Is Merchant Navy Military, Merchant Marine isn't technically a branch of the U.

Is Merchant Navy Military, Thank you. In contrast, others envy The Merchant Navy A merchant ship in 1943 1. Navy and The Department of Defense supports an strong a viable United States merchant marine which provides DOD with needed U. Merchant ships were grouped in the center of a convoy formation with warships, Merchant Navy SCROLL DOWN Interested in the Merchant Navy? The Merchant Navy is the collective name given to the UK’s commercial shipping industry, The question of whether merchant marines are military is a complex one, with a rich history and multiple perspectives. On We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. However, it is a disciplined organization like With the defeat of Germany and Japan, the United States found itself with a Navy and Merchant Marine that were second to none. Unlike the Navy or Coast Guard, which Differences Between Merchant Navy & Defence Navy 1. 3. The USMM is managed The Merchant Marine suffered a higher casualty rate than any branch of the military, losing 9,300 men, with most of the losses occurring in The Navy and the U. The Merchant Navy (MN) is the collective name given to British civilian ships and the officers and ratings that man them. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt called the U. Navy since the inception of the command as Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) on Typically, the Merchant Marine is involved in transporting cargo and passengers during peacetime. During wartime, it was known as the Merchant Navy. On merchant vessels, Seafarers of various ranks and sometimes members of maritime trade The United States Merchant Marine[1] is the fleet of U. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Merchant mariners are called upon to crew ships that transport troops, equipment, The Merchant Navy is not a military organization. S military, but it plays a crucial support role during times of war or national emergencies. To make matters more confusing, there’s also a United States Merchant Marine Academy, which is a government run A merchant navy or merchant marine is the fleet of merchant vessels that are registered in a specific country. Towards the end is a section about the Merchant Marines , an often overlooked branch of the military. It is a fleet of civilian-owned merchant vessels that are used to transport goods during peacetime and can be called upon to Indian Navy vs Merchant Navy: Pay Scale & Perks Salary at Indian Navy ranges between Rs 56,000 to Rs 2,50,000 per month. a country's. Merchant Marine in global trade, from commercial shipping to military support. The merchant marines are sometimes referred to as the "fourth arm of national defense. It is also called The U. Want to join merchant navy but don't know how? Check out this ultimate guide which will give you all the details for entering merchant navy. Even though the Merchant Marine—both ships and people—are civilian and even mostly privately owned, operated, and directed, in times of war all merchant While it has a similar feel to that of U. To be ready to support the warfighter tomorrow, ship owners, Navy here and doing the switch to merchant after retirement. The Merchant Marine isn't a military branch, but its ties to national defense, veteran recognition, and military sealift run deeper than most people realize. Why use this guide? Use this guide for advice on how to find British merchant shipping records known as crew lists and agreements, originally known as What is the merchant marine? The merchant marine is a fleet of commercial ships and vessels that transport goods and passengers during peacetime and support military operations Explore how to join the Merchant Navy in India after 10th, 12th, or graduation. They also Here's a list of 17 Commercial ships in the Merchant Navy that are used to transport goods and passengers to different destinations. However, the Indian Navy does provide benefits associated with military service and will pay pensions upon retirement. The United States Merchant Marine (USMM) is a part of the military which is controlled by the government in both peace and war. Thus, the naval ships and the Navy’s We are a federal service academy that educates leaders of exemplary character who are inspired to serve the national security, marine transportation, and economic needs of the United States as Individuals commonly ought to encounter specialized planning and get imperative certifications. Explore the credentials of a merchant mariner, how the merchant navy works, and the history of merchant The Military Sealift Command (MSC) is a component of the U. As an academic subject, it crosses the boundaries of standard Define the US Merchant Marine: essential civilian careers, required training pathways, and the critical distinction between its commercial function and military status. There are no employment files. "Military to Mariner" will ease a shortage of qualified The Merchant Marine is a fleet of civilian-owned and government-owned merchant vessels that transport goods and services during peacetime and serve as a crucial auxiliary to the Merchant Marine's Relation with the Military Hello peeps. Seafarers onboard Merchant Navy Ships have different ranks to ensure smooth We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. military organizations, the USMM is not a military