VPRS 8641 Alphabetical Card Register of Shipping: Interstate Vessels [Microfilm Duplicate Reference Copy of VPRS 8004]

Full description

This series is a microfilm copy of VPRS 8004 Alphabetical Card Register of Shipping : Interstate Vessels.

The alphabetical card register of interstate shipping was maintained by the Melbourne Harbour Trust Commissioners (from 1978 known as the Port of Melbourne Authority). The register appears to have been maintained primarily to record, for each visit of an interstate vessel to the port, the charges made for various port services offered by the Harbour Trust.

A separate card was used for each vessel, the name of which was recorded on a tab at the top of each card. On the upper part of each card some details were recorded about the vessel, such as tonnage, length and whether an oil or coal burner. The remainder of the card was used to record details about:

- the times and dates of arrivals and departures of the vessel

- where berthed and for how long

- individual charges made for such services as
- shed rent/accommodation
- conveniences
- heating appliances
- use of cranes
- lighting
- labour
- supply of water etc.

- the vessel's agent/s

- details of charges made

Entries were made in chronological order by date of visit, while the cards themselves were filed alphabetically by the vessel's name.

The series only record details of interstate vessels using the port. A separate alphabetical register was maintained for visits of overseas vessels (see VPRS 8003). The register (the hard copy) appears to have been established circa 1930 and ended in 1990 in favour of a computerised system.

Research Note:

If a vessel's name is known this series can be used to determine the dates of arrival and hence can provide a means of access to the shipping information which is arranged chronologically by date of arrival in VPRS 8005 Register of Shipping.

Series Date Range:

The microfilm copy was created by the Port of Melbourne Authority (VA 1426) in 1992.