No! Although some masters do this in the apparent belief that it will prevent a seaman from refusing to sign on again, it is totally unnecessary and legally improper. Any contract, including a Crew Agreement, signed under duress has no legal effect and is voidable in English law.
A UK ship with a Running Agreement is changing articles during a voyage to Australia. Should the crew be told to sign on a new Crew Agreement before signing them off the old one?
