Merchant Services

The Merchant Marines or Merchant Service was a group within the Federation that operated various survey vessels and freighters.

The SS Beagle, commanded by Captain R.M. Merik, was a vessel operated by the Merchant Service. Merik joined the Service after dropping out of Starfleet Academy during his fifth year.

Carstairs, of the USS Enterprise, NCC-1701 , formerly served on a Merchant Marine freighter in the Canopus region. His ship had at one time visited Alpha Carinae II to conduct a geology survey of the planet for a mining company.

In the 25th-century, the Merchant Service provides crews for Star Fleet Fleet Auxiliaries, though these crews often hold reserve commissions within Star Fleet and are usually commanded by a Star Fleet Officer.