Restrictions on suits for wages.

A proceeding for the recovery of wages due to a seafarer shall not be instituted by or on behalf of any seafarer in any civil court except where,--

1. (a) the ship owner has been declared insolvent;
2. (b) the vessel is under arrest or sold by the authority of any court; or
3. (c) a Judicial Magistrate of the first class refers a claim to the court.