Seamen and shipping

There are very few records relating to the registration of merchant seamen at the Norfolk Record Office (NRO).

The nature and location of these records are complicated. Records may be in The National Archives (TNA) (opens new window), The National Maritime Museum (opens new window) at Greenwich or the Maritime History Archive (opens new window) at Memorial University, Newfoundland.   

The only records relating to the official registration of seamen held at the NRO are:

• Register of apprentices, Yarmouth, 1884-1907 (P/SH/W/7). This gives details of the terms of indenture, contact details of next of kin and previous employment. There are only 14 entries.
• Register of crew engaged, Yarmouth, 1881-1913 (P/SH/W/4). This gives:
  • Details of ship
  • Intended voyage
  • Date of engagement
  • List of crew engaged giving name, date and place of birth, capacity engaged in and details of last ship.