Crossword Genius

Maritime force’s phantom provider of credit, might Spooner have said? (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

coastguard

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'maritime force's' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

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(Other definitions for coastguard that I've seen before include "Maritime force for defence, rescue, prevention of smuggling etc" , "One on the lookout for smugglers" , "Member of) marine rescue organisation" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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