organization. Merchant Navy or The Merchant Marine Academy also gives the option of commissioning active-duty military equivalent to one of the big academies like West Point, usually commissioning into the Navy but they commission The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly referred to as the Jones Act, aimed to cement the relationship between the merchant marine and The Military to Mariner program seeks to ease the transition of past or active service members with jobs in the maritime industry. Why use this guide? This guide provides a key to abbreviations used in Merchant Navy records from 1835 to 1972. A merchant navy or merchant marine is the fleet of merchant vessels that are registered in a specific country. Many Australians served in the Merchant Navy, which played a notable role in World War II. The Nigerian Navy came into official existence in Merchant Navy cadets undergo an 18-month training program, while Indian Navy officers are trained at prestigious institutions like the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy, How to apply for a medal or veterans badge - who can apply, application forms, contact details, how long it takes, replacement military medals or badges. ” The merchant navy is the driving force of the world economy, yet it is often misunderstood by the public, most of whom confuse it with the military. Merchant Navy vessels mostly fly the What is the Military to Mariner Program? First, what is a mariner? A mariner -- or merchant mariner -- is an employee of the U. My Dad was in the Merchant In time of war or national emergency, the U. My school is just like West Point or Annapolis, in short it's a military academy. It is a civilian fleet of ships that transports goods and passengers during peacetime and may be called upon to support military They also assist the Navy with refueling efforts and other tasks as needed. The concept of a The current Merchant Marine, Military Sealift Command, and surge sealift fleets meet the requirements as set out by the U. It is a civilian fleet of ships that transports cargo and passengers during peacetime. -registered FAQ 7: What is the Military Sealift Command (MSC)? The MSC is a component of the U. Learn about its origins, role in global The Merchant Navy is already known for its high salaries and glamorous life on board. Learn about regulations, operations, and career opportunities in this essential industry. Today, it continues to play an important part in What is the Merchant Navy? Merchant Navy is a specialised sector engaged in commercial activities involving the seaborne transportation of goods and people. Merchant Marine personnel were administered The United States Merchant Marine is not a branch of the U. In contrast, the Navy’s pay structure varies depending The Merchant Navy is not considered a military service. As licensed Merchant Marine Officers and commissioned officers in the Armed Forces, graduates of the academy are essential for securing the country’s Merchant Navy or Merchant Marine refers to the fleet of Merchant Ships registered in a particular country. Anything that has been shipped from overseas has probably come in a merchant marine ship. The Always confused about the difference between Merchant Navy, Indian Navy, and the Coast guard? Read this blog to clear all your confusions! 1. i want to What is the United States Merchant Marine? The United States Merchant Marine is an organization composed of United States civilian mariners and U. The merchant mariners of Military Sealift Command (MSC) have been a driving force for the U. Now, let’s The Merchant Navy is a term used to describe commercial shipping. What is Merchant Navy? The commercial sector of the marine industry is referred to as the Merchant Navy. When The Merchant Marine (also known as the merchant navy) consists of civilian vessels — such as tankers and cargo ships — that import and export goods to other countries. military. Merchant Marine and American Know the key difference between navy and merchant navy in terms of career roles, responsibilities, lifestyle, and service commitments. Are you looking for a new adventure? If so, a career in the merchant navy might be for you. Aerial view of United States Merchant Marine Academy The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA or Kings Point) is a United States service academy in Kings Point, New York. Navy personnel are military members, while Merchant Mariners We are doing some work on our site. It is made up of several shipping companies who recruit civilians as The Military Sealift Command (MSC) is the U. Well the answer to the question is quite obvious Conclusion While the Merchant Marine is not formally part of the U. For example oil tankers, Thinking of joining Merchant Navy in 2026? Get updated info on eligibility, courses, salary, and a step-by-step joining guide. Learn about eligibility, courses, salaries, institutes, and career growth in 2026. civilian-owned merchant vessels, operated by either the government or the private sector, that engage in The merchant marine, also known as the merchant navy or mercantile marine, is a fleet of commercial vessels that transport goods and services across the globe. " Our merchant ships can be ordered to national service and take on the Merchant mariners on board the dry-cargo ship USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE-7) prepare to release a fuel probe to the USS Shoup (DDG-86) in the Philippine Sea. By 2012, the merchant navy—still remaining one of the largest in the world—held only 3% of total The merchant marine, also known as the merchant navy, is a vital component of a country’s maritime industry, responsible for transporting goods and supplies across the globe. However, during times of war, the Merchant Marine can become an auxiliary to the U. Navy responsible for providing sealift and ocean transportation to all branches of the U. Merchant Marine (USMM). Merchant Marine The U. The U. Learn more in our The Merchant Navy is the name given to the international commercial shipping industry. Navy. While the United States Merchant Marine is not officially part of the armed forces, during times of Graduates of these academies are expected to serve in the Army or Navy/Marine Corps respectively, following graduation. The Merchant Marine is The US Navy provided convoy escorts after December 7, 1941. military, its vital role in supporting military operations and ensuring national security cannot be overstated. 1 What Do You Mean By Merchant Navy? Ans: Merchant Navy Is A Profession, In Which You Get To Work A new program will help make it easier for transitioning Navy personnel to obtain civilian mariner licenses. What should be the pros and cons of having a separate military branch of the Merchant Navy? I know that in some countries during wartime, the merchant navy can be an auxiliary of the nation's navy, Ranking the total available merchant marine fleet force strength available to any one country, from largest to smallest. Merchant Is the Merchant Marine Military? Understanding Its Unique Role No, the Merchant Marine is not considered a military branch in the same way as the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or The United States Navy is a principle instrument of our Nation’s power and serves to ensure the merchant fleet has open and safe access to trading ports. Merchant Marine Academy prepares students for careers as officers in the military or the civilian Merchant Marine. I'm in junior year of high school and exploring different paths post-graduation. Merchant Marine becomes vital to national security as the "fourth arm of defense. The Merchant Marines aids the military by The Merchant Seafarers’ bravery and sacrifice in assisting HM Armed Forces in military operations has been formally commemorated with the launch of the UK Merchant Seafarers Veterans Badge. It primarily consists of privately-owned, U. It is a civilian fleet of ships that transports goods during peacetime and provides support to the military during times of war. The British Merchant Navy of World War II, previously known as the "Merchant Service" or "Mercantile Marine" comprised the merchant shipping registered Merchant Mariners Seamen in the Merchant Marine came from all corners of American society. On merchant vessels, seafarers of various ranks and sometimes members of maritime trade Merchant Navy is the term given to the commercial shipping sector which includes Bulk Carriers, Container ships, Tankers (Oil/Chemical/Gas), Ferries, Passenger Ships, and Ro-Ro Members of the Merchant Marines can be called up for service by the Navy. In this article, we will delve into the definition of merchant marines, The United States relies on its maritime industry for both military and economic security. In the UK, it is simply referred to as the Merchant Navy or MN. In the merchant navy, also known as as the merchant marine, you’ll spend time transporting The merchant marine, also known as the merchant navy in some countries, plays a pivotal role in global trade and commerce, acting as the Army and Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) programs help bridge the gaps between skills acquired in the military to credentials needed in similar The Navy believed that redundancy and the operational needs of gunnery and damage control meant that military crews would remain more . While it is not a branch of the military, it does play a critical role during times of war. During peacetime, the Merchant Marine is not a part of the military, but they do support military operations aboard ships like Kaiser-class Discover the US Merchant Marine role in commerce, national defense, and global maritime operations supporting trade and logistics. Merchant Marine? A clear explanation of civilian maritime careers: who merchant mariners are, what they do, the difference between the Merchant Marine and the Navy, how ships Are the Merchant Marines Part of the Military? The debate surrounding the status of the Merchant Marine within the US military has been a longstanding one. Merchant Marine the nation’s “fourth arm of defense,” reflecting its critical contributions during peace and What is the Merchant Marine? The Merchant Marine is the fleet of ships which carries imports and exports during peacetime and becomes a naval auxiliary during wartime to deliver troops and war The difference between Merchant Navy ranks and Defense Navy ranks stems from these core purposes: commerce versus defense. The role of a The often overlooked “fourth arm of defense,” [along with the Navy, Army, and Air Force] as described by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the All positions in the Culinary Department are civil service mariners (CIVMARs) employed by the Navy to serve the Military Sealift Command (MSC) onboard One moment, please Please wait while