Federation Merchant Marine: Difference between revisions

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''This article was taken from [[The Price of Freedom: The UFP Sourcebook|The Price of Freedom]], a [[Last Unicorn Games|LUG]] [[RPG]] supplement.''
''This article was taken from [[ma:The Price of Freedom|The Price of Freedom]], a [[Last Unicorn Games|LUG]] [[RPG]] supplement.''
===Introduction===
===Introduction===
Not every ship traversing Federation space belongs to Starfleet. In fact, most of the craft in the Federation are personal, commercial, or scientific vessels, not the exploration and defense ships of Starfleet. Compared to, for example, [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Romulan Romulans] or [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Cardassian Cardassians], citizens of the Federation have virtually unrestricted freedom to travel the galaxy and see its sights.
Not every ship traversing Federation space belongs to Starfleet. In fact, most of the craft in the Federation are personal, commercial, or scientific vessels, not the exploration and defense ships of Starfleet. Compared to, for example, [[ma:Romulan|Romulans]] or [[ma:Cardassian|Cardassians]], citizens of the Federation have virtually unrestricted freedom to travel the galaxy and see its sights.


The Federation Merchant Marine comprises by far the largest fleet of non-Starfleet vessels. An important part of the Federation economy, it is directed by the Federation government itself, not Starfleet. It performs many diverse tasks which, while often not as glamorous as the jobs assigned to a [[Starfleet Ship Classes|Starfleet starship]], are equally vital to the prosperity and even to the continued existence of the Federation. It carries cargo from one planet to another, transports passengers, helps keep colonies supplied, and transports and sells certain types of goods to non-member planets.
The Federation Merchant Marine comprises by far the largest fleet of non-Starfleet vessels. An important part of the Federation economy, it is directed by the Federation government itself, not Starfleet. It performs many diverse tasks which, while often not as glamorous as the jobs assigned to a [[Starfleet Ship Classes|Starfleet starship]], are equally vital to the prosperity and even to the continued existence of the Federation. It carries cargo from one planet to another, transports passengers, helps keep colonies supplied, and transports and sells certain types of goods to non-member planets.
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Historically, the broad term "merchant marine" means the commercial or mercantile fleet of a nation, whether owned directly by that nation of by its citizens. In the spacefaring age, it includes the commercial starships of a particular species, planet, or government, and it is of course this aspect of commerce with which the Federation was primarily concerned when it established the Federation Merchant Marine. Individual planetary surface merchant marines do not fall within the Federation's jurisdiction, and neither do the individual starfaring merchant marines of the Federation's members.
Historically, the broad term "merchant marine" means the commercial or mercantile fleet of a nation, whether owned directly by that nation of by its citizens. In the spacefaring age, it includes the commercial starships of a particular species, planet, or government, and it is of course this aspect of commerce with which the Federation was primarily concerned when it established the Federation Merchant Marine. Individual planetary surface merchant marines do not fall within the Federation's jurisdiction, and neither do the individual starfaring merchant marines of the Federation's members.


The [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Andorian Andorian] Merchant Marine remains the largest and most professional of these, with a tradition extending back to the days of the [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Earth-Romulan_War Earth-Romulan War]. Many Andorian Merchant Marine crewmen joined the new Federation Merchant Marine, giving it a cadre of experienced captains and engineers during the early crises of the [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/First_Federation-Klingon_War Klingon wars] and the [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Battle_of_Axanar Axanarian] secession. Grandsons and granddaughters of these captains served the Federation well during the emergency mobilizations against the [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Borg Borg], the immense human crises of the [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Federation-Cardassian_Treaty Cardassian border relocation], and the more conventional support roles during the Tholian War. This tradition still holds strongly enough that even human and [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Tellarite Tellarite] crewmen enlist in the Andorian Merchant Marine in hopes of being able to join the Federation Merchant Marine some day.
The [[ma:Andorian|Andorian]] Merchant Marine remains the largest and most professional of these, with a tradition extending back to the days of the [[ma:Earth-Romulan War|Earth-Romulan War]]. Many Andorian Merchant Marine crewmen joined the new Federation Merchant Marine, giving it a cadre of experienced captains and engineers during the early crises of the [[ma:First Federation-Klingon War|Klingon wars]] and the [[ma:Battle of Axanar|Axanarian]] secession. Grandsons and granddaughters of these captains served the Federation well during the emergency mobilizations against the [[ma:Borg|Borg]], the immense human crises of the [[ma:Federation-Cardassian Treaty|Cardassian border relocation]], and the more conventional support roles during the Tholian War. This tradition still holds strongly enough that even human and [[ma:Tellarite|Tellarite]] crewmen enlist in the Andorian Merchant Marine in hopes of being able to join the Federation Merchant Marine some day.


