Since the 1850's all merchant seafarers signed a contract with the ship's master known as the ship's articles (of employment). They were "signed on" (these articles) when they joined his vessel and "signed off" when they left. The signings took place at the ports of joining and leaving the vessel. Those drowned at sea would be signed off at the next port of call, or possibly next UK port of call, and, as Judith says, the wages owing posted to the next-of-kin by the local Board of Trade official (who oversaw all signings, to ensure fair play). It was - is - customary for the deceased's personal effects to be auctioned to his shipmates and the proceeds sent to the widow. James Irvine (who was better at driving a ship than a web page!).
Hi James I have a relative Alexander Hossack Sinclair who was the captain of the the Schooner Janet who was lost at sea along with all hands in 1918. Would there be a record of where the wages went for this crew, even if they were never found. If so have you any information as to how I could get a copy of the details. William Sinclair 2008/8/28 James Irvine <james.irvine@ukonline.co.uk>: > Since the 1850's all merchant seafarers signed a contract with the ship's > master known as the ship's articles (of employment). They were "signed on" > (these articles) when they joined his vessel and "signed off" when they > left. The signings took place at the ports of joining and leaving the > vessel. Those drowned at sea would be signed off at the next port of call, > or possibly next UK port of call, and, as Judith says, the wages owing > posted to the next-of-kin by the local Board of Trade official (who oversaw > all signings, to ensure fair play). It was - is - customary for the > deceased's personal effects to be auctioned to his shipmates and the > proceeds sent to the widow. > > James Irvine (who was better at driving a ship than a web page!). > > > ------------------ > List Archives, information on contacting list administrator, Subscribing and UnSubscribing can be found at: > > http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/intl/SCT/ORKNEY.html > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ORKNEY-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message >