46 U.S.C. § 10302: Shipping articles agreements

The owner, charterer, managing operator, master, or individual in charge shall make a shipping agreement in writing with each seaman before the seaman commences employment. the nature, and, as far as practicable, the duration of the intended voyage, and the port or country in which the voyage is to end. the number and description of the crew and the capacity in which each seaman is to be engaged. the time at which each seaman is to be on board to begin work. the amount of wages each seaman is to receive. regulations about conduct on board, and information on fines, short allowance of provisions, and other punishment for misconduct provided by law. a scale of the provisions that are to be provided each seaman. any stipulation in reference to advances and allotments of wages. other matters not contrary to law. Each shipping agreement must be signed by the master or individual in charge or a representative of the owner, charterer, or managing operator, and by each seaman employed. The owner, charterer, managing operator, master, or individual in charge shall maintain the shipping agreement and make the shipping agreement available to the seaman.