Merchant seamen serving since 1918 the national archives. A british seaman s card bsc is an internationally accepted document which allows a british seafarer to land at foreign ports without needing a visa. What special privileges does a traveller with a seaman. Every bonafide seafarer on a caymanregistered vessel, including yachts, is eligible to be issued upon request and submission of the required supporting documentation with a cayman seaman s discharge book sdb. British seamens cards are no longer obligatory for british seafarers. The sdb forms a record of the seafarers sea service, but is not a seafarer identity document issued in accordance with the ilo seafarers identity documents convention, 1958 c108 as revised by c185. The british seamens discharge book, not to be confused with the now almost now obsolete seamens card is the official mca and red. Seaman s book is the common name for a discharge book. I tried to find the fal convention to better answer the question authoritatively, but cant find it currently. Before then the seamen got a loose paper discharge certificate.
Jul 02, 2014 msf 4509 application for a discharge book and or british seaman s card rev 0819 pdf, 329kb, 10 pages this file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Passengers with a seaman book issued by azerbaijan, brazil, france, india. This collection includes merchant navy seamen records held at the national archives. This new book is in a user friendly format and once it has been received by the seafarer, heshe must complete their personal details on the inside cover. A seamans discharge book is a full record of a seamans career experience and certification. Your application will not be processed if not fully completed. There is a list of telephone numbers written on the form. With the introduction of online appointment, seafarers can book a schedule in advanced even when they are still on board. Discharge books and british seaman s card a discharge book is a continuous record of a seafarer s service and is not a proof of identity. An irish citizen who is either a member of crew, engaged in the navigation of the vessel, or who is not a member of crew, but works as a supernumerary i. A british seamans card is an internationally accepted document which lets british seamen land at foreign ports without needing a visa.
Now, the application form for the discharge book is partly filled in by the rfa and partly by the applicant. Even wikipedia the allknowing does not seem to know, although it contains many tantalizing references. A seafarer discharge book sdb is issued to any bona fide seafarer serving, or wishing to serve, on a cayman islands ship. The only one you must have is the mca seaman s discharge book which will be a record of all your sea service. This new procedure allows, in the case of marines or officers, to send requests electronically by email in pdf and without filing of paper files. It is a requirement that seafarers working on uk flagged ships or large yachts have a uk discharge book or one that is issued by one of the governments listed in msf 4509. British seamen s cards no longer require endorsement after 5 years. Seaman s books are absolutely essential for crew who do not form part of the eu and they help our work enormously.
Discharge book and seamans card hi chris, as far as i am aware, no you do not need a british seaman s card certainly i have never required one or been told it s needed. Whether youre a newcomer or a seasoned sailor in the maritime industry, im certain at some point you have heard about a seamans book. Man r001 01 application for a discharge book andor a british seaman s card under the merchant shipping seaman s documents regulations 1987 as they have effect in the isle of man with every application you should part a. Bolt was crew, including an image of the vessel if. Renewing your seaman s book is easy and with less hassles now than before. British seamens cards no longer require endorsement after 5 years. Renewing your seamans book is easy and with less hassles now than before. British seamans discharge book maritime and coastguard agency. These regulations revoke the merchant shipping seamens documents regulations 1972, as amended, and reenact them with further amendments.
On the rare occasions when ive had to show proof of status when travelling on a semn fare flight ticket to the checkin staff, ive shown my discharge book or ok to board letter. If your british, then no you wont need a british seamans card and discharge book. Please note that applications made in person attract an. I am aware that it is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in order to obtain a uk discharge book and hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the. Seafarers discharge book and id card seafarers ireland. Msf 4509 rev 08 application for a discharge book andor british seaman s card important beforecompleting this form, please ensure you have read fully the guidance notes and instructions on pages 4, 5 and 6. The us does not issue a seaman s book only seaman s papers via the united states coast guard. This is after you have completed the application, submitted sea time, a physical exam, drug test. We will always carry out a search of our records to a high standard based on our expertise and professionalism. The general consulate of panama is one of the few consulates in europe and the only one in france to process seaman book requests. A seafarer discharge book sdb is issued to any bona fide seafarer serving, or wishing to serve, on a cayman.
Name date and place of birth discharge a number rank or rating, with relevant certificate details details of any other qualifications date crs10 first page was created british seamen s identity card notations. You would need to have an appointment at a marine office to apply in person. If i have a british seamans book, do i still need a british transit visa to. The british seamen s discharge book, not to be confused with the now almost now obsolete seamen s card is the official mca and red ensign group log book, for which any british citizen or any non british citizen employed on a uk flagged vessel can apply. A seamans book is also a compulsory document for applying for transit visas. Ive been told by the maritime agency that she needs a seamans card british seaman s card is an internationally accepted document which lets british seamen land at foreign ports without needing a visa. Numbers no prefix various nationalities mainly british a india and pakistan bar barbados. Statement of a seaman seeking to transfer to the national register, the loss of his british seaman s identity card and for his merchant navy clothing book.
