What A Search Involves
The lists are NOT indexed and NOT filmed. They are original documents, very large (A2) and comprise many sheets of fragile, brittle paper. Many are crumbling and torn from years of handling, are fading, illegible and disintegrating. Using them is not easy - searching takes time and care. The only useful finding aids are our own indexes, compiled through years of researching in the lists. The databases reveal shortcuts to finding the lists, often pinpointing the precise box so reducing handling to a minimum.
Payment
The lists are time consuming to search and expensive to copy. Most searches are successful but the charges vary according to the search requested. Charges are for the search, regardless of the outcome. They include the cost of copying and airmail postage where appropriate and help fund further transcribing of these valuable old documents. Payment is required in advance, and may be made in sterling or Australian $ cheques. US, Canadian and other currency cheques are welcome with an amount added to cover bank handling fees. Where a lengthy search is required, payments may be spread over your nominated period.
What You Will Receive
If the search is successful, within approximately four weeks from DataMarine's receipt of the money you should expect to receive photocopies of two sheets of the passenger list - the front page, showing the sailing and ship details, captain, voyage and shipping company logo, plus the relevant inside sheet showing your passenger's name. Photocopies are of the best standard obtainable from that document, always with consideration to the condition of the original.
Before You Request A Search
Please check that you are not asking the impossible! Please READ the section on Exceptions - What You Cannot Find. Please do NOT waste your time by requesting searches which fall outside the period. Please READ the section for inbound or outbound lists to ensure that your request is viable. Please remember that you need to have a good idea of when your passengers sailed or the search may lead to disappointment - it is better to do your homework first!