A merchant marine is a group of civilian vessels that import and export goods to other countries. It is composed of United States 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. Mariners, also known as water transportation workers, serve on these vessels to make sure the products get to their destinations safely and on time. Mariners may have one of a variety of jobs, from electronics to culinary work, 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. If you want to join the Merchant Marine, you need to complete training and certification through the Coast Guard.