46 C.F.R. § 14.301
Paying off of merchant mariner during or after voyage upon which shipping articles are required
Each master or individual in charge of a vessel when shipping articles are required must complete and sign, and each merchant mariner paid off during or after such a voyage must sign the articles and otherwise comply with the requirements of this subpart. When signed by the master or individual in charge and by the mariner, the articles constitute a release from the duties to which they bound their parties.