(1) A seaman who has been left behind or discharged from his or her ship as a result of his or her—
(a) desertion;
(b) imprisonment; or
(c) inability to proceed to his or her ship because of an illness or infirmity that was wilfully concealed at the time of his or her engagement,
is not entitled to be returned at the expense of the master or owner under section 198.
(2) The owner, master or agent of the ship from which a seaman mentioned in subsection (1) has been left behind or discharged, shall make all arrangements necessary for the return of the seaman to a proper return port.
(3) An owner, master or agent may be reimbursed for any expenses incurred under subsection (2) out of any wages owing to the seaman at the time he or she left the ship or out of the proceeds from the sale of any of his or her effects left on board the ship, or where this is not sufficient, the owner, master or agent may be reimbursed by ordinary process of law.
(4) Despite subsections (1) or (3), the owner, master or agent shall ensure that the seaman does not become a charge upon the State.