The United States Merchant Marine is the fleet of U.S. civilian owned
merchant vessels, operated by either the government or the private
sector, that engage in commerce or transportation of goods and services
in and out of the navigable waters of the United States. The Merchant
Marine is responsible for transporting cargo and passengers during peace
time. In times of war, the Merchant Marine is an auxiliary to the Navy,
and can be called upon to deliver troops and supplies for the military.
Merchant mariners move cargo and passengers between nations and within
the United States, operate and maintain deep sea merchant ships,
tugboats, towboats, ferries, dredges, excursion vessels, and other
waterborne craft on the oceans, the Great Lakes, rivers, canals,
harbors, and other waterways. As of 2006, the United States merchant
fleet numbered 465 ships and approximately 100,000 members. The federal
government maintains fleets of merchant ships via organizations such as
Military Sealift Command and the National Defense Reserve Fleet. In
2004, the federal government employed approximately 5% of all American
water transportation workers. In the 19th and 20th centuries, various
laws fundamentally changed the course of American merchant shipping.
These laws put an end to common practices such as flogging and
shanghaiing, and increased shipboard safety and living standards. The
United States Merchant Marine is also governed by several international
conventions to promote safety and prevent pollution. The merchant marine
is a civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Navy, but not a uniformed service,
except in times of war when, in accordance with the Merchant Marine Act
of 1936, mariners are considered military personnel. In a time of
"national emergency", the President can permanently seize any merchant
marine vessel in return for fair compensation, or commandeer it for
temporary use with no compensation if returned in reasonable condition.
In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill into law granting veteran
status to merchant mariners who served in WWII. Prior to such
legislation, they did not receive veteran's benefits.
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