We sailors aboard merchant ships. We have the credential that says so.
I got my Merchant Marine Credential which means Im a merchant mariner but what the hell is the TWIC for?
by EagleVireoMM February 19, 2011
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The commercial ships of a nation and the men and women who man them, both as licensed officers and unlicensed crew. While Navy ships act to defend a nation on the sea, Merchant ships deliver cargo worldwide and are manned by civilians. U.S. Merchant Mariners are the highest paid in the world.

Consists of Freighters, Tankers, RoRo's, Tugboats, Barges, and Ferries

Ships are split into three departments in which personnel work: Deck (navigation, cargo operations, external maintenance), Engineering (propulsion, electrical, and any machinery), and Stewards (cooks).
"I sailed in the Merchant Marine before going to college."
by DeepSeaSailorGuy May 15, 2007
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Licensed professional seafarers who work in either the deck or engine departments of Merchant Vessels. They ascend to these positions based on either Maritime College educations, or less commonly through time served and advancements 'up the hawsepipe' through testing.

Deck officers: 3RD Mate (primarily safety officer), 2ND Mate (primarily navigations officer, Chief Mate (supervisor), and Captain (overall command of vessel and personnel)

Engine Officers: 3RD Assistant Engineer, 2ND Assistant Engineer, 1ST Assistant Engineer, and Chief Engineer (in charge of entire engine room and shipboard mechanical/electrical components)

(NOTE: Steward's Department does not consist of any officers, all personnel in this department are unlicensed but certain Stewards carry more authority than others.)
Before becoming a vessel operations manager, Brian sailed as a Merchant Marine officer with Moore McCormack Lines.
by DeepSeaSailorGuy May 15, 2007
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also known as Kings Point. Its a place where one wears a silly costume (uniform), does plenty of excercise(looking at porn) and of course is well hydrated, with more alcohol than you can imagine. But what do you expect from a school full of sailors. Unlike the sissies at the Naval Academy, we know how to drink and chase women of the night. We are given a whole year to do it on commericial ships. Located in Great Neck NY we proudly display our Nazi Flagpole, in a Jewish Community. Need I say anything else about an establishment that when you graduate you are given choices to actually make a ton of money, and not have to go active duty. Because why fight in the war, when you can profit off of it.
by salty seaman September 23, 2005
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