I mean, do the mca frown upon anyone using a pya log book, or do they prefer a proper discharge book from a county, such as a british, caymen, etc etc the reason i ask, is that my current captain is advising me to apply for a british seamans discharge book, as. By going through the services of the consulate general of panama to obtain a seaman book, you benefit from the maritime authority of panama, without any consular administrative fees or commission fees, with a service and without intermediary. I have since obtained the british seamans book and have worked for a ukbased company for 7 years on ships. Application for a discharge book andor a british seamans. Jan 10, 2009 the us does not issue a seaman s book only seaman s papers via the united states coast guard. These are records of seamen serving on british registered vessels but the. British seamans discharge book rovworld subsea information. My number, r576086 was issued at the vindicatrix, 6 june 1952 i had three full discharge books all with the same number to 1994 discharge book numbering from ww 2 to 1972 for british seamen page 4 help. In common parlance the book is referred to as the discharge book or papers. Get a seamans discharge book or british seamans card gov. Man r001 01 application for a discharge book andor a british seamans card under the merchant shipping seamans documents regulations 1987 as they have effect in the isle of man with every application you should part a yourself in block capitals send a. For more information read crew lists, agreements and log books of merchant.
What is an seaman book continuous discharge certificate cdc. Entries must be clearly written as mistakes cannot be rectified without payment of a. The contents of the records vary, but they usually include name, age, place of birth, register ticket, ship names, and dates of voyages. To apply for a seamans book contact the flag registry that the yacht is registered to.
The seaman book must contain the name and title of the issuing authority, date and place of issue and a statement that the document is issued for the purpose of the relevant convention. You can get your seaman s book within the day or the. Jan 02, 2019 seamans book renewal is now made simpler. Discharge book numbering from ww 2 to 1972 for british seamen. You need a seamans discharge book if youre a british seafarer, or are working on a ukregistered ship or yacht. Walkins are still entertained but you must be at their branch early. Msf 4509 application for a discharge book or british seamans card. The british seamans card and discharge book is normally only needed if you are working in the merchant navy or a british registered ship. Application for a discharge book and or british seamans card. These records come from the national archives record series bt112, bt1, bt114, bt115, bt116, bt119 and bt120. Msf 4509 application for a discharge book or british seamans. You apply online for a discharge book by filling in the application form, which is to be submitted to the danish maritime authority.
Seaman book is one of the compulsory document for applying crew transit visas. It is a requirement that seafarers working on uk flagged ships or large yachts have a uk discharge book or one that is issued by one of the governments listed in msf 4509 a british seaman s card bsc is an internationally accepted document which allows a british seafarer to land at foreign ports. Get a seamans discharge book or british seamans card. Hopefully i will get my hands on it over the next few days and come back to edit it. Given proper implementation, this method must be faster and more convenient for everyone. The seaman retains this number throughout his or her service even when the discharge a book is lost or destroyed. Ive got a seamans card, never ever used it for anything. A discharge book is a continuous record of a seafarers service and is not a proof of identity. Msf 4509 application for a discharge book or british. Information in this guide explains who needs a seaman s discharge book, the application process, and fees. Surprisingly, not a lot of people know what the hidden benefits are by having a seamans book which is also a common name for a discharge book or a seamans identification and record book. Every bonafide seafarer on a caymanregistered vessel, including yachts, is eligible to be issued upon request and submission of the required supporting documentation with a cayman seamans discharge book sdb. Application for a discharge book, british seamans card msf 4509. The seaman s book provides a travel document that can be used instead of a passport in some cases.
Seaman to whom a british seaman s identity card has been issued or reissued crs 155. Surprisingly, not a lot of people know what the hidden benefits are by having a seaman s book which is also a common name for a discharge book or a seaman s identification and record book. The form contains sections for applying for a british seamans card as well as a discharge book. A seaman s book is also a compulsory document for applying for transit visas. Application for a discharge book, british seamans card msf. Ive been told by the maritime agency that she needs a seamans card british seamans card is an internationally accepted document which lets british seamen land at foreign ports without needing a visa. Apr 05, 2009 as in indian cdc, validity is mention on cdc i. An application for an irish seafarers discharge book can be made if you are. The seaman s book certifies that the seafarer holding it is a seaman as per the international convention on standards of training, certification and watchkeeping stcw. Sep 01, 2018 the process of how to obtain a seamans book varies on the yachts flag authority. This new publication replaces the seaman s discharge book which has traditionally been used to record seafarers sea service and is now withdrawn, however any seaman. A catch 22 application for a discharge book and seamens. For filipino nationals, an online appointment would be best since you can choose your desired schedule for appearance.
