Bob Christensen, age 14, of Springfield, Ill., for his question:
HOW LARGE IS THE UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE?
The Merchant Marine of the United states is made up of a group of privately owned and operated commercial vessels, flying the American flag, engaged either in foreign commerce, coastal trade, Great Lakes shipping or long distance towing operations on inland waterways.
The ocean going commercial fleet consists of about 600 ships, totaling over 20 million deadweight tons, the measure of carrying capacity of merchant ships. About another 150 vessels totaling more than 55 million deadweight tons serves the Great Lakes trade.
Among world flag fleets, the United States Merchant Marine ranks 11th in number of vessels and ninth on the basis of deadweight tonnage.
A need for vital and enriching trade has always induced countries to send their fleets to uncharted territories in search of resources and trading partners. Christopher Columbus was in search of an alternate route to the East when he discovered the New World.
Later, merchant ships provided the lifeline for goods and communication between the American colonies and Great Britain. The colonists early became skillful shipbuilders and sailors. An abundance of timber along the coast from Maine to Virginia encouraged ship building and the development of a lively international trade.
During the American Revolution, the merchant fleet contributed substantially to the American victory. By 1800, America's merchant fleet ranked second in the world only to Britain. But much United States shipping was destroyed during the Civil War. Most of the remaining ships became obsolete when steel hulls andr_¢t9am power were developed.
Technically today, the tiny African country of Liberia has the world's largest merchant marine. About 2,500 ships with more than 55 million gross tons fly the Liberian flag. But few of these ships are actually Liberian vessels. Many shipowners from other countries register their vessels in Liberia because taxes are lower there.
The United States Shipping Board was created in 1916. It improved the Merchant Marine by building and purchasing ships and regulating shipping. Since 1950, the Maritime Administration has assisted the merchant marine through programs designed to help U.S. shippers build and operate modern ships.
One way to become an officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine is to gain admission to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. Young persons can get information about the academy by writing to the Division of Maritime Academies, Maritime Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C. 20235.
A person can also earn an officer's license by studying at a state nautical school. But few states have these schools. The courses generally require three or four years of study.
Seamen can also earn an officers license by spending three years at sea, working either on the deck or in the engine room to advance in unlicensed ratings.