147. Registrar of Seamen may settle wage dispute
Where, before the Registrar of Seamen or a proper officer, a question as to wages is raised between the master or owner of a ship and a seaman, and the amount does not exceed $500, that Registrar or a proper officer may, on the application of either party, decide the question and the decision shall be final; but if the Registrar of Seamen or the proper officer is of the opinion that the question is one which ought to be decided by a court, that Registrar or proper officer may refuse to decide the question.