United kingdom application for an mca discharge book msf 4509 can be found at gov. What is a seamans book, and can it really replace a passport. Frequently asked questions crew training bluewater. Normally all you need to apply is a letter from your company stating that you work onboard a particular named vessel for them, the vessel must be uk registered as far as i know that may be a problem nowadays. Seaman service book ssb is a continuous record of a seaman s service issued in pakistan. Seaman service book ssb is a continuous record of a seamans service issued in pakistan. You may know it as a seaman s service book or a seafarers identity document. Discharge books and british seamans card uk ship register.
A seaman s discharge book is a full record of a seaman s career experience and certification. Since 1 june 2017, the general consulate of panama has been using the new automated system for seafarers. Seamans documents regulations 1987 as they have effect in. The cost to apply in person for a british seaman s card or a discharge book is. Discharge book has been lost or damaged, a full explanation of the circumstances should be provided in part f, and e. To complicate matters further there is a seamans card or a seamans discharge book which can both be applied for uk. Im from serbia and i had to take a british transit visa last time i joined my ship. The new seafarers record of sea service has been specifically designed for recording a seafarers employment on board a ship in accordance with mlc regulation a2. Here is a catch 22 question, been asked to send my cv in for a anti piracy job,someone is bidding on a contract and needs to be able to show personnel on books, and ive been asked to provide a discharge book and a seamen s card,i have all the forms in front of me. Application for a discharge book, british seamans card. Feb 09, 2015 i tried to find the fal convention to better answer the question authoritatively, but cant find it currently. Discharge book numbering from ww 2 to 1972 for british. You are also obliged to ensure that the discharge book has been filled in correctly by the master or that the shipowner issues a record of service. In most cases we are dealing with difficult or exceptional cases to try and help arrange visas, so all documentation you can lay your hands on is important.
Of the big lines only cunard have a cruise ship registered in the uk. What special privileges does a traveller with a seaman book. One is the seamans card and is red the other is the seamans discharge book which is blue, its the blue one you need. The earliest use of photographs that i have was on the cr10. How do i apply for a british seamans disc harge book. Seaman to whom a british seamans identity card has been issued or reissued crs 155 statement of a seaman seeking to transfer to the national register, the loss of his british seamans identity card and for his merchant navy clothing book. British seamen s cards are no longer obligatory for british seafarers. Seamans book renewal guide 2019 with photo instructions.
Discharge book records is there any way of viewing discharge book records of merchant navy officers, discharge book and seaman s books no s etc after 1972 available now, or proof that you were signed on on ship s articles easily availablle. This document certifies that the person holding is a seaman as per the international convention on standards of training, certification and watch keeping for seafarers stcw, 1978, as amended from time to time. Discharge book numbering from ww 2 to 1972 for british seamen originally posted by david snook ive done some research on discharge books and discharge a numbers from ww2 to 1972 to try and get an idea of the turnover of british seamen over the period. Changes have also been made to the categories of seafarers eligible to apply for a uk discharge book. In order to be used as a passport, the situation must be appropriate i. A seaman record book or continuous discharge certificate is a continuous record of a seaman.
Merchant navy seamen and officers 191972 this paid search guide will help you to decide whether to use the national archives paid search service. Seamen s pouches 19 1972 for some individual seamen a collection of hisher papers were filed together in what is known as a seaman s. Discharge books which, in certain circumstances will permit the issue of uk discharge books to uk seafarers on nonuk registered ships. Aug 28, 2015 one of them is to obtain a discharge book. Either way, as a british seafarer you will need to get a seaman s discharge book sdb to work on a ukregistered ship or yacht. The merchant shipping seamens documents regulations 1987. British seamans card maritime and coastguard agency. A seaman s discharge book, sometimes known as a seaman s service book ssb, is a full record of a seafarers career experience and certification. United kingdom, merchant navy seamen records, 18351941. It is a requirement that seafarers working on uk flagged ships or.
A british seaman s card bsc is an internationally accepted document which allows a british seafarer to land at foreign ports. To apply for a seaman s book contact the flag registry that the yacht is registered to. Application for a discharge book andor a british seamans card under the merchant shipping. Discharge book and british seamans card navy net royal. How do you apply for a seamans discharge book in ireland for going working on a cruise. The front page of the crs10 docket book provides the following information. British seamans carddischarge book cruisemates cruise.
What is a seaman s book, and can it really replace a passport for some or all immigration purposes. A seamans discharge book is a full record of a seaman s career experience and certification. Seamen s pouches, 19401972 created primarily as files for paperwork supporting applications for discharge files can contain paperwork from both the fourth and fifth registers if the seaman was only employed temporarily, or was an apprentice, he may not have been issued with a discharge a number or a british seaman s identity. The link below you will take you to a webpage where you can see pictures of an old discharge book, an 1892 discharge certificate and a cr10, amongst other things. Catalogue description registry of shipping and seamen. How to get a discharge book or british seamans card in uk. A seamans discharge book sdb, sometimes known as a. Application for a discharge book andor british seamans card important beforecompleting this form, please ensure you have read fully the guidance notes and instructions on pages 4, 5 and 6.
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