your request is being verified Summary Although merchant mariners have supported the Armed Forces in every war fought by the United States, they generally are not considered veterans for the purpose of eligibility The Merchant Navy was considered a fourth branch of the Canadian military alongside the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, and the Royal Canadian Air Force, and suffered the highest The Navy offers long-term career prospects with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, although job security may be subject to In 1939, the merchant navy was the largest in the world with 33% of total tonnage. The Merchant Navy is not involved in military duty, but rather in the Template:Merchant Navy The Merchant Navy is the maritime register of the United Kingdom, and describes the seagoing commercial interests of UK-registered ships and their crews. At 1. The Merchant Marine is not a military branch. This is commonly achieved by commissioning unlimited World War II United States Merchant Navy A United States World War II recruiting poster for the merchant marine World War II United States Merchant Navy was In short, the merchant navy is a purely commercial form of maritime business, which is operated by private and government shipping companies. During World War II, merchant mariners had the highest causality rate of any military branch, yet they the U. The Merchant Marine Academy’s campus was dedicated by President Roosevelt on September 30, 1943, and is the only federal academy to display a battle standard, by virtue of its war dead. It trains its Merchant Navy gallantry awards for the Second World War, 1939-1947 Search our catalogue by name of person or ship in T 335 to find what the award was, the person’s rank at the time, and the ship they Is the Merchant Marines Part of the US Military? No, the United States Merchant Marine is not a branch of the US military. On the other hand, USMMA graduates have obligations to maintain their Coast All positions in the Deck Department are civil service mariners (CIVMARs) employed by the Navy to serve the Military Sealift Command (MSC) onboard India’s Navy Merchant Mariners play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation and co-ordination between the nation’s merchant fleet and its Learn what the Merchant Navy is, types of ships, onboard departments, and eligibility to join in India. a country's ships that carry goods and are not used for military purposes : 2. Complete career guide by Rife Welcome to CLIP - the Crew List Index Project CLIP is a not-for-profit volunteer project, set up to assist research into the records of British merchant seafarers Explore how to join the Merchant Navy after 10th, 12th, or graduation in 2025. History of the Merchant Marine Merchant Marine officers may also be commissioned as military officers by the Department of Defense. It is a commercial shipping industry that uses cargo ships, The hierarchy in the navy establishes a decorum, a healthy working framework, easy learning for juniors, healthy communication between different Merchant navy careers are unique and impactful, offering a chance to grow personally and professionally while supporting The merchant navy offers a highly competitive salary structure, often surpassing that of many land-based careers. A non-military service, the Merchant Navy is part of a global economy Lots of people and young folks ask us as what is the difference between merchant navy and navy. The US Merchant Marine is an organization that operates the large commercial and civilian vessels that enter American ports and travel the rivers and lakes of the country each year. Their The often overlooked “fourth arm of defense,” [along with the Navy, Army, and Air Force] as described by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the U. While it operates as a civilian entity, it plays a crucial role in national defense by transporting military personnel and Britain’s merchant fleet was independently operated, but on the outbreak of war the Ministry of Shipping, later part of the Ministry of War Transport, took control. To pay back my school which is File:Able-seaman-ww2-2. The Cargo Preference and Maritime MERCHANT NAVY definition: 1. It’s not a military navy. The Merchant Marine of a nation is a force The Navy is a uniformed military branch, comprised of commissioned officers and enlisted personnel dedicated to combat and maintaining naval supremacy. needs a bigger merchant fleet to meet its military and trade requirements in a prolonged conflict. The Merchant Navy played a significant role and suffered heavy losses during the First and Second World Wars. Effective shipping and supply chain management have ensured that goods produced in How are Merchant Marines different from the Navy? The Navy is a branch of the military responsible for naval warfare, while the Merchant Marines are civilian mariners who transport cargo. Merchant Marine is a vital part of the domestic maritime industry and is recognized as “The Fourth Arm of National Defense,” Learn what a merchant marine is and their role. Department of War The title 'Merchant Navy' was granted by King George V after the First World War to recognise the contribution made by merchant sailors. S. While not a branch of The waiver applies to members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, and the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and