In 1946 Michael Crowdy started a mailing list in the United Kingdom.
From 50 Correspondents at the start of 1947, by the end of the year members of the Ship News Club numbered 200 and 330 in July 1948. Notable amongst its early members were the then editor of Jane's Fighting Ships, Francis McMurtrie, and former editor and noted naval historian Oscar Parkes.
The club's first annual general meeting was held on 23 September 1949 aboard HMS Wellington in London.
As well as its magazine publications, "Marine News" and "Warships", the society has published many well-regarded books by members.
The standard of research material available to members has given the society a reputation for excellence throughout the maritime community.