==The Role of the Merchant Marine==
==The Role of the Merchant Marine==
The Federation has always recognized a need to transport certain goods, or goods in bulk. [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Transporter Transporter] and [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Replicator replicator] technologies, marvels that they are of modern society, do not remove the need to move various types of goods, or large amounts of goods, across space. First, the range of transporters is limited. Federation space is hundreds of light-years across, and even the best cargo transporters only have a range of about 40,000 kilometers. Second, the amount of material which can be transported at any one time is limited, as is the size of the object to be transported; only a few very large planet-based transporters are capable of transporting extremely large objects (such as some vehicles). Third, not every person or every planet has access to transporters - although they are not rare, they are not ubiquitous either. This reasoning also applies to replicator technology, though large-scale industrial replicators are more common than large transporters (and, of course, there are some goods which some people prefer not to replicate, as discussed below).
The Federation has always recognized a need to transport certain goods, or goods in bulk. [[ma:Transporter|Transporter]] and [[ma:Replicator|replicator]] technologies, marvels that they are of modern society, do not remove the need to move various types of goods, or large amounts of goods, across space. First, the range of transporters is limited. Federation space is hundreds of light-years across, and even the best cargo transporters only have a range of about 40,000 kilometers. Second, the amount of material which can be transported at any one time is limited, as is the size of the object to be transported; only a few very large planet-based transporters are capable of transporting extremely large objects (such as some vehicles). Third, not every person or every planet has access to transporters - although they are not rare, they are not ubiquitous either. This reasoning also applies to replicator technology, though large-scale industrial replicators are more common than large transporters (and, of course, there are some goods which some people prefer not to replicate, as discussed below).


What this means is that there are many occasions when the Federation, or someone within the Federation, needs to transport goods, products, or people in the old-fashioned way - by loading them onto a ship and carrying them to where they need to go. Starfleet's ships could handle such tasks, but only do so in the gravest of emergencies. At any other time, that's where the Federation Merchant Marine comes in. Carrying cargo and passengers is its job. As such it forms a vital economic link between many members of the Federation, and acts as a lifeline to distant colonies and outposts which would otherwise have, at best, a very difficult time getting the supplies they need.
What this means is that there are many occasions when the Federation, or someone within the Federation, needs to transport goods, products, or people in the old-fashioned way - by loading them onto a ship and carrying them to where they need to go. Starfleet's ships could handle such tasks, but only do so in the gravest of emergencies. At any other time, that's where the Federation Merchant Marine comes in. Carrying cargo and passengers is its job. As such it forms a vital economic link between many members of the Federation, and acts as a lifeline to distant colonies and outposts which would otherwise have, at best, a very difficult time getting the supplies they need.
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As one might expect, the Merchant Marine enjoys good relations with Starfleet. In essence the two complement each other. While Starfleet does on occasion transport goods or personnel (especially those which are dangerous, or which are going to particularly dangerous areas), it is primarily engaged in missions of exploration, scientific investigation, and defense. Its ships are not set up to carry large amounts of cargo or passengers. That's what the Merchant Marine is for; Starfleet's highly trained personnel can be put to better uses. Unless there's an emergency of some sort requiring high warp speed and a potenial military response, Starfleet prefers to let the Merchant Marine transport goods and people. Even in those grave emergencies, the Merchant Marine often follows right behind Starfleet in bringing vaccines or doctors to a plague-stricken world, or phaser rifles to a Federation garrison under attack.
As one might expect, the Merchant Marine enjoys good relations with Starfleet. In essence the two complement each other. While Starfleet does on occasion transport goods or personnel (especially those which are dangerous, or which are going to particularly dangerous areas), it is primarily engaged in missions of exploration, scientific investigation, and defense. Its ships are not set up to carry large amounts of cargo or passengers. That's what the Merchant Marine is for; Starfleet's highly trained personnel can be put to better uses. Unless there's an emergency of some sort requiring high warp speed and a potenial military response, Starfleet prefers to let the Merchant Marine transport goods and people. Even in those grave emergencies, the Merchant Marine often follows right behind Starfleet in bringing vaccines or doctors to a plague-stricken world, or phaser rifles to a Federation garrison under attack.


