My grandfather's family were all sailors. I have a great-grandfather, John Snowling, who was captain of the merchant ship Vernon. He went down with this ship when it was torpedoed in 1917. (this information from a newspaper article.) I have found his marriage index listing in 1893, but cannot find him in the 1891 or 1901 census - I assume he was at sea. (My great-grandmother is listed as "wife" in the 1901 census.) I cannot find a death index record for him in 1917 or 1918.
So, my general question is - in the census, are there records for ships at sea or in foreign ports, or are they not recorded?
Is there a death record for a seaman lost at sea (i.e. no body brought back to the UK?)
Is there a place on the web or a book that gives guidance to these and similar questions? I've just recently subscribed to Ancestry.co.uk and cannot find any substantial tutorials, help, bibliographies etc... am I missing something?
Thanks!