Crews of vessels

§ 5342. Crews of vessels (a) Except as provided by subsection (b) of this section, the pay of officers and members of crews of vessels excepted from chapter 51 of this title by section 5102(c) (8) of this title shall be fixed and adjusted from time to time as nearly as is consistent with the public interest in accordance with prevailing rates and practices in the maritime industry. (b) Vessel employees of the Panama Canal Company may be paid in accordance with the wage practices of the maritime industry.