[Carl]

Just a thought - if you are already going to college or plan on attending, maybe look into Maine Maritime. It's a college and licensing all in one. You get the schooling and the training along with some sea time. Any of the maritime schools do this including the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point NY. The only possible draw back is that you may have to serve on American Flag vessels for awhile after graduation as part of your commitment if any of your tuition gets paid for by the government. This is becoming more and more difficult in the unlimited tonnage / horsepower arena (blue water) since there are less and less American flag ships. You always have MSC and all the MARAD ships. Keep in mind there are various unions associated with many ships also.