The Public Office at Kew holds most of the records relating tothe British Merchant Marine,it's ships and seamen,in the United Kingdom (plus the records pf the Royal Navy).Information can be accessed through http://www.pro.uk/leaflets/ri005.htm. Unfortuneatly, searching by any other means than on a personal basis is not available.They will recommend a genealogist. You can also reach them through Cyndi's List via England(military,Public Record Office,Finding Aids A-Z leaflets) The Maritime History Archives at Newfoundland,accessed through http://www.mun.ca/mha/publicat.htm has great information about the merchant marine:CD's.,On-Line Catalogue,Research Services,Genealogy Research,etc The LDS also has microfilms regarding merchant marine activities such as Agreements(sailing matters),crew lists,ship registerations,starting at 1863 and onward (FHL 184696 etc). If you have specifics the route looks good. The 'Pro" is described as a maze. There are some books available as guides. I have PRO #22 Records od Merchant Shipping and Seamen. I can advise.