Hello List, Continuing my search for information on Capt John F Booth, who sailed Australian waters between 1863-1883. Since my last post I've may a little headway into the search for my GG Grandfather, but still have come up against some roadblocks and am again after some advice. Spent a few hours at the National Maritime Museum in Sydney a few months back and came away with the need to a) get my records in order and b) provide evidence that the information I was accessing was for MY John Booth. It seems in the mid 19th century there where a number of John Booths’ floating around Australian waters. It seems my GG Grandfather was aware of that at the time and almost exclusively added his middle initial to records to differentiate himself. While there I was able to find the records for the first (and it seems only) vessel he owned in Australian waters, the Dolphin (#48398 ). Unfortunately it seems that he failed to add his registration number to the papers. (or he didn’t have a registration number) First question: Was it a requirement for all captains of seagoing vessels to be Master Mariners, or was it more a professional qualification, and only used as a point of difference between Captains? At this stage I don’t have enough biographical information (DOB,p lace of birth) so Lloyds list is of no use to me. There are a few John Booths listed but none fit. Nothing in Clips either. I need to visit the Victorian Archives or Tasmanian Archives, but.. I have a number of inward shipping records for Newcastle, NSW and am wondering if there would be any additional records to be found in the NSW archives? I don’t expect there to be crew agreements as these are usually made before departure? I am based in Sydney so accessing this information is easier. Sorry to be vague, but am still trying to wade through what may be available and knowing where to look in the first place. Sarah Ann entered Newcastle 12 March 1873 Sarah Ann entered Newcastle 21 October 1873 Sarah Ann entered Newcastle 3 March 1874 Much Thanks. Paul Booth