High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Merchant Navy (or Merchant Marine) refers to the merchant fleet of a country, which varies in capacity. Seafarers on merchant vessels, who hold various military-like ranks and responsibilities and are sometimes members of various maritime trade unions, are required by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers to carry Merchant Mariner`s Documents. King George V bestowed the title of the "Merchant Navy" on the British merchant shipping fleets following their service in the First World War, however a number or other nations have since adopted the title. The following is a partial list of the merchant navies or merchant marines of various countries.