D.b.s.

[Albert Bishop]

Never had to leave a ship abroad, and don't remember picking up any DBS guys, But what where the terms for joining a ship as a DBS, Did you sign on at your rating on full pay, or did you have to sign under some other agreement if the ship already had a full crew? Probably some good stories out there, from lads who had to pay off sick in exotic climes. Cheers Albi

[Pete Leonard (Bruno)]

Hi. Albert
As I recall,when you were brought home DBS you signed ships articles as SUPERNUMARY, and I think your pay was a token amount of 6d a day or similar. This was back in the 50's so things could have changed since then. Not many Brit.seamen left so I would think a DBS is a rarity these days.
Cheers
Pete

[Louis the Amigo]

Hi Albi Hi shipmates, was this a war time term? for our merchant navy heros' who ships were sunk ? or was it a term for people who did not make it back to the ship in time?

[Jim Brady]

I was DBS 1962.you are a passenger and that it all that is to it.You dont have to be a Distressed British Seaman.We brought a guy home from Sth America,he was a miner who had come unstuck,he was a Distressed British Subject and was given a passenger cabin and ate in the saloon.When i was DBS I expressed an interest to work hoping to get paid. the captain called me up to his cabin and made it clear that I did not have to work,I had not been ordered to work and if I did'nt paid that was the chance I took.
I did get paid and was asked to go back in the ship as 2nd steward which I declined.
Regards.
Jim.B.

[Hugh]

The established meaning of DBS = Distressed British Seaman " One who is left without a berth, ill or without funds in a foreign port".

The term was more commonly used during wartime when there was a lot of movement of displaced seamen due to their ships having been lost due to enemy action. However, it was not exclusive to wartime as has already been mentioned.
Regards
Hugh

[Dennis McGuckin]

After missing the ship in Santos, I came back [after an extended period on the beach] as a Dbs.
Was told I could not work. Think it was the ships agent who said that.Did he have that kind of power?
Don't recall signing on either.
Did give the baker the odd hand, just for something to do.
Hardest part was finding where my gear ended up when we docked in London.
Den.

[Doc Vernon]

Quite correct Jim B
Me and Greg were sent home to SAfrica as DBS in 1964 after coming back from France at the end of 1963,as when me and my late Brother (Greg) got back to the UK we were stone broke, looking for a quick scapa out ,so went to the Shipping Company (UCL) and told them a hard luck story!
As we still had our Seamans ID at the time,we were luckily still classed as Distressed British Seaman as far as they were concerned!
So yes we were just passengers back on the Company's Cost,and Boy was it good to be able to just sit and laze around,getting served in place of having to serve!
A trip that i still remember as though it was Yesterday!
Cheers

[Neil Morton]

I was dbs on the "Ruahine " June 1958. Signed on as supernumary at a shilling a month in Wellington and paid off with the usual double VG in the discharge book. The mystery is how my book got to be on board. Maybe the pilot brought it because it had a VNC from previous voyage written in it.

[happy daze john in oz]

On the Paparoa we had two going back to Oz as repatriating seamen, though one should have been seawoman so camp, and they did not have to work but could if they wished. Got paid some daily ammount I believe but not sure how much. Were allowed to draw two cans of beer per day and had to settle up in Oz. One claimed to be the son, or daughter depending on how you saw him/her, of the managing director of BHP.

[Peter Harrison]

Came back DBS on the ferry from Antwep to Harwich in the 50s no signing on no pay Mate instucted me go forward and meet the lads.I sat in the messroom with the ABs got a few cans of beer and lunch. Just before arriving in Harwich the mate issued me with a rail voucher home.