(1) In any proceeding under this Act before the Registrar of Seamen relating to wages, claims or discharge of a seaman, the Registrar of Seamen may require the owner or his or her agent or the master or any mate or other member of the crew to produce any log books or other documents in his or her possession or power relating to a matter in question in the proceedings and may require the attendance of and may examine any of those persons who are then at or near the place on the matter, and may administer oaths.
(2) In any proceedings under this Act before the Registrar of Seamen relating to the wages, claims or disputes or discharge of seamen, all travelling and other expenses incurred by that Registrar shall be met by the owner or master of the ship in dispute.