Yeah, but if he likes the life, that is a huge carrot to have dangling out in front. It is what got me through it all. . .
Seems to like it. He has logged time with both CIVMAR and commercial and says he wants to ship out. It's nice to know that God willing by the time he's 26 or so, he could've already fulfilled his industry obligation, or done 5 years active duty in the Navy/Marines/CG perhaps, and have the respectable resume that goes with that. In this day and age its not uncommon for 26 year olds to still be marking time as undergrads.
For Wildcat30 and other young people even remotely interested in this profession and considering USMMA and/or for that matter the State Maritime schools, by all means run it to ground. If you're game to take on the rigor of the program you can come away with a degree, license and commission, and all the doors those quals open up for you. Very few 17 year olds know what they want to do with the rest of their lives but you can choose a lot worse than this. Certainly a significant number of kids for whatever reason fnd out while they're there that it isn't for them and leave. However I expect even those kids gain a lot from the experience and it helps them succeed on on another path,. Take the shot.