Although the Merchant Marine has been in existence for decades, there is no official uniform manual available that details the precise intricacies and rules regarding uniforms and insignia. But the vertical fouled anchor has been used for decades as a corps device for on the shoulder boards, epaulets, and sleeves of personnel in the U.S. Merchant Marine to indicate the wearer is a licensed officer, equivalent to a line officer in the Navy and qualified to command the vessel.
Use the drop-down selection box to select the appropriate rank for the epaulets. The system of stripes on sleeves and shoulder boards and epaulets to indicate rank was taken directly from the United States Navy. Merchant Marine ranks range from O-1 Ensign to O-6 Captain.