Merchant Shipping Act, 1894

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Dealing with eceased seaman’s property when leaves a ll.

177.—(1) Where a deceased seaman or apprentice has left a will the Board of Trade may refuse to pay or deliver the above-mentioned residue—

(a) if the will was made on board ship, to any person claiming under the will, unless the will is in writing, and is signed or acknowledged by the testator in the presence of, and is attested by, the master or first or only mate of the ship, and

(b) if the will was not made on board ship, to any person claiming under the will, and not being related to the testator by blood or marriage, unless the will is in writing, and is signed or acknowledged by the testator in the presence of, and is attested by, two witnesses, one of whom is a superintendent, or is a minister of religion officiating in the place in which the will is made, or, where there are no such persons, a justice, British consular officer, or an officer of customs.

(2) Whenever the Board of Trade refuse under this section to pay or deliver the residue to a person claiming under a will the residue shall be dealt with as if no will had been made.