Main-family of mariners

[spicyting]

trying to locate any maritime history on my family, John Main (previously Mains), brn 18th nov, 1810, Thurlestone, Albert John Main, brn 1854, Plymouth, John may of died this year, or he may of moved to Liverpool, he seems to be missing from the censuses from 1861 onwards, but all his family are in Liverpool from that time. Any feedback would be hugely appreciated.
thanks, Paul

[Geoffers]

I suggest looking at The National Archives (TNA) web-site. They have a number of research guides to lead you through what records exist for mariners from this period.

Click on
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/researchguidesindex.asp?j=1
Then the letter 'M' and then look at the relevant individual links for Merchant Seamen,

Geoffers