A vessel arrives in a foreign port and the Master is informed that the vessel is being sold to foreign interests. The new owners request that the crew remain on board to complete the voyage. Under these circumstances, which action can the crew take?
• Crew rights when a U.S. vessel is sold to foreign owners under U.S. shipping law (see 46 CFR and 46 U.S.C. on discharge and repatriation) • Difference between master’s authority for vessel operations vs. seamen’s contractual rights • What happens to a seaman’s shipping articles when the vessel is sold to foreign interests or its documentation changes
• Think about whether the original employment contract (shipping articles) is still valid once the vessel changes ownership and possibly flag. • Ask yourself: does the law ever force a seaman to continue serving under a completely new foreign owner if they do not agree? • Consider which of the options describes a legal right of the crew rather than just an expectation to follow orders.
• Verify which option clearly states a legal right to discharge and return rather than an obligation to stay. • Check whether any option conflicts with basic principles of seamen’s protection when a ship is sold or re‑documented. • Make sure the choice you select reflects what happens immediately upon sale to foreign interests, not at some later, optional time.
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