Conversely, the ships of the Merchant Marine, while well equipped for commerce, are not designed for combat or similar missions. They have low strength shields and phasers, but would find themselves out of their depth fighting off anything more powerful than technologically backward pirates or brigands. Nor do Merchant Marine ships have the sophisticated sensor arrays which Starfleet ships use to chart systems and investigate stellar anomalies. When a Merchant Marine vessel has to go into a dangerous area, or its commander fears that [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Orion_%28species%29 Orions] or others may attack the ship, Starfleet might be called on to escort the mercantile ship to its destination. (Of course, some Merchant Marine captains trust to their own skills rather than calling on Starfleet, and a surprising number of them succeed.) Thus, the two fleets have a healthy respect for each other and work well together.
Conversely, the ships of the Merchant Marine, while well equipped for commerce, are not designed for combat or similar missions. They have low strength shields and phasers, but would find themselves out of their depth fighting off anything more powerful than technologically backward pirates or brigands. Nor do Merchant Marine ships have the sophisticated sensor arrays which Starfleet ships use to chart systems and investigate stellar anomalies. When a Merchant Marine vessel has to go into a dangerous area, or its commander fears that [[ma:Orion (species)|Orions]] or others may attack the ship, Starfleet might be called on to escort the mercantile ship to its destination. (Of course, some Merchant Marine captains trust to their own skills rather than calling on Starfleet, and a surprising number of them succeed.) Thus, the two fleets have a healthy respect for each other and work well together.


In the eyes of many Federation citizens, the Merchant Marine is a sort of "junior" or lesser Starfleet. This is unfair. It lacks a high profile and prestige, but its job is in many ways equally important. Its members do not possess the powers or prerogatives which Starfleet personnel do, but they enjoy respect throughout the Federation because of their important role in the galactic economy. Federation families are proud to have their sons and daughters join the Merchant Marine; many families have been serving in its ranks for generations.
In the eyes of many Federation citizens, the Merchant Marine is a sort of "junior" or lesser Starfleet. This is unfair. It lacks a high profile and prestige, but its job is in many ways equally important. Its members do not possess the powers or prerogatives which Starfleet personnel do, but they enjoy respect throughout the Federation because of their important role in the galactic economy. Federation families are proud to have their sons and daughters join the Merchant Marine; many families have been serving in its ranks for generations.
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The Federation Merchant Marine ultimately answers to the Federation Council. The Council's Merchant Marine Committee meets on a regular basis to assess the performance of the Merchant Marine, determine where its services are needed, and allocate its resources. (Actual direction of the Merchant Marine falls to the Department of Commerce in the Secretariat). If there were any difficulties or problems with the service, the Committee would hold hearings to investigate them, but no such hearings have ever been necessary.
The Federation Merchant Marine ultimately answers to the Federation Council. The Council's Merchant Marine Committee meets on a regular basis to assess the performance of the Merchant Marine, determine where its services are needed, and allocate its resources. (Actual direction of the Merchant Marine falls to the Department of Commerce in the Secretariat). If there were any difficulties or problems with the service, the Committee would hold hearings to investigate them, but no such hearings have ever been necessary.


