Section 19(2) in The Merchant Shipping (Distressed Seamen) Rules, 1960
(2)All repatriation expenses, inclusive of excepted expenses, which constitute a debt to the Central Government, shall be recovered by the Shipping Master referred to sub-rule (1) from the owner or agent of the ship to which the seaman belonged at the time of his discharge or other event which resulted in his becoming distressed, unless the Shipping Master deducts such sum directly from the seaman's wages which have been deposited with him in accordance with section 122 (3) of the Act.
