166.—(1) Where a seaman is engaged for a voyage or engagement which is to terminate in the United Kingdom, he shall not be entitled to sue in any court abroad for wages, unless he is discharged with such sanction as is required by this Act, and with the written consent of the master, or proves such ill-usage on the part or by authority of the master, as to warrant reasonable apprehension of danger to his life if he were to remain on board.

(2) If a seaman on his return to the United Kingdom proves that the master or owner has been guilty of any conduct or default which but for this section would have entitled the seaman to sue for wages before the termination of the voyage or engagement, he shall be entitled to recover in addition to his wages, such compensation not exceeding twenty pounds as the court hearing the case thinks reasonable.