>>2033868I can only tell you from my experience which is canada
Before you join your officer academy, work as a deckhand/able seaman (able seaman is what you want because it's closest to your goal)
When you go to school you will have so much more knowledge about literally everything (not the hard stuff that requires a lot of math but don't worry as long as you're not retarded you can do it) but the day to day operations and shit
plus the money as AB is good
so call the school or google what you need to work as a deck hand, do the courses and get your medical, get with the union or cold apply to companies, once you're onna ship ask the capt. if you can learn to steer and get him to sign a steering testimonial, take that to the govt and get your AB, work as an AB and then consider applying to officer academy
I promise you bro you'll be head and shoulders above everyone while having a lot of money and IN's with companies WHO actually are willing to pay for your schooling to boot definitely spam the office lady with email questions about the company paying for your schooling
