The
Merchant Navy is the maritime register of the
United Kingdom, and describes the seagoing commercial interests of UK-registered ships and their crews. Merchant Navy vessels fly the
Red Ensign and are regulated by the
Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
King George V bestowed the title of "Merchant Navy" on the British merchant shipping fleets following their service in the
First World War; a number of other nations have since adopted the title.