# 14    Employer not to reduce wages

No employer shall, by reason only of his liability for the payment of any contribution to the Fund or any charges under this Act or the Scheme, reduce, whether directly or indirectly, the wages of any seaman to whom the Scheme applies or the total quantum of benefits in the nature of old age pension, gratuity or provident fund to which the seaman is entitled under the agreement with the crew or any other agreement between the parties.