Section 3 in The Merchant Shipping (Distressed Seamen) Rules, 1960
3. Application for relief.
(1)Every application for relief and maintenance under section 161of the Act shall be made by the distressed seaman, in writing and be presented in person to the Indian Consular officer at or near the place where the applicant is in distress, within three months of his having left his last ship.(2)Every applicant under sub-rule (1) shall also fill in and sign an affidavit in form 'A' before the Indian Consular officer.(3)Where the Indian Consular Officer is satisfied that, on account of illness or other sufficient cause, a distressed seaman is not able to write the application or present it in person, the Indian Consular Officer may accept an application made by any other person on behalf of the distressed seaman.
