Merchant marine facts for kids
The Merchant Marine is a term used around the world to describe a country's commercial ships and their crews. These ships are owned by companies or individuals and are used to earn money. They play a very important role in global trade.
Most merchant marine ships carry goods from one place to another. These include large oil tankers that transport oil and freighters that carry many different products. Other ships, like cruise ships and ferries, are also part of the merchant marine because they carry passengers for a fee.
During times of peace, a country's merchant marine usually operates independently. However, some countries have rules that require their merchant ships to help the armed forces during times of war. They might carry supplies or troops.
The United States Merchant Marine
In the United States, the term "Merchant Marine" has a special meaning. The United States Merchant Marine (USMM) is a part of the military. It is controlled by the government in both peace and war.
When the United States is at war, the USMM is used to carry important military supplies. For example, during World War II, the USMM played a vital role in moving goods for the war effort. Sadly, many brave American merchant mariners lost their lives. Nearly one out of every twenty-six American merchant mariners was killed during World War II. This was a higher percentage of deaths than in the Army, Navy, or even the Marines.
Images for kids
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A United States World War II recruiting poster for the merchant marine
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Greece controls 23.2% of the world's total merchant fleet, making it the largest in the world.
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A portrait of a New Zealand Merchant Navy captain of a Fairmile 'submarine chaser', as he holds it up and looks through a small coloured screen. This disc allows him to look into the sky to search for dive bombers without damaging his eyes.
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Seal of the US Merchant Marine
See also
In Spanish: Marina mercante para niños
