(1)If any rating subject to this Act signs a confession that he is guilty of desertion, the Admiralty may by order dispense with his trial for that offence and, if they think fit, impose on him any such forfeiture as could be imposed on conviction of that offence under Part I of this Act.
(2)The powers of the Admiralty under this section may be exercised by any flag officer authorised by the Admiralty in that behalf, as well as by the Admiralty.