The Merchant Vessel List was an official registry and annual publication used to record details about merchant ships operating under various national flags, including those in the United States, Canada, and other maritime nations. It provided a comprehensive record of active vessels, their specifications, ownership, and operational history, serving as a critical resource for shipping companies, maritime authorities, and researchers.

Key Features

1. Detailed Vessel Information:

• Name and Type: Vessel name and classification (e.g., schooner, brigantine, steamship, barge).

• Hull Material: Wooden, iron, or steel construction.

• Tonnage: Gross and net tonnage (carrying capacity).

• Dimensions: Length, beam, and depth.

• Rigging: Number and type of masts or propulsion details (e.g., steam or sail).

2. Ownership and Management:

• Name and address of the owner(s) or managing company.

• Port of registration and home port.

3. Operational Status:

• Year Built: Indicates when the vessel was constructed and the shipyard where it was built.

• Changes in Ownership: Details of vessel sales or transfers.

• Incidents: Notes on shipwrecks, damages, or decommissioning when applicable.

4. Annual Updates:

• Published annually to reflect changes in the merchant fleet, such as new constructions, vessel losses, or re-registrations.

Uses and Importance

• Commerce and Shipping: Provided shipowners, agents, and port authorities with vital information about available vessels for trade, cargo, and passenger transport.

• Regulatory Oversight: Ensured vessels complied with national and international maritime laws, including tonnage taxes and inspection requirements.

• Maritime History Research: Offers a wealth of data for historians and genealogists researching maritime commerce, shipwrecks, or family members who worked at sea.

Examples of Vessel Lists

1. United States Merchant Vessel Register (U.S.):

• Maintained by U.S. authorities, documenting merchant vessels operating in coastal, inland, and Great Lakes waters.

2. British & Canadian Registers:

• Included Canadian vessels operating in the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, and Atlantic routes.

• Often tied to Lloyd’s Register, which recorded international ships.

3. Great Lakes-Specific Lists:

• Many Great Lakes vessels were included in specialized regional registers that highlighted the unique dynamics of freshwater shipping.

Modern Access

• National Archives:

• Many countries maintain historical vessel lists in their archives, such as the Library and Archives Canada or the U.S. National Archives.

• Maritime Libraries:

• Institutions like the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center and Peabody Essex Museum may hold digitized or microfilmed copies.

• Online Resources:

• Websites like Maritime History of the Great Lakes or shipindex.org aggregate data from historical registers.