(1) When a question arises as to what return port a seafarer is to be sent or the route by which the seafarer should be sent, the question shall be decided by the Registrar of seafarers.

(2) In deciding the question of a seafarer's return port, the Registrar of seafarers or proper officer shall consider

(a) the convenience of the seafarer and to the expense involved, and

(b) the fact that a ship is in need of men to make up its complement and is about to proceed to a proper return port or to a port in the vicinity of the return port.

(3) A provision in this section does not relieve the owner or master from the obligation and expense of returning the seafarer to the seafarer's proper return port.