In establishing its system of insignia, the United States Maritime Service relied heavily upon the Coast Guard’s system of specialty marks and insignia of grade, which in turn had been heavily influenced by the United States Navy’s insignia and devices. To ensure that its Officers and Personnel would be recognized as serving in a distinct branch of service, the Maritime Service used an encircling wreath around its various specialty marks worn by Sailors, Chief Warrants, and both Line and Staff Officers; a vertical, fouled anchor is the Department device for Deck officers.
The U.S. Maritime Service manages the United States Merchant Marine Academy and provides oversight to other state-run maritime academies. The Merchant Marine has adopted many of the U.S. Maritime Service insignia, including this cap device for Officers.