Catalogue description Registry of Shipping and Seamen: Register of Seamen, Central Index, Alphabetical Series (CR 1)

This series contains a microfiche copy of the CR 1 Central Index cards to the register of Seamen which was kept by the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen.

Each card typically gives the following information:

• surname;
• forename;
• year of birth;
• place of birth;
• discharge A number;
• rating;
• RV2 number (origin unknown);
• certificate grade and number;
• PR number (origin unknown);
• health insurance number;
• unemployment insurance number;
• height;
• colour of eyes and hair;
• complexion;
• distinguishing marks.

On reverse of the card will be found the seaman's signature and the date of issue.

CR cards formed part of the Central Index Register and were completed for all merchant seaman when applying for a discharge 'A' certificate or a replacement certificate.

There is a small supplementary series of cards, also alphabetically organised covering surnames beginning with the letters BLA to PR.

PLEASE NOTE: Electronic images of these records can be searched online through our partner website.

See also BT 348

Cards dating from 1913 to 1921 were destroyed in 1969 for unknown reasons.

From 1998 Registry of Shipping and Seamen