156. Dealing with property of deceased seamen.- (1) An Indian consular officer or a shipping master to whom the effects of a deceased seaman or apprentice are delivered or who takes change of such effects under this Act may, if he thinks fit, sell the effects and the proceeds of any such sale shall be deemed to form part of the property of the deceased seaman or apprentice. (2) Before selling any valuables comprised in the said effects, such officer or shipping master, shall endeavour to ascertain the wishes of the next-of-kin of the deceased seaman or apprentice as to the disposal of such valuables and shall, if practicable and lawful, comply with such wishes. (3) An Indian consular officer to whom any property of a deceased seaman or apprentice is delivered or who takes charge of any such property under this Act shall remit the property to the shipping master at the port of engagement of the deceased seaman or apprentice in such manner and shall render such accounts in respect thereof as may be prescribed. | 
