Republic Merchant Fleet

The Republic Merchant Fleet, also known as the Merchant Navy or simply as “RMF” refers to the fleet of civilian-owned merchant ships, operated by either the Republic government or the private sector, that engage in commerce or transportation of goods and services in and out of the navigable space of the Galactic Republic. Some critics claimed that the Republic Merchant Fleet was a paramilitary organization. Official however was Republic Merchant Fleet not part of the Republic Armed Forces. The Merchant Fleet was a uniformed service of the of the Galactic Republic and an auxiliary fleet for the Navy, but not a armed service, except in times of war when the Marchant Fleel are considered military personnel. The members were considered military personnel so that under the laws of war, they could not be executed as spies if they were serving on a battlefield. This guaranteed also veteran status to Merchant Fleet members who served during a war, so that they could receive the veteran's benefits. The members received the same training and equipment as there Navy counterparts. Also many services members of the Navy, Army and Marines stared to work for the Merchant Fleet after their service time ended, but Republic Merchant Fleet fell under the direction of the Ministry of Transpiration not the Ministry of Defense, even in thimes of war. The Merchant Fleet was responsible for transporting cargo and passengers during peace time. In time of war, the Merchant Freet acted as an auxiliary fleet for the Navy, and could be called upon to deliver troops and supplies for the Armed Forces or Jedi Order. Separate from the other military services, members who served in the Marchant Fleet were considered to be among the best-trained and best-equipped troops for logistical duties.

Merchant Fleet move cargo and passengers between planets within the Galactic Republic, operate and maintain deep space bulk transport ships, Evac ships, Hospital ships Landing crafts, Lighters, Light freighters, Luxury liners, Maintenance haulers, Mobile repair bases, Passenger freighters,  Passenger liners, Small passenger ships, Spaceboats, Tankers, Trade frigates, Transport ships, Yachts.

Behind the scenes
The Republic Merchant Fleet is based heavily upon the United States Merchant Marine, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps and the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps