Versions of s. 391(3)

Whenever in any proceeding against any seaman or apprentice belonging to any Canadian ship for the offence of desertion or absence without leave, or for otherwise being absent from his ship without leave, it is alleged by one-fourth, or if their number exceeds twenty by not less than five, of the seamen belonging to the ship that the ship is by reason of unseaworthiness, overloading, improper loading, defective equipment or for any other reason not in a fit condition to proceed to sea, or that the accommodation in the ship is insufficient, the court having cognizance of the case shall take such means as may be in its power to satisfy itself concerning the truth of the allegation, and shall for that purpose receive the evidence of the persons making the allegation, and may summon any other witnesses whose evidence it may think it desirable to hear, and shall, if satisfied that the allegation is groundless, adjudicate in the case, but if not so satisfied shall before adjudication cause the ship to be surveyed.