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Some Special Interests => Occupation Interests => Topic started by: seaweed on Thursday 13 September 12 15:42 BST (UK)
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Ancestry Has put on line copies of the original documents held by NMM Greenwich.
This database contains master and mate certificates issued to merchant seamen by the British Board of Trade.
What You May Find in the Records
Great Britain has long been known for its maritime prowess in both military and commercial spheres. The certificates and other documents included in this database were issued to merchant seamen who qualified as masters or mates aboard merchant ships. Records include certificates of competency, certificates of service, examination applications, and other documents. Forms vary, but they may include the following details:
•name
•certificate number
•birth date
•birthplace
•issue port
•issue date
•address
•examination date
•history of service (dates, vessels, occupations, years in service)
Some of the information is included on the back of the certificates, and some documents in a seaman’s folder have not been indexed, so when you find a record, use the arrows to browse surrounding documents to make sure you see all the records available. You may want to browse through an entire roll since the original folders were sometimes filed in random order.
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Thank you ever so much for this posting. This is an absolute goldmine! Had a dig through it yesterday for some people I've been interested in.
One bit of experience - when you go to an image, scroll both back and forward, as there may well be relevant images both sides of the target.
I found a whole series of documents with the record of service - which ships, which dates, which voyages, rank; also home addresses, date of birth, whatever; and that one man had failed his navigation exam; and that another had changed his name by Deed Poll and the date; and that another wanted a replacement certificate as his previous one had been lost when "ship sunk by submarine" and the lat and long of the sinking.
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Hi,
Thanks for the advice about scrolling back and forward........finding very useful confirming details about my John Hutcheson Pain. ;D
Nanny Jan
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Thanks so much for this--- However, I am having some trouble pinpointing my great-grandfather--- simply because there are a few Master Mariner "David Williams" to choose from--- all 1844-1846 that could be a match. I'm not exactly sure of his birthplace and the date of birth is "about" 1846---he dies in 1900. he's either born in Wales or Liverpool. His father's name is Robert (I have David's marriage record--1884)
In June 1891 I know what port he is located at (Kulangsu, Amoy). Is there an online source that lists English ships in port for any given location, month, and year?
Rachel
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In June 1891 I know what port he is located at (Kulangsu, Amoy). Is there an online source that lists English ships in port for any given location, month, and year?
As far as I am aware. No.
You would need to consult "Lloyd's List". Again, as far as I am aware, I know of no institutions in North America where copies are held. I may be wrong on this, so it may pay you to look around.
The only alternative is to look at newspapers of the day but this method is far from accurate. I would use the word "Amoy" as a search term.
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Thanks as always for your help---- too bad my last name isn't less common it makes things a lot tougher in tracking these things down
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Just an update--- Doing genealogy work's rewards sure outweigh the frustrations. Yesterday I learned the following:
David's son is placed in the Liverpool Seamen's Orphanage Institute in 1900!!! --- He appears there in the 1901 census (trying to track down David's wife Margaret ---dies 1904)
In 1905 Blethin (William) Williams is shipped off to Canada
1906 Manitoba, Canada census reveals Blethin to be living with his aunt--- David's sister!!! Margaret (had no idea she existed or that he even had siblings)
Margaret's birthplace is up for debate--- Ireland, Conway Wales, England --- listed variously as places of birth. She and David appear to be 2 years apart in age. If I find them both together with father, Robert then I can zero in on what Master Mariner David is having discovered his birthplace.
Rachel
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When do the records start and end?
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Well I seem to have 3 candidates all born in 1846
David Williams from Aberystwith, Cardiganshire
David Williams from Pwllheli, Caernarvonshire
David Williams from Newport, Pembrokeshire
The free death/birth England Wales index lists him as dying 1900 and born abt. 1846. His wedding certificate lists him as "of full age" (no help there) but does have his address as Liverpool by 1884.
So, he's out of Wales at that point.
His sister, Margaret, appears to have been born in 1844 based on her various records.
The father, Robert Williams, is listed as a "Receiver of Customs" in 1884 on David's marriage certificate
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Take a look at this database
http://www.welshmariners.org.uk/search.php
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Thanx Seaweed and Merry Christmas--- off to take a look :)
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The Welsh Captain's site is a tremendous resource. I wasn't able to positively identify my grandfather yet but I did eliminate all three of the 1846 birth year references I was thinking of:
David Williams of Aberystwyth dies 1907
David Williams of Newport dies 1891 in hospital
David Williams of Pwllheli dies in 1893 (lost at sea)
So--- my search continues :)
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A big thanks to everyone who took the time to help me with this important personal quest.
David Williams born 06 December 1840 in Conway, Canarvon Wales although earlier census data lists him and siblings as born in Ireland (no specific location)
His certificate for master mariner bears the # 90372
So now I'm off to find the ships he served aboard.
Again, a very large and sincere thanks to all who helped me identify him I cannot thank you enough
Merry Christmas ----
Rachel :)