They are MCA officials who are empowered by the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 to deal with:
issue, endorsement and withdrawal, etc. of seamen’s documents; engagement of seamen and exemption provisions; discharge of seamen; seamen’s wages and allotments; resolution of wages disputes; relief and repatriation of seamen left behind; returns and reports of births and deaths at sea; inquiries into deaths on board ships, etc.; property of deceased seamen; official log books; manning of merchant ships; seamen’s health and safety; receipt and onward delivery of ships’ documents; complaints by seamen about provisions or water; complaints about seaworthiness of ships; and inquiries into misconduct of seamen.