Daily command of the Federation Merchant Marine is vested in an Admiral; currently, Admiral Jenidox Parl, a [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Tellarite Tellarite], holds the position. Sometimes the Admiral has Starfleet experience, but more often the post serves as the pinnacle of a successful mercantile career for a civilian captain. The Admiral is responsible for seeing that the Merchant Marine fleet is properly and efficiently deployed, for ensuring that all ships are sufficiently maintained and staffed, and for evaluating requests for Merchant Marine assistance and prioritizing them. To help him with these tasks he has a staff consisting of several Vice-Admirals (each of whom is responsible for the portion of the Merchant Marine in a particular area of Federation space) and lesser officers, bureaucrats, and functionaries. The Admiral is headquartered on [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Alpha_Centauri Alpha Centauri]; his headquarters facilities include a large starport and extensive planetary and space-based starship repair bays.
Daily command of the Federation Merchant Marine is vested in an Admiral; currently, Admiral Jenidox Parl, a [[ma:Tellarite|Tellarite]], holds the position. Sometimes the Admiral has Starfleet experience, but more often the post serves as the pinnacle of a successful mercantile career for a civilian captain. The Admiral is responsible for seeing that the Merchant Marine fleet is properly and efficiently deployed, for ensuring that all ships are sufficiently maintained and staffed, and for evaluating requests for Merchant Marine assistance and prioritizing them. To help him with these tasks he has a staff consisting of several Vice-Admirals (each of whom is responsible for the portion of the Merchant Marine in a particular area of Federation space) and lesser officers, bureaucrats, and functionaries. The Admiral is headquartered on [[ma:Alpha Centauri|Alpha Centauri]]; his headquarters facilities include a large starport and extensive planetary and space-based starship repair bays.


The Merchant Marine organization more or less follows "astrographical" lines. The ships which serve a particular sector or group of sectors comprise a particular "fleet." Each such fleet is commanded by a Vice-Admiral, to whom the captains of the fleet's ships report. Usually a fleet remains in its designated territory, but on occasion it is necessary to assemble several fleets for an important task (such as responding to an emergency or supplying Starfleet ships in time of war). Independent merchants of Federation registry may be called upon to serve under the Vice-Admiral of their sector in emergencies (such as the Cardassian border evacuation), and usually report any rumors of pirates or navigational hazards to his office.
The Merchant Marine organization more or less follows "astrographical" lines. The ships which serve a particular sector or group of sectors comprise a particular "fleet." Each such fleet is commanded by a Vice-Admiral, to whom the captains of the fleet's ships report. Usually a fleet remains in its designated territory, but on occasion it is necessary to assemble several fleets for an important task (such as responding to an emergency or supplying Starfleet ships in time of war). Independent merchants of Federation registry may be called upon to serve under the Vice-Admiral of their sector in emergencies (such as the Cardassian border evacuation), and usually report any rumors of pirates or navigational hazards to his office.


==Tritanium Ships and Iron Men==
==Tritanium Ships and Iron Men==
A life in the Federation Merchant Marine isn't necessarily for everyone. It requires a certain combination of discipline, adventurousness, and willingness to work hard. While these qualities might also recommend a person for Starfleet service, these individuals may fail the rigorous Starfleet [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Starfleet_Academy#Preparation_for_Entrance entrance tests and screenings], prefer a less-structured lifestyle, or choose to join the Merchant Marine without ever considering a career in Starfleet.
A life in the Federation Merchant Marine isn't necessarily for everyone. It requires a certain combination of discipline, adventurousness, and willingness to work hard. While these qualities might also recommend a person for Starfleet service, these individuals may fail the rigorous Starfleet [[ma:Starfleet Academy#Preparation for Entrance|entrance tests and screenings]], prefer a less-structured lifestyle, or choose to join the Merchant Marine without ever considering a career in Starfleet.


