Description
United States Office of the Shipping Commissioner mutual releases (SAFR 858, HDC 1069) is a bound volume dated 1912. Each
release form contains information including vessel name, late voyage, master, date, seaman's names, their station and amount
received. This form served to protect the master, owners and seaman from claims for wages for the named voyages. The forms
are signed by a deputy of the United States Shipping Commission. Among the entries are two for the C.A. THAYER on pages 4
and 121. On page 93, there is an entry for the STAR OF ALASKA. The collection is available for research use without restriction.
Background
Since July 1872, shipping commissioners in various ports have administered laws on protection and welfare of seaman, including
those relating to their shipping and discharging. In 1884, responsibility for the administration of navigation laws, including
those administered by the shipping commissioners was given to the Commissioner of Navigation, who with the Bureau of Navigation
established under his control, was placed under the general supervision of the Secretary of the Treasury. In 1903, both the
Bureau of Navigation and the Steamboat-Inspection Service were transferred to the Department of Commerce and Labor.
-from the Administrative History excerpted from the Guide to the National Archives of the United States
Restrictions
Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the researcher's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other
case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.
Availability
This collection is open for use unless otherwise noted.