Nova Scotia Archives
Brigs and Barques: Images and Artworks from the Age of Sail
Master Mariner's Certificate, Dewis Spicer
Two-page document, professional competency "to fulfil the duties of Master of a seagoing ship in the Merchant Service." Like a modern-day driver's licence or ID, this document had to be carried by the person named, at all times, to confirm his qualifications.
Date: 1879
Reference: Spicer Family Nova Scotia Archives 1997-174 volume 007 number 1