===Joining the Merchant Marine===
===Joining the Merchant Marine===
It's a lot easier for a Federation citizen to join the Merchant Marine than to join Starfleet. (In fact, unlike Starfleet, the Merchant Marine does not require Federation citizenship.) Although there are some entrance requirements and tests, they mainly concern physical and mental fitness for the job; they do not approach the rigors or difficulties of the [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Starfleet_Academy Starfleet Academy] admission procedure.
It's a lot easier for a Federation citizen to join the Merchant Marine than to join Starfleet. (In fact, unlike Starfleet, the Merchant Marine does not require Federation citizenship.) Although there are some entrance requirements and tests, they mainly concern physical and mental fitness for the job; they do not approach the rigors or difficulties of the [[ma:Starfleet Academy|Starfleet Academy]] admission procedure.


The Merchant Marine has recruiting stations on most Federation planets, and at some starbases and outposts as well. To join, a protential recruit need only go to the local recruiting office and apply. If he passes the tests mentioned above, he's in - easy as that. Typically the new member, known as a "sailor," will ship out on his first cruise within a year.
The Merchant Marine has recruiting stations on most Federation planets, and at some starbases and outposts as well. To join, a protential recruit need only go to the local recruiting office and apply. If he passes the tests mentioned above, he's in - easy as that. Typically the new member, known as a "sailor," will ship out on his first cruise within a year.
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Sailors give many reasons for wanting to join the Merchant Marine. First and foremost among them is a desire to "see the galaxy." More than the members of any other Federation organization except Starfleet, the sailors of the Merchant Marine travel extensively. Even if a sailor remains in the same fleet for several tours of duty, he is still likely to visit more planets and see more space than most Federation citizens will in an entire lifetime. Those sailors who truly long for a nomadic life transfer from fleet to fleet and ship to ship, getting to know the galaxy as well as some Starfleet officers.
Sailors give many reasons for wanting to join the Merchant Marine. First and foremost among them is a desire to "see the galaxy." More than the members of any other Federation organization except Starfleet, the sailors of the Merchant Marine travel extensively. Even if a sailor remains in the same fleet for several tours of duty, he is still likely to visit more planets and see more space than most Federation citizens will in an entire lifetime. Those sailors who truly long for a nomadic life transfer from fleet to fleet and ship to ship, getting to know the galaxy as well as some Starfleet officers.


A second reason is a lock of desire to join Starfleet. Many Federation citizens want to go into space for some reason, but not as a part of Starfleet. It's hard to get into Starfleet, and just as hard to make it through the [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Starfleet_Academy Academy]. When you finally get posted to a starship, you're likely to be exposed to dangers both commonplace and exotic - anything from warp-core breaches, to collisions, to starship combat, to encounters with bizarre galactic phenomena and playful omniscient energy beings. Not everyone wants that kind of pressure, danger, and "excitement." Some prefer the more sedate life of a sailor in the Merchant Marine. It's not a relaxing job - Sailors work hard, and they're proud of it - but compared to serving on board a Starfleet vessel it's a mighty calm job most of the time.
A second reason is a lock of desire to join [[ma:Starfleet|Starfleet]]. Many Federation citizens want to go into space for some reason, but not as a part of Starfleet. It's hard to get into Starfleet, and just as hard to make it through the [[ma:Starfleet Academy|Academy]]. When you finally get posted to a starship, you're likely to be exposed to dangers both commonplace and exotic - anything from warp-core breaches, to collisions, to starship combat, to encounters with bizarre galactic phenomena and playful omniscient energy beings. Not everyone wants that kind of pressure, danger, and "excitement." Some prefer the more sedate life of a sailor in the Merchant Marine. It's not a relaxing job - Sailors work hard, and they're proud of it - but compared to serving on board a Starfleet vessel it's a mighty calm job most of the time.


