(a) Each master or individual in charge of a vessel must, for each merchant mariner being discharged from the vessel, prepare a certificate of discharge in accordance with the procedure prescribed by the Coast Guard. The prescribed format may include the current form CG-718A or other means provided by the Coast Guard. If not using the Coast Guard prescribed format, the mariner must be provided with all the same information included on the certificate of discharge.

(b) Each mariner being discharged must validate the information on the certificate of discharge by signing it.

(c) When the mariner leaves the vessel, the master or individual in charge must give the certificate of discharge to the mariner.