Crew lists, originally termed muster-rolls or muster-books, began in the 18th century and were initially kept in order to collect a levy from seamen's wages for a relief fund, and as a record of the names, ratings, dates of entry and final discharge for all men serving on board a ship.
By the middle of the nineteenth century impressment was no longer an acceptable method of recruiting for the Royal Navy and the Merchant Shipping Act (1835) was passed and introduced a Register of Seamen in order to keep track of experienced sailors. All sailors from Britain and the Empire would be allocated a numbered Seaman's Ticket. This would be handed to the Master of the vessel on joining and he would enter the name, place of birth and Seaman's Ticket Number.