It's much the same for citizens who want to join Starfleet but can't for some reason (typically because they cannot meet the entrance requirements). Starfleet's standards are tough to meet, and not every Federation citizen can get into the Academy. For those citizens who are still desperate to work in space on board a starship, even though they cannot become a part of Starfleet, the Merchant Marine is often a perfect solution. Although it's not nearly as difficult to join, the Merchant Marine still teaches its sailors many valuable spacefaring skills - and on occasion it may even serve up a dose of adventure or two. Plus, every member of the Federation acknowledges the valuable service the Merchant Marine provides, and it's considered an honor to be a member of it, even if its entrance requirements aren't as hard to meet as Starfleet's.
It's much the same for citizens who want to join Starfleet but can't for some reason (typically because they cannot meet the entrance requirements). Starfleet's standards are tough to meet, and not every Federation citizen can get into the Academy. For those citizens who are still desperate to work in space on board a starship, even though they cannot become a part of Starfleet, the Merchant Marine is often a perfect solution. Although it's not nearly as difficult to join, the Merchant Marine still teaches its sailors many valuable spacefaring skills - and on occasion it may even serve up a dose of adventure or two. Plus, every member of the Federation acknowledges the valuable service the Merchant Marine provides, and it's considered an honor to be a member of it, even if its entrance requirements aren't as hard to meet as Starfleet's.
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Some of the more typical duties assigned to Merchant Marine ships include:
Some of the more typical duties assigned to Merchant Marine ships include:
*'''''Transporting goods:''''' The most common "mission" for a Merchant Marine vessel is transporting goods which Federation citizens cannot or prefer not to replicate. While most of the needs of many Federation citizens can be met with replicated goods, not everyone has easy access to [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Replicator replicators] (or industrial replicators big enough to make large items). Some items cannot, or should not, be replicated. One good example is artwork and craftwork, such as [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Mintakan Mintakan] tapestries. While it is possible to replicate such an item, a replicated copy would lack many of the qualities of an original, handmade one, and certainly would have little or no value as a work of art. Therefore a lively Federation trade in such items has sprung up. Similarly, some Federation citizens claim to be able to tell the difference between the taste of replicated food and "real" food, so there is trade in homegrown grains, meat animals, and similar products. Because of their access to such foodstuffs, some sailors are acomplished cooks who eat quite well.
*'''''Transporting goods:''''' The most common "mission" for a Merchant Marine vessel is transporting goods which Federation citizens cannot or prefer not to replicate. While most of the needs of many Federation citizens can be met with replicated goods, not everyone has easy access to [[ma:Replicator|replicators]] (or industrial replicators big enough to make large items). Some items cannot, or should not, be replicated. One good example is artwork and craftwork, such as [[ma:Mintakan|Mintakan]] tapestries. While it is possible to replicate such an item, a replicated copy would lack many of the qualities of an original, handmade one, and certainly would have little or no value as a work of art. Therefore a lively Federation trade in such items has sprung up. Similarly, some Federation citizens claim to be able to tell the difference between the taste of replicated food and "real" food, so there is trade in homegrown grains, meat animals, and similar products. Because of their access to such foodstuffs, some sailors are acomplished cooks who eat quite well.
*'''''Transporting passengers:''''' The Merchant Marine is not a commercial transportation service. Citizens of the Federation can't simply contact the Merchant Marine via [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Subspace_communication subspace radio] and book passage to [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Risa Risa] whenever they feel like taking a trip; for that, they must use private commercial transportation companies. However, there are many occasions when the Federation must transport large numbers of people. Some examples include establishing colonies, evacuating failed colonies, evacuating planets which are suffering from an attack or natural disaster, and ferrying large numbers of diplomats to important conferences. In these cases the Merchant Marine usually does the transporting. In fact, some Merchant Marine vessels are specifically designed as personnel transports, and come equipped with amenities such as [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Holodeck holodecks] for the passengers' use.
*'''''Transporting passengers:''''' The Merchant Marine is not a commercial transportation service. Citizens of the Federation can't simply contact the Merchant Marine via [[ma:Subspace communication|subspace radio]] and book passage to [[ma:Risa|Risa]] whenever they feel like taking a trip; for that, they must use private commercial transportation companies. However, there are many occasions when the Federation must transport large numbers of people. Some examples include establishing colonies, evacuating failed colonies, evacuating planets which are suffering from an attack or natural disaster, and ferrying large numbers of diplomats to important conferences. In these cases the Merchant Marine usually does the transporting. In fact, some Merchant Marine vessels are specifically designed as personnel transports, and come equipped with amenities such as [[ma:Holodeck|holodecks]] for the passengers' use.
