136.—(1) Where a seaman is discharged, and the settlement of his wages completed, before a superintendent, he shall sign in the presence of the superintendent a release, in a form approved by the Board of Trade, of all claims in respect of the past voyage or engagement; and the release shall also be signed by the master or owner of the ship, and attested by the superintendent.

(2) The release, so signed and attested, shall operate as a mutual discharge and settlement of all demands between the parties thereto in respect of the past voyage or engagement.

(3) The release shall be retained by the superintendent, and on production from his custody shall be admissible in evidence in manner provided by this Act.

(4) Where the settlement of a seaman’s wages is by this Act required to be completed through or in the presence of a superintendent, no payment, receipt, or settlement, made otherwise than in accordance with this Act shall operate as or be admitted as evidence of the release or satisfaction of any claim.

(5) Upon any payment being made by a master before a superintendent, the superintendent shall, if required, sign and give to the master a statement of the whole amount so paid; and the statement shall as between the master and his employer be admissible as evidence that the master has made the payments therein mentioned.