United Kingdom, Merchant Seamen Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

United Kingdom

What is in This Collection?
This collection contains an index and images of microfiche copies of a card index originally kept by the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen, series BT 348, BT 349, BT 350, and BT 364, now held at The National Archives. The contents of the records vary, but they usually include the seaman's name and the year and place of birth. Some cards include photographs.

This series is the combined numerical index of the Register of Seamen maintained by the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen. The Central Register of Seamen originally consisted of three separate card indexes (CR1, central index, alphabetical registry; CR2, central index, numerical registry; and CR10, special index, alphabetical). The fourth index was compiled from its predecessors, for reasons unknown. According to the National Archives, cards in BT 364 dating from 1913 to 1921 were destroyed in 1969 for unknown reasons. Cards in BT 364 are arranged numerically by continuous discharge A number. The cards were filed by number, ignoring the letter prefix. At the end of the series is a small collection of un-numbered cards which have been sorted alphabetically by surname.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records: • 2

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * Name of the person
 * Approximate date of the event

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Add any new information to your records
 * If available, check the image for additional information
 * Analyze the entry to see if it provides additional clues to find other records of the person or their family

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * Try searching by surname only
 * The person may be recorded with an abbreviated or variant form of their name
 * Remember that spelling was generally not standardized until the early part of the 20th century

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the United Kingdom.
 * Scotland Guided Research, Ireland Guided Research, England Guided Research
 * Scotland Record Finder, Ireland Record Finder, Wales Record Finder England Record Finder
 * Scotland Research Tips and Strategies, Ireland Research Tips and Strategies, Wales Research Tips and Strategies, England Research Tips and Strategies

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.