Merchant Marines- Everything You Need To Know

By Author: geemy
Total Articles: 16
Comment this article

The United States Merchant Marine is the fleet of American civilian owned merchant ships, operated either by the private sector or the government sector. These ships are used for the purpose of transporting goods and services. They are also engage in basic commerce. In times of unrest and war, the merchant marine acts as an auxiliary to the American navy and can be called upon to assist the navy by delivering troops as well as supplies for the military. During peace time, they have no military duties and are responsible only for transporting cargo and passengers.

The basic role of these ships is to maintain contact of the United States with the rest of the world through commerce. Merchant mariners transport or deliver cargo and passengers from the United States to other nations and vice versa. They operate merchant ships, ferries, tugboats, dredges and other kinds of vessels on the oceans, the seas, lakes, rivers, canals, harbors etc. the number of ships as well as the number of merchant mariners is constantly growing.

The United States of America is a maritime nation. To the north are the great lakes, off the ...
... south is the Gulf of Mexico, to the east is the Atlantic Ocean and to the west is the Pacific Ocean. Thus, American waterways are some of the busiest areas around. Ships are always leaving the docks carrying goods and people and more ships are coming in carrying goods from around the world. Operating these ships is hard work. Engineers and architects who build the ships are important, but even more important than them are the people who operate the ships while at sea- the merchant mariners. Merchant mariners are highly trained individuals educated at the United States Merchant Marine Academy or the USMMA. It is also known as king’s point. It is one of America’s five service academies.

Being a part of the USMMA is a big deal for everyone cannot apply to this prestigious academy. In addition to great SAT scores and GPA, the candidates are required to be nominated by a member of U.S House of representatives or the U.S senator of your state of residence. They also have to undergo various physical tests like the CFA (candidate fitness assessment). Being a part of this highly esteemed institution is extremely beneficial if you are looking for a successful career in the maritime industry and armed services. The academy helps you develop your personality and drill into you the importance of discipline, cooperation, obedience and leadership. After graduation, you have the opportunity to make anything out of your career.

Famous personalities who have been maritime merchants include actors, scientists, astronauts and various other people from the top of their fields. You have the opportunity to serve your country and there is no higher honor than that. Graduates from the USMMA are well rounded individuals capable of making their own decisions in life.

It is an honor to be a merchant marine and to serve your country in times of need. It takes bravery, commitment and hard work to be able to make it as a merchant mariner and only the toughest of the lot are chosen. So, if you feel that working at the sea is your calling, give a shot to studying at the merchant mariners academy or kings point.