(a)at the beginning of section 53(2 (which provides as to the effect of presentment of a bill of exchange) there shall be inserted the words “ Subject to section 75A of this Act, ”; and
(1)If the money, property, and wages of a seaman, including proceeds from the sale of property, are not more than $1,500 in value, the court, subject to deductions it allows for expenses and at least 60 days after receiving the money, property, and wages, may deliver the money, property, and wages to a claimant proving to be—
(A)the seaman’s surviving spouse or child;
(B)entitled to the money, property, and wages under the seaman’s will or under a law or at common law; or
(C)entitled to secure probate, or take out letters of administration, although no probate or letters of administration have been issued.
(2)The court is released from further liability for the money, property, and wages distributed under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(3)Instead of acting under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, the court may require probate or letters of administration to be taken out, and then deliver the money, property, and wages to the legal representative of the seaman.
United States Government work; public domain under 17 U.S.C. § 105.