Greenwich Hospital, etc. Act 1696

II. Seaman, &c. bringing a Certificate of his Abode, &c. according to 7 & 8 W. III. c. 21. § 9. may be registered and entitled to the Benefits of that Act.

Justices to enquire and examine on Oath into Truth of Certificate; and if any Fraud to certify it to the Commissioners of the Admiralty.

And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid That for the greater Ease to all and every Seaman or Mariner or other Persons who have liberty and shall be willing to register themselves as in and by the said recited Statute is directed every such Seaman from and after the Tenth Day of April next ensuing bringing or causing to be brought a Certificate in manner as the said Act directs of the Place of his Abode and also in case of Removal a new Certificate under the Hand of any One or more Justice of the Peace of the Place or County where hee lives may and shall be registred in such and the like Manner as the said recited Act directs and be also intituled to all and every the Benefitts and Advantages given in and by the said Act as well for himselfe as also his Wife Widdow and Children as if such Certificate were under the Hands of Two Justices of the Peace according to the said Act Any thing in the said recited Act contained to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding the said Justice or Justices giving such Certificate under his or their Hands are hereby directed and required to make a strickt and diligent Enquiry into the Truth of the Contents of the Certificate so by them to be given and to examine the Party or Parties so desiring such Certificate upon his or their Oaths if such Justice or Justices shall see Occasion and if upon Examination of the Parties so desireing a Certificate the said Justice or Justices shall find any Fraud or Deceit such Justice or Justices are hereby required to certifye the same to the Co[m]missioners for executing the Office of Lord High Admiral of England for the time being or the Lord High Admiral for the time being that such Fraud and Deceit may be prevented according to Law.