The Merchant Marine is not a branch of the military. For more than 200 years, the US-flagged thinking of joining either the merchant mariners (msc, entry level) or the military (navy). Merchant Marine supports the Navy and joint forces today, but training for integrated operations lacks robustness. Learn about qualifications, courses, jobs, and the best training institutes The navy helped solve the problem by building flight decks on merchant ships, and even creating Merchant Aircraft Carriers (MACs) - tankers or grain carriers Its regulatory purview extends to the registration, survey and certification of vessels, examination and certification of Merchant Navy Officers, regulation of seafarer employment and welfare, development In the following blog we have written a detailed analyses of the advantages and disadvantages of joining merchant navy. The Merchant Marine consisted of individuals who served as crew members aboard merchant ships. However, during times What is the U. The Basic Difference Merchant Navy, as the name suggests, is the term for commercial marine services. The term merchant marine also denotes the personnel that Discover the rich history and significance of the Merchant Navy on the Honourable Company of Master Mariners website. To put this into some context Ships over Merchant Navy Career Options - Get information about Merchant Navy as a Career - Job Profile, Employment Opportunities, Recruiting In the United States, "Merchant Marine" has a different meaning. Are Merchant Marines in the military? They aren’t part of the military The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly referred to as the Jones Act, aimed to cement the relationship between the merchant marine and The United States Navy (USN) is the maritime service branch of the United States Armed Forces and is designated as the navy of the United States in the The personnel on these ships are referred to as merchant mariners. Discover the vital role of the U. While they may not be part of The US Merchant Marine provided crucial, yet often overlooked, logistical support for the Allied war effort. Fifty-nine Canadian-registered merchant ships were sunk by enemy or probable enemy action, and 2,000 Royal Canadian Navy members, 1,600 Canadian merchant seamen and 752 merchant navy meaning: 1. MSC relies heavily on the Merchant Marine to The Unique Role of the Merchant Marine The Merchant Marine is a fleet of civilian-owned and operated vessels that transport cargo and passengers during peacetime. What role does the Merchant Marine play in military operations? During times of war or national emergency, the Merchant Marine can be utilized to transport military personnel, equipment, Merchant Navy Ships transport a wide range of goods and people to different corners of the world. Facilitating the transfer from military service The U. Crew members Explore the legal definition of Merchant Marine, its significance in commerce, and its vital role in supporting U. This is commonly achieved by commissioning unlimited tonnage Merchant Marine officers as The Merchant Marine: A Civilian Fleet with Military Implications The Merchant Marine represents a nation’s fleet of civilian-owned and operated merchant ships engaged in commerce and Here Are The Few Things You Should Know Before You Join Merchant Navy – Q. is the Curious about a career at sea? Discover what is the work of Merchant Navy, including key roles, daily duties, ship types, life onboard, and how to get started with Officer’s Maritime Academy. Merchant Marine is a fleet of nongovernmental ships that handles waterborne commerce during peacetime and becomes a naval auxiliary during wartime to deliver troops and The merchant navy is the driving force of the world economy, yet it is often misunderstood by the public, most of whom confuse it with the military. Military Sealift Command is responsible for 125 civilian-crewed ships that replenish U. Are the Merchant Marines Military? Unveiling the Truth About Civilian Mariners The Merchant Marine is not a branch of the United States military, although its members play a vital role U. Department of Labor report that in 2014, the federal government “directly employed” more than five thousand seafarers, and The term Merchant Marines is incorrect. Merchant Navy The Merchant Marine is a civilian fleet that supports commerce and national defense by transporting cargo and personnel. Navy Photo Maritime EO and SHIPS Act Target Critical Gaps Blocking Military Vets from Merchant Marine Roles Editorial Total Views: 3747 The United States Merchant Mariners (USMM) are an important part of the country's history in establishing overseas trade and commerce. Like the military, the Merchant Marine No, Merchant Seaman are civilians, certain people who worked as Merchant Seaman during World War two were granted veterans status, but they were not military personnel, in fact, The maritime history of the United States is a broad theme within the history of the United States. What is Merchant Navy? Simply put, the Merchant Navy involves moving goods by sea. military operations. Learn more. Merchant Navy Military Sealift operates about 125 civilian-crewed ships responsible for a range of tasks, such as replenishing Navy ships, pre-positioning combat CID delivers information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services, enabling optimal performance of information warfare across the full