Lloyds List on microfilms can be viewed at The Guildhall Library, City of London. These newspapers report ships movements and cargoes. The Times also has shipping news. Knowing the ship’s Official Number is essential for some types of merchant seaman research. These are recorded in Lloyds Registers which are also held at The Guildhall. Merchant seamen often sail with their wives and children -some children being born at sea or abroad during these voyages. The Captains’ & Mates Registers are now at the London Metropolitan Archives. Some Crew Lists are at the National Archives, some at Greenwich Caird Library, some at ports in the UK and some are at The Maritime History Archive, Memorial University, Newfoundland. 'My Ancestor was a Merchant Seaman' by Christopher T & Michel J watts is very useful. Lauretta Harris 3434