looking for old discharge book

[Derek whorlow]

My last ship was a fyffes banana boat MAZATEC in 1975 when i jumped ship. Never got my discharge book from the ship.
Would anyone know what happens with these discharge books when this happens. Thanks for any help.

[j.sabourn]

More than likely sent back to the shipping office that gave it to you. What they do with it I suppose is on their own circumstances at the time. After taken a record of the book I don’t see any reason why the book should not have been returned to you. However if they had no means of knowing where you were that may have been difficult. I don’t know if such shipping offices exist today, if there is at least one still there would be the place for to try and pick up any trail if there is one. JS

[Derek whorlow]

Thanks for your reply. I should have done more at he time but then it did not seem important to me then. was at the KG5 pool at the time which obviously has gone now.
just a shot in the dark really to see possibly they were actually held somewhere. Thanks again. Derek Whorlow.

[j.sabourn]

They must still be distributing discharge books , so if someone knows who, may be the place to start if you still have your number. Cheers JS.

[Derek whorlow]

I still have my British seamans card where on my photo has discharge book number R896825.

[Doc Vernon]

You can only get a replacement Book if you are still employed or have a letter to the effect that you are going to be .
You can if above is valid apply for Replacement

All Discharge Books lost, stolen, or not handed back for whatever reason were returned to the Board of Trade Cardiff . I dont think that they are still around.

You can still however apply for Paper Copies of your discharge from the National Archives (when they reopen that is)
Cheers

[Derek whorlow]

Thankyou for your help, i will look in to this when the national archives reopen cheers.

[Eric Whitfield]

i walked off a ship 1975, i got my book back from Denholms office , the old man had written in red ink walked off, don't know if he was allowed to do that, but it did not affect me in joining other ships.

[Robert M Hughes]

Hi Derek - Long shot - my lost discharge book was reissued by the old Dept. of Trade & Industry which is now Dept. for Business Innovation & Skills they might be able to direct you. You will need your Discharge Book No. Good luck!!
Bob

[Bill Seddon]

Best & Only Place is Kew.Got my records back. Staff unhelpful, be persistent. They got them off a microfiche. But Discharge book will be destroyed when Shipping Federation Ceased. (I have heard of a place in St.Johns.Newfoundland.Can be good also.