ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Merchant vessel

A merchant vessel is a big boat that people use to transport goods from one place to another. It's like a really big truck, but it travels on water instead of roads. These boats can carry any kind of goods like food, clothes, electronics, furniture, and even cars. They are very important because they help people get the things they need from different parts of the world.

Just like your toys need to be stored in your toy box, the goods on the merchant vessel are stored in something called "cargo holds." These are big rooms where lots of items are stacked and secured so they won't move around too much. This keeps everything safe and organized during the journey across the ocean.

When the boat is ready to sail, the captain and the crew members make sure everything is in order, like checking the engine or the steering wheel. They use special maps and devices, like a GPS, to make sure they are going in the right direction. They must also follow some rules to keep everyone safe, like not going too fast or staying away from other boats.

Once the boat reaches its destination, the goods are unloaded and taken to different places where people can buy them. It's like when your mom goes grocery shopping and then brings the bags home. The merchant vessel helps people all over the world get the things they need, even if they come from far away.