126.—(1) A seaman shall not be entitled to the rating of A.B., that is to say, of an able-bodied seaman, unless he has served at sea for F95[three years before the mast], but the employment of fishermen in decked fishing vessels registered under the first part of this Act shall only count as sea service up to the period of F95[two years of that employment]; and the rating of A.B. shall only be granted after at least one year’s sea service in a trading vessel in addition to F95[two or more years sea service] on board of decked fishing vessels so registered.

(2) The service may be proved by certificates of discharge, by a certificate of service from the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen (granted by the Registrar on payment of a fee not exceeding sixpence), specifying in each case whether the service was rendered in whole or in part in steam ship or in sailing ship, or by other satisfactory proof.