Manuscripts

Below are images of some of the paperwork associated with Edward Smith, of the Titanic, as examples of the kind of records held by the Archive of the National Maritime Museum, and the information they can reveal. They show applications to be examined, and resulting certificates of competency, for the rank of Second Mate (1871) and Extra Master, the highest achievable certificate (1888). In both instances, the reverse of the applications detail the vessels on which the mariner served before making the application - an invaluable resource for family historians.

Click on any image to enlarge it.

Application to be examined as Second Mate - front

 

Application to be examined as Second Mate - reverse

 

Certificate of Competency as Second Mate - front

  

Certifcate of Competency as Second Mate - reverse

 

Application to be examined as Extra Master - front

 

Application to be examined as Extra Master - reverse

 

Certificate of competency as Extra Master - front

 

Certificate of competency as Extra Master - reverse