Certificate of Competency as a Master issued to James Kerr
Date1870
Object number00054910
NameCertificate
MediumPaper, ink - wooden frame with gilt margin, glass
Iron gall ink, red stamp
parchment
DimensionsOverall: 236 × 300 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Mission to Seafarers
DescriptionA Certificate of Competency as a Master issued to James Kerr, framed and in glass.
The certificate reads 'By the Lords of the Committee of Privy Council for Trade. Certificate of Competence as a Master to James Kerr whereas it has been reported to us that you have been found duly qualified to fulfil the duties of Master in the Merchant Service we do hereby in pursuance of the Merchant Shipping Act 1854 grant you this Certificate of Competency. By order the Board of Trade. This eighteenth day of March 1873 Escd. R.L. Heirsh Morwell Registered at the office of the Registrar General of shipping and Seamen, on the 17th day of March 1870'.HistoryThe Mission to Seamen began in 1855 after Rev Dr John Ashley led the way by offering support and spiritual care to mariners in Bristol, England. The Anglican Church took up his work throughout the world by establishing Missions to Seaman in ports across the globe, numbering today around 200. Their role was to support mariners spiritually and grew to offer recreation facilities and practical support such as accommodation, legal advice, and transport and communication facilities.SignificanceThis certificate highlights the importance of the Seamen's Mission as a site of commemoration and memorabilia for seafarers.
