History and development of the Mercantile Navy List
History of the Mercantile Navy List
1850-1864 Gives only the ship`s name, listed in order of its official
number, with an index of names. Some US and other foreign vessels
are listed. Also included was a list of holders of master`s and
mate`s certificates, pilots and certain officials. 1865-1870 Contains a single list of British ships, alphabetical by name.
For each ship, the information given is its official number, port
of registry [definition],
signal code [definition],
registered tonnage, horsepower [definition] (for
steamers), and name of owners. 1871-1921 More detail included (see
how to read an entry). Steam and sailing vessels were separated
with slightly more detail being given for steam ships. 1922-1940 Motor vessels given their own section, with details similar to
those for steamers. 1941-1946 Mercantile Navy List not published during the Second
World War. 1947-1957 Publication now produced in every odd-numbered year. Monthly
supplements help to fill in the gaps. 1958-1977 Annual publication resumed. Now bound in two loose-leaf
volumes. 1977-1983 Replaced by the Official List of British Registered
Ships. Details given were the ship`s official number, name,
port of registry, type, port of registry, gross [definition] and net
[ definition]
tonnages and owner`s name and address. Pleasure craft and many
fishing vessels are omitted. Official List of British Registered Ships was not for
sale to the public and only a few copies have found their way into
libraries.
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