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Shipping and Passenger Records

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visitors are kindly advised that this website includes images, sounds and names of people who have passed.

All users should be aware that some topics or historical content may be culturally sensitive, offensive or distressing, and that some images may contain nudity or are of people not yet identified. Certain words, terms or descriptions may reflect the author's/creator's attitude or that of the period in which they were written, but are now considered inappropriate in today's context.

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Lloyd's captains registers, 1851-1947

Only in the Library You can use Lloyd's captains registers, 1851-1947 when you are in the Library. 

About the Lloyd's Captains Registers

The Lloyd’s captains registers only include holders of foreign-trade master’s certificates, and usually exclude masters of coasters, ferries, fishing vessels or yachts. Also note that the term ‘master mariner’ was sometimes used loosely and not everyone called ‘master’ held a master’s certificate.

How to find a crew member

STEP 1

  • Collect the guide to the Lloyd’s captains registers which is in a blue folder on the UK Shipping Records shelves in the Family history area.

STEP 2

  • Find the date and alphabet range that corresponds to the person you're searching and make a note of the reel and volume numbers.

STEP 3

  • Find Lloyd’s captain registers (60 reels) in microfilm cabinets in the Family history area.

STEP 4

  • Select the reel number that you noted from the guide and search through the microfilm to find your ancestor.

The records on reels 1-26 are handwritten and sometimes hard to read. The entries on reels 27-44 are typed and sometimes are colour coded, for example a master is in black and a mate is in red.

Temporary Reading Room

Please note during our refurbishment some material may need to be requested at the Family history desk in the Temporary Bashir Reading Room.