Not normally my sphere of interest, but noted the following article in the Nautical Magazine for 1837, page 689, or page 724 per Acrobat, available thru' Googlebooks, which, if the results of the examinations were published, might assist many of those on this list who often appear to be researching masters from the Sunderland region : Sunderland, August 16, 1837. Notice.-To Shipowners, Masters, and Mariners.-Whereas the mutual policies of insurance of the port of Sunderland, known by the names of the Star, Marine, Wear, Britannia, and Neptune, have severally inserted a clause in their policies to the following effect "' That a board for the examination of masters, be established at Sunderland, to be called the Marine Board, which shall consist of five members, to be chosen annually by the committees; and every person not having been previously master of a vessel, to produce a certificate of qualification from the said board, before taking command of any vessel insured therein; and subscribers not to employ such persons as masters of their respective ships without a certificate." This is to give notice, that the said board will sit every Friday, from ten till three o'clock, at their office, No. 1, High.-street, Sunderland, and all persons who intend to take the command, or to offer themselves as masters of ships insured in the said policies, either in the coasting or foreign trade, are requested to make application to Mr. Thomas Thew, jun., at the office of the board, where every information, as to the nature of the examination, &c., will be given; and it is expected that all young men of respectability and character will avail themselves of the earliest opportunity of passing their examination and obtaining their certificate. This is particularly applicable to those who are at present mates of vessels. George Booth, Chairman. Paul Isle of Portland