what is a merchant mariner

A merchant mariner is a member of the United States Merchant Marine, which is composed of civilian mariners and U.S. civilian and federally owned merchant vessels. The Merchant Marine primarily transports domestic and international cargo and passengers during peacetime, and operates and maintains deep-sea merchant ships, tugboats, towboats, ferries, dredges, excursion vessels, charter boats, and other waterborne craft on the oceans, the Great Lakes, rivers, canals, harbors, and other waterways. In times of war, the Merchant Marine can be an auxiliary to the United States Navy and can be called upon to deliver military personnel and materiel for the military. Merchant mariners may be pilots, captains, seamen, or mates, but they all play a role in ensuring the smooth travel of commercial vessels. The Merchant Marine is technically not a part of the military; they’re managed by the Department of Transportations Maritime Administration (MARAD), but they often assist with military operations. To become a merchant mariner, one must complete training and certification through the Coast Guard.