Nelson & His World

Reading my books about Nelson and his time, I noticed that the crew members working on Royal navy ships are revered to as The ship’s company. Can you inform me why that is. And is the crew of a merchant navy ship also revered to as the ship’s company?
Sylvia

There is no real difference between the two terms, both mean the same thing, and both are used. However it is traditional in the Royal Navy to use the term Ships Company in preference to crew. Why this is, I am uncertain, but it may go back to the 16th century; I think it was Francis Drake who required that his crew, both Gentlemen (officers) and men "be of one company" and not regard themselves as seperate.

Thank you PhiloNauticus for answering my question. It is much appreciated.
Sylvia