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What does 'R.M.S' stand for on the Titanic?

Question #8262. Asked by Stephanie.
Last updated Apr 05 2023.

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Baloo55th star
Answer has 41 votes
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Baloo55th star
22 year member
4545 replies avatar

Answer has 41 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.
An ordinary ship would be SS (Steam Ship) or MV (Motor Vessel). RMS stands for Royal Mail Ship - not steam ship. A sailing vessel can be RMS as well as can be a steamer. It's a distinction because of the carriage of the mails. These are very rare now - there are fewer than 5 in active service.
It is the ship prefix used for seagoing vessels that carry mail under contract to the British Royal Mail. Any vessel designated as "RMS" has the right both to fly the pennant of the Royal Mail when sailing and to include the Royal Mail "crown" logo with any identifying device and/or design for the ship. It was used by many shipping lines, but is often associated in particular with the White Star Line, Cunard Line, Royal Mail Lines and Union-Castle Line, which held a number of high-profile mail contracts, and traditionally prefixed the names of many of their ships with the initials "RMS".
link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Mail_Steamer

Response last updated by gtho4 on Apr 05 2023.
Feb 27 2009, 4:02 PM
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