Federal Government. CHAPTER 13. —DISTRESSED SEAMEN

Effective date: 2001-01-01

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