By the Master, Wardens and Assistants of the Company of Shipwrights.  
WHereas the remissness of former Governors in executing the ordinances established for the well government of the Corporation, and their forbearance to levy the fines imposed for breach of orders, according to his Majesty's charge, and the ordinances thereupon made, makes many persons, especially of the better sort, insolent in their carriage and remiss in their duties: and notwithstanding that we who are now Governors, with a joint consent are in hand to redress those grievances which themselves complained of, and that many of them are eyewitnesses what good entrance we have already made, in reforming of many disorders, and particularly for relief of the poor, and restraining the abuse of keeping exorbitant numbers of servants, yet many do still persist in their obstinacy, supposing and reporting that our pains and present industry is but a blaze which will soon vanish.  
But we think it fit to let all men know, that forsomuch as a course is now settled by order of law for discharge and payment of the Companies debts, which did heretofore hinder and distract all good proceedings, we do intend by God's assistance (according to our duty and oath) to go on in the effectual settling of his Majesty's charge and ordinances within the river of Thames and Medway, and in reforming of all abuses and disorders contrary thereunto. And because the common workmen are wholly freed from payment of the Companies debts, and are never henceforth to be charged or burdened with any more taxes or other impositions besides the ordinary duties of quarterage, admittance, presentments, and fines for breach of orders (according as is usual among all other Companies:) we are to let them know, that from henceforth a more stricter account shall be taken of their irregular courses than hath been heretofore, and that we will proceed in managing the trust committed to us without partiality or sparing of any person whatsoever; and therefore we do hereby signify unto them and all others whom it concerns, that whosoever from the first day of May next coming, shall offend in the wilful breach of any ordinance of the Company, shall be sure to be censured and his fine levied, without any favour or connivance; and hereof it is that we would have every one to take notice, for which purpose this order is printed and appointed to be set up in every man's Yard, that no man may pretend ignorance, especially in these six points following.  
1. That whosoever hath formerly bound or enroled his Apprentice at London or elsewhere, and brings not his Indenture to the Clerk of the Company to be registered according to his Majesty's charge betwixt this and the first day of May next coming, shall be sure to pay his fine.  
2. That whosoever from the sixth of january last (at which time it was ordered and public notice given) hath retained or shall hereafter keep or retain above the number of two Apprentices, limited in the ordinance for that purpose, shall pay his fine of 5 l. without any further favour.  
3. That whosoever comes not to the Hall or place of meeting, upon the first or second warning or summons by the Beadle or Officer of the Company, shall be sent for by a messenger, and pay his fine and the messengers fees before he be discharged of his arrest.  
4. That whosoever binds his Apprentice any where else then at the Hall, shall pay his fine of 40 s without favour.  
5. That whosoever goes to Sea, and comes not first to the Hall to have his sufficiency approved and to register his name according to the ordinance in that behalf, shall be fined accordingly.  
6. That whatsoever Yard keeper or other shall set any stranger to work, contrary to the ordinance in that behalf, or shall employ or continue in work any person whatsoever or his servant that is refractory to the Company, after warning given, shall pay the fine limited for that offence.  
For the better keeping of good order, it is thought fit, that whosoever shall be from henceforth made free of the Company, shall take out a copy of his freedom under seal, without showing whereof no man to set him a-work.  
Also, that whosoever from henceforth shall take any servant, shall have a warrant under seal, limiting how many apprentices he shall keep, and his apprentices names to be endorsed upon the warrant, to the end we may be sure to keep all men within compass.  
We desire the second Assistants, and every man else that hears of any stranger set to work, or any one that keeps above the number he ought to keep, or of any man that works for himself and hath not served his time, or marries before his time be expired, or of any other abuse or disorder fit to be redressed, to give notice to the Beadle or Officer of the Company, who for that purpose is appointed once every fortnight to go through all the Yards in the River.  
Lastly, if any persons of the Company do find themselves aggrieved in any thing, let them come in an orderly fashion and present their grievances in writing, and they shall expect we will be ready to do them all the right and justice that can be reasonably required.  
God save the King.