History of Seaham - Stories and remarkable and memorable events in the history of Seaham Ships, Shipbuilding and the Docks Misdemeanors under the Mercantile Marine Act
Sailors on board sailing ships in Victorian times had a hard and dangerous occupation. Popular opinion tends to think of sailors as undisciplined, disobedient, rowdy and disorderly. So, how did the master of a sailing ship moored in Seaham Harbour instil order and discipline amongst his crew? This issue was addressed by the Mercantile Marine Acts which empowered the master of a ship to impose fines and punishments for a number of common offences such as: -
- Quarrelling or provoking a quarrel …… fine of 1 day’s pay
- Swearing or using improper language ……. fine of 1 day’s pay
- Not being cleaned, shaved and washed on Sundays …… fine of 1 day’s pay
Sailors learnt the hard way to show respect and courtesy to their officers and fellow crewmen whilst on board ship. Take a look at the full list of misdemeanours and offences under the Mercantile Marine Acts ……..
Shields Gazette 31st January 1851
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|