The Seafarers Education Service, designed primarily to distribute books to sailors, was founded in 1919; in 1938 the College of the Sea, a scheme to help seafarers to develop any innate ability, was started; in 1955 a Royal Charter was secured. This book recounts the history of the Service, beginning with the life and activities of Albert Mansbridge; it describes the work of many individuals and switches from London office to cabins and decks of sailing ships. It covers the acquisition of books for circulation and how expenses are defrayed; correspondence between tutors and men at sea; tutoring in painting and handicrafts; the use of films for leisure time; correspondence teaching and the administration of General Certificate of Education tests at sea; the preparation of special reading materials for seamen; personnel relations and morale; Mansbridge House, the center for the Service; and a look into the future. (PT)