Hi all A new database on Ancestry A quick keyword search for Australia found 488 hits , 174 for New South Wales About Great Britain, Masters and Mates Certificates, 1850-1927 This database contains master and mate certificates issued to merchant seamen by the British Board of Trade. What You May Find in the Records Great Britain has long been known for its maritime prowess in both military and commercial spheres. The certificates and other documents included in this database were issued to merchant seamen who qualified as masters or mates aboard merchant ships. Records include certificates of competency, certificates of service, examination applications, and other documents. Forms vary, but they may include the following details: name certificate number birth date birthplace issue port issue date address examination date history of service (dates, vessels, occupations, years in service) Some of the information is included on the back of the certificates, and some documents in a seaman’s folder have not been indexed, so when you find a record, use the arrows to browse surrounding documents to make sure you see all the records available. You may want to browse through an entire roll since the original folders were sometimes filed in random order. Nivard Ovington in Cornwall (UK)

Hi Nivard I couldn't find my way around Ancestry to search the Masters and Mates Certificates you kindly sent below. Could you please tell me the way to access it please? Joan Hi all A new database on Ancestry A quick keyword search for Australia found 488 hits , 174 for New South Wales About Great Britain, Masters and Mates Certificates, 1850-1927 This database contains master and mate certificates issued to merchant seamen by the British Board of Trade. What You May Find in the Records Great Britain has long been known for its maritime prowess in both military and commercial spheres. The certificates and other documents included in this database were issued to merchant seamen who qualified as masters or mates aboard merchant ships. Records include certificates of competency, certificates of service, examination applications, and other documents. Forms vary, but they may include the following details: name certificate number birth date birthplace issue port issue date address examination date history of service (dates, vessels, occupations, years in service) Some of the information is included on the back of the certificates, and some documents in a seaman's folder have not been indexed, so when you find a record, use the arrows to browse surrounding documents to make sure you see all the records available. You may want to browse through an entire roll since the original folders were sometimes filed in random order. Nivard Ovington in Cornwall (UK)

Hi Joan The easiest way is to log into Ancestry and on the home page is a link "view all new records" OR Click search in the top bar menu and select Card Catalogue Enter Great Britain, Masters and Mates Certificates, 1850-1927 Which should also take you there Ancestry have a tendency of releasing new databases and not making them obvious at first glance Nivard Ovington in Cornwall (UK) On 14/09/2012 13:06, Joan Birtles wrote: > Hi Nivard > > I couldn't find my way around Ancestry to search the Masters and Mates > Certificates you kindly sent below. Could you please tell me the way to > access it please? > > Joan