30. Ships Papers

The 18th to 19th centuries saw the development of laws to regulate and protect American maritime commerce.  Ship’s Papers sought to guarantee the safety of a ship and its crew in case of capture or loss. When boarded the first item to be inspected were the ships papers.  This was the only way to prove the nationality and purpose of the ship.   

A Sea Letter is a term to describe documents issued by a government to its merchant fleets, which established proof of nationality.  In 1796, a law was passed which required the U.S. Secretary of State to prepare Mediterranean Passports, giving vessels the ability to sail without interference from Barbary Pirates.  In 1859 the United States standardized this into a Four Language Sea Letter, which replaced the Mediterranean Passport. 

A Ship’s Logbook was the official record of a voyage. The Logbook was most often kept by the 1st officer. It recorded the ship’s speed, distance, course, wind, weather, and any important events. 

The Ship’s Registration was established in 1792, and a registration was issued by Customs to American owned ships over 20 tons, involved in foreign trade. It contained the ships name, owners, captain, description, and place built.

A Seamen Protection Certificate was established in 1796 and provided certificates for the protection of American seamen from the threat of impressment by foreign countries.

In 1790 a law required, Articles of Agreement for every ship sailing for a foreign port and for any U.S. ship of 50 tons or more. The document contained signatures of the captain and all crew.  It stated the length of the voyage, duties and wages due.

The Bill of Lading is signed by the captain, and acknowledged receipt of the cargo being shipped. It confirmed the amount of the goods to the consignee. 

In 1789 President Washington started the Customs Office, the first national agency.    U.S.  Customs is responsible for collecting duties on goods, licensing of ships, enforcement of maritime laws, and regulations governing entry of seamen and passengers. These are all tracked through Customs Forms. 

A Letter of Marque is a government license to fit out an armed civilian ship and use it in the capture of enemy ships and to commit acts which would otherwise have constituted piracy. Many wars have been funded through the sale of captured Prize Ships and their cargo. 

At this stop view original Ships Papers from the 18th and 19th centuries.