Mariners-L Archives

From: Captain CJ Carroll <>
Subject: Captains
Date: Sat, 03 Apr 1999 11:41:28 -0500

On April 2,1999 Roger inquired about Mates and Captains COMMISSION of COMPETENCY

Commission of Competency were issued by the AMERICAN SHIPMASTERS ASSOCIATION
which was founded by the Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company
and leaders of numerous other insurance companies. And also marine
underwriters, shipmasters aand others prominent in the field of marine
commerce. During the years of 1861 to Nov. 1,1898. And the name was changed
to American Bureau of Shipping.After that date they no longer isssue
Commission of Competency.
These certificates were issued mostly to crews of Sailing Vessels at that time.
In 1852 the U.S. Government set up the STEAMBOAT INSPECTION SERVICE which
then took over the licencing of Master, Mates, Pilots and Engineers.

I can`t say if the Steamboat inspection service. Grandfathered the ASMA
licence into the Steamboat Inspection Service or not,they most likly did so.
The ASMA had issued 6,870 Commission of Competency and in May 1900 the
ASMA(ABS) involvement in examining officers came to a end.

Captain C.J.Carroll
U.S. Merchant Marine, Retired
Still looking for Mermaids

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