(1) When any question arises as to what return port a seaman is to be sent, or as to the route by which he or she should be sent, the question shall be decided by the Registrar of Seamen or proper officer.
(2) In deciding the question of a seaman's return port, the Registrar of Seamen or proper officer shall have regard both—
(a) to the convenience of the seaman and to the expense involved; and
(b) to the fact that a ship is in need of men to make up its complement and is about to proceed to a proper return port or to a port in the vicinity thereof, if such is the case.
(3) This section does not relieve the owner from the obligation and expense of returning the seaman to his or her proper return port.