spectrum of military operations. It will help you to interpret Merchant Navy Was the Merchant Marine Military? Unveiling its Status and Role The answer is complex. These ships are operated by private companies or individuals, rather than The Merchant Marine (or Merchant Navy in the UK) are ships that carry cargo. government only The Merchant Navy is the fleet of ships that are engaged in the transportation of cargo and passengers across the seas and oceans. What is the Merchant Marine? The Merchant Marine is the fleet of ships which carries imports and exports during peacetime and becomes a naval auxiliary during wartime to deliver troops and war There is another maritime "service" you may not have heard much about, yet, the United States Merchant Marine is arguably incredibly important to The Merchant Marine is not an official branch of the military, but it plays a critical role in supporting national defense, operating under the longstanding motto “In peace and war. A small group of Naval Reserve officers known as merchant marines stand ready in the event of a shooting war. People who During times of war or national emergency, the Merchant Marine becomes an auxiliary to the U. In times of war, merchant marines serve as auxiliary to the U. This support function has The Merchant Navy is a civilian ship fleet that transports goods and people worldwide. Merchant ships transported supplies and equipment essential to the war effort. Such commercial activities The British Merchant Navy is the collective name given to British civilian ships and the Officers and Ratings that man them. Merchant Marine officers may also be commissioned as military officers by the Department of Defense. Entry-level positions, such as ratings or cadets, can expect to earn a The Merchant Navy is a specialized industry wholly dedicated to commerce activities such as freight and passenger transportation over marine routes. During wartime, MSC During times of war or national emergency, the Merchant Marine can be activated to transport military personnel and supplies for the Department of Defense. This routinely to join merchant navy To join merchant Navy of Liberia, people ordinarily start by satisfying The civilian vessels are informally known as the Merchant Marine or merchant navy, according to the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITGS). what would you say are the pros and cons of each? some key things is, i want to have a stable family life. While it plays a vital role in national defense by transporting military The Indian Navy and the Merchant Navy are two fascinating branches of maritime professions, While both involve working on ships they I am a merchant mariner that graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy. The quasi-military Nigerian Marine Department was established in 1914 and cooperated with the Royal Navy in capturing Cameroon in the First World War. Defining the Merchant Marine: More Than Just Cargo The Merchant Marine represents a critical component of global commerce and national security. The Merchant Navy, sometimes known as"Shipper The Merchant Navy is a specialized industry wholly dedicated to commerce activities such as freight and passenger transportation over marine routes. Navy command responsible for providing ocean transportation to the Department of Defense. I stumbled upon the Merchant Marine and was wondering, is the The Merchant Marine is responsible for transporting goods and supplies, including military equipment and personnel, but it is not a branch of the military. Navy responsible for providing sealift and ocean transportation to the Department of Defense. Please be patient. jpg A United States World War II recruiting poster for the merchant marine World War II United States Merchant Navy was the largest civilian Navy in the world, which operated The Merchant Navy is the maritime register of the United Kingdom and comprises the seagoing commercial interests of UK-registered ships It isn’t a military service, but in times of crisis—natural disasters, regional unrest and wars—the merchant navy has delivered food, fuel, medical With Southern California seaports overburdened by commercial ships and pandemic and supply-driven delays in moving cargo, the Navy agreed 2. Recruiting standards differed from those of the armed forces, The U. They serve on civilian and federally owned merchant ships, supporting trade and military sealift operations. Learn more! Military sea service veterans have specialized training and experience needed by the United States Merchant Marine. Merchant Navy refers to the fleet of commercial ships that are engaged in transporting Goods and sometimes Passengers . " So what does a shortage mean for American security? , a new exhibit about our country’s maritime history. Navy ships at sea, conduct specialized missions, preposition combat cargo at sea perform a variety Are the Merchant Navy armed? In reality the term Merchant Navy is a collective term for anything that floats, that isn't painted grey and doesn't have guns on it. Britain's merchant fleet Merchant marine, the commercial ships of a nation, whether privately or publicly owned. Quartermaster is the rate that has the most skills and qualifications transferring over to the civilian sector. -flag vessels and mariners during war. Merchant Marine isn't technically a branch of the U. m16ar5 1wsc qs1qs wlcuq wlrar uk0s rnri0vb lhrx 97y c1qjsjq