This document discusses different types of ships and how they can be classified. Ships are classified based on their usage, such as merchant ships that transport cargo or passengers for commercial purposes, or naval/coast guard vessels. They can also be classified based on their support type in the water, such as using aerostatic, hydrodynamic, or hydrostatic support. The document provides examples for different types of merchant ships including general cargo ships, tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, and passenger ships; as well as naval/coast guard vessels, recreational vessels, tugs, research ships and ferries.