*'''''Trade:''''' The Federation does conduct some official trade with non-member species. Typically this involves exchanging Federation goods for goods of equal value which the other race has but the Federation cannot manufacture, especially minerals like [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Dilithium dilithium] or [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Topaline topaline]. However, sometimes these trade missions are conducted solely to generate goodwill and help cement relations between the species and the Federation; whether the Federation obtains anything else of value in return is inconsequential.
*'''''Trade:''''' The Federation does conduct some official trade with non-member species. Typically this involves exchanging Federation goods for goods of equal value which the other race has but the Federation cannot manufacture, especially minerals like [[ma:Dilithium|dilithium]] or [[ma:Topaline|topaline]]. However, sometimes these trade missions are conducted solely to generate goodwill and help cement relations between the species and the Federation; whether the Federation obtains anything else of value in return is inconsequential.
*'''''Colony support:''''' The Federation has established many colonies and outposts throughout its space. Many extremely isolated colonies lie in deep space without any other inhabited planets for light-years around them. With no one else to trade with, and often nothing to trade until the colony becomes firmly established, the colonists remain dependent upon the Federation to provide supplies, check up on them periodically, and bring news of the rest of the galaxy. These jobs often fall to the Merchant Marine. Because of this, more than one sailor has met the person of his dreams at some colony and left the service to settle down and become a colonist.
*'''''Colony support:''''' The Federation has established many colonies and outposts throughout its space. Many extremely isolated colonies lie in deep space without any other inhabited planets for light-years around them. With no one else to trade with, and often nothing to trade until the colony becomes firmly established, the colonists remain dependent upon the Federation to provide supplies, check up on them periodically, and bring news of the rest of the galaxy. These jobs often fall to the Merchant Marine. Because of this, more than one sailor has met the person of his dreams at some colony and left the service to settle down and become a colonist.
*'''''Technology transfer:''''' The races of the Federation frequently exchange newly developed forms of technology with each other. Acquisition of Federation technology is also a prime motivating factor behind some species' request to join the Federation. Such exchanges of scientific knowledge and equipment usually fall within the purview of the Merchant Marine, since it is better prepared to carry large amounts of equipment than Starfleet. It can also easily accomodate diplomats of other personnel who accompany the items so that the transfer can be effectuated.
*'''''Technology transfer:''''' The races of the Federation frequently exchange newly developed forms of technology with each other. Acquisition of Federation technology is also a prime motivating factor behind some species' request to join the Federation. Such exchanges of scientific knowledge and equipment usually fall within the purview of the Merchant Marine, since it is better prepared to carry large amounts of equipment than Starfleet. It can also easily accomodate diplomats of other personnel who accompany the items so that the transfer can be effectuated.
*'''''Tugboat detail:''''' Even as advanced and sophisticated as they are, Federation ships sometimes become stranded for one reason or another. It may be damage caused by an attack, equipment failure, loss of power, or some other reason, but the ship still has to be retrieved. Most Merchant Marine ships have powerful engines and tractor beams designed to help them perform such a task.
*'''''Tugboat detail:''''' Even as advanced and sophisticated as they are, Federation ships sometimes become stranded for one reason or another. It may be damage caused by an attack, equipment failure, loss of power, or some other reason, but the ship still has to be retrieved. Most Merchant Marine ships have powerful engines and tractor beams designed to help them perform such a task.
*'''''Repair ships:''''' Similarly, ships which have been extensively damaged often need a large supply of parts to make repairs - parts which cannot be replicated (either because the [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Replicator replicators] are inoperational, or the items needed are too large for a ship's replicators). In such cases the Merchant Marine is usually called upon to ferry parts and repair personnel to the damaged ship (although in the case of ships which require classified military technology, Starfleet may instead take this duty upon itself). Some Merchant Marine craft specialize in repair work, with a large complement of engineers and equipment the next best thing to a full spacedock.
*'''''Repair ships:''''' Similarly, ships which have been extensively damaged often need a large supply of parts to make repairs - parts which cannot be replicated (either because the [[ma:Replicator|replicators]] are inoperational, or the items needed are too large for a ship's replicators). In such cases the Merchant Marine is usually called upon to ferry parts and repair personnel to the damaged ship (although in the case of ships which require classified military technology, Starfleet may instead take this duty upon itself). Some Merchant Marine craft specialize in repair work, with a large complement of engineers and equipment the next best thing to a full spacedock.


