Laws Relating to Seaman -

1756: 

“An Act in the better restraining Seamen from absenting from their service, and tº encouraging the apprehending and securing of fugitive Seamen, and to discourage frivolous and vexatious actions at law being brought by Seamen against masters and commanders of ships and other vessels,” passed . . .  

Whereas, the said Act has not been effectual to discourage such frivolous and vexatious actions, Be it therefore enacted, That every seaman and mariner who shall be minded to commence any action or suit against the master or commander of any ship or vessel, for any act, matter, cause or thing whatsoever, shall not only first shew cause of action, as the said Act directs, but shall also give sufficient security by recognizance or other wise, to be taken and approved of by the judge or judges, justice or justices, of the court from whence process is prayed, that the seaman or mariner who is plaintiff in such suit shall and will prosecute the same to effect; and that all such actions and suits as shall be commenced, sued or prosecuted as aforesaid without cause of action shewn and security first given as required by the said recited and by this present Act, shall be, and they are hereby declared, null and void to all intents and purposes.