(1) The power of suspending a sentence of imprisonment or detention under section 164 maybe exercised when a sailor of good reputation has committed himself because of some long continued strain, or in circumstances which lead the Commanding Officer or superior authority to believe that he will retrieve his good name, or when the sailor’s services are required for a dangerous or arduous duty which would otherwise be avoided, or to enable a deserter or persistent leave breaker who is considered to be capable of reformation to be transferred to sea, so that he may be removed from the temptation to repeat his offence.
(2) Officers shall, as far as possible, use this power freely whenever they can do so without detriment to discipline, and when the offender is likely by his conduct, to justify the confidence placed in him; but a sentence shall never be suspended when it is intended that the offender shall not return to the service