June 25th, 2010 
Linda Elliott
The National Archives have now added the Merchant Seamen Medal Cards to their documents online database. Searching is free and to view the actual document costs £3.50. The website explains…..
The Mercantile Marine Medal was awarded to those who served at sea for no less than six months between 4 August 1914 and 11 November 1918, and who served at sea on at least one voyage through a danger zone. All recipients of the Mercantile Marine Medal were automatically entitled to the British War Medal.
The Silver War Badge was awarded to merchant seamen who were no longer fit for sea service as a result of sickness or wounds contracted or received during the war, either at home or overseas.
A card records a merchant seaman’s name, details of the medals issued and the Mercantile Marine Office (M.M.O.) to which the medals were sent.
The top of the medal card contains a merchant seaman’s name, place of birth, year of birth, and discharge/RS2 number(s).
The lower half of the card contains a printed list of ribbons, medals and clasps issued. A date next to any of these indicates that the award was issued. Ribbons were issued in lieu of medals until the medals were minted. Clasps were awarded for taking part in a particular battle or action.
The right hand side of the card contains a M.M.O. reference which indicates which Mercantile Marine Office an award was sent. In some instances a home address may be noted in this section.
The reverse of the card contains the date the award(s) were confirmed and the address to which the medals and ribbons were sent.
Occasionally a card will confirm that the individual did not receive any medals. In these cases it is most likely that the merchant seaman did not fulfill the necessary criteria needed in order to be issued with a medal.
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/merchant-seamens-medals.asp
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Greetings from Goa( India)
I was looking out for the carrer of my Grandfather, a merchant seaman (though a native of Goa -under Portuguese rule) used to sail from Bombay. His Actual Name is :ALEXANDER ANTONIO ALLELUIA ALVARES(SURNAME) on his certificate spelt as Alvaris (changeis e to i)
All I have is scanned copies of
(1) a tattered “Nully” ( two parts) and
(2) the certificate for Authority to wear medals ( WW I) issued in Bombay(2 parts)
from his records he has been on “S S Viceroy of India” (160238) from (1932 to 1940)
thereafter on S S Amra and on (166600) (in 1940)
and S S ILE de France (17305) (in 1940 to 1942)