===A Sailor's Life===
===A Sailor's Life===
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Compared to [[Starfleet Ship Classes|Starfleet vessels]], Merchant Marine ships feel uncrowded. It doesn't take many persons to keep one of the relatively simple and easy-to-maintain freighters operational, or to make sure cargo is safe. Some ships, despite their rather large size, have a crew of only a dozen or so. However, those ships specifically designed to carry large numbers of passengers often have extensive crews.
Compared to [[Starfleet Ship Classes|Starfleet vessels]], Merchant Marine ships feel uncrowded. It doesn't take many persons to keep one of the relatively simple and easy-to-maintain freighters operational, or to make sure cargo is safe. Some ships, despite their rather large size, have a crew of only a dozen or so. However, those ships specifically designed to carry large numbers of passengers often have extensive crews.


Regulations in the Merchant Marine are not nearly as strict as those in Starfleet; after all, the Merchant Marine is not a quasi-military organization. Discipline tends to be more lax, and the officers and crew more easygoing, than usually seen in Starfleet. However, the Merchant Marine is required to abide by all pertinent Federation regulations, especially the [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Prime_Directive Prime Directive]. Common-sense safety regulations also apply, and most sailors observe them conscientiously, since they know the risks of space travel better than most people. The Merchant Marine also falls under the Federation's commercial regulations and laws; most Command officers have a thorough knowledge of such laws.
Regulations in the Merchant Marine are not nearly as strict as those in Starfleet; after all, the Merchant Marine is not a quasi-military organization. Discipline tends to be more lax, and the officers and crew more easygoing, than usually seen in Starfleet. However, the Merchant Marine is required to abide by all pertinent Federation regulations, especially the [[ma:Prime Directive|Prime Directive]]. Common-sense safety regulations also apply, and most sailors observe them conscientiously, since they know the risks of space travel better than most people. The Merchant Marine also falls under the Federation's commercial regulations and laws; most Command officers have a thorough knowledge of such laws.


On long journeys, life aboard a Merchant Marine vessel can get a little routine. Most Merchant Marine vessels do not have [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Holodeck holodecks] or similar forms of entertainment, so the crew oftens contents itself with studying, gambling, athletics, art, or other hobbies or diversions.
On long journeys, life aboard a Merchant Marine vessel can get a little routine. Most Merchant Marine vessels do not have [[ma:Holodeck|holodecks]] or similar forms of entertainment, so the crew oftens contents itself with studying, gambling, athletics, art, or other hobbies or diversions.


===Ranks and Departments===
===Ranks and Departments===
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The Merchant Marine uses a wide variety of vessels. The two things most of them have in common are (1) a great deal of room for cargo and/or passengers, and (2) engines strong enough to move all that weight, even though their top speed is not particularly high.
The Merchant Marine uses a wide variety of vessels. The two things most of them have in common are (1) a great deal of room for cargo and/or passengers, and (2) engines strong enough to move all that weight, even though their top speed is not particularly high.


[[Category:Organizations]]
[[Category:Miscellaneous Articles]]
[[Category:Miscellaneous Articles]]
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