Coastguard Records

The History

Duties that we now regard as the work of Coastguard's  were originally performed by Customs Officers as part of their revenue collection and Coast protection duties.

In 1923 the Coastguard's were moved to the responsibility of the Board of Trader and from them on became the prime marine administrators as well as marine lifesavers.

What records can you find?

Before 1923 the records will be with Customs and Excise.

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The central source for coastguard records is the National Archives.

A personal visit or hiring a researcher is required as most records are not yet available on line.

Some personal records are on line. Searching is free although there is a small charge to download the personal file.

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The Maritime and Coastal Agency have an official site with a short historical section although there is little of interest to family historians.

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British Coastguards 1841 - 1901 lists many coastguards who worked in this period and provides an interesting history.