Circular No 290

Admiralty, 4th March 1857

In consequence of the size of Her Majesty's Ships and their heavy armaments, my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty consider it be be of great importance that the men entered for continuous service should be strong, able-bodied, and physically fit for the duties required of them. To ensure this object, my Lords are pleased to direct that no man be entered for continuous service unless upon a certificate from the Medical Officer of the ship for which he may desire to enter, approved by the Officer in command, stating that the man is strong, able-bodied, and in all respects physically fit for Her Majesty's Service.

A similar certificate is to be required in the case of boys before they are rated seamen for continuous service.

My Lords desire also to call attention to the provisions of Circular No 121 of 14th June 1853, under the head of "Discharge of ineligible Boys". The directions therein contained are to be rigidly adhered to, and all boys unfit for service are to be discharged.

By Command of their Lordships

R. OSBORNE

To all Commanders-in-Chief, Captains, and Commanding Officers of Her Majesty's Ships.

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