The state SSOP contract (Section 2.b.(2)(a)1.) says that, "I will sail on my license at sea for at least four (4) months during every two (2) consecutive years following the acceptance of my commission."
State school graduates can also apply for a deferment to attend graduate school. Reference: Deferment of service obligation under student incentive payment agreements. 46 U.S.C. 51510 (2007).
So, the state SSOP/SIP is more than flexible enough for me to do whatever I want.
You need to really read everything,
If you decide to attend graduate school after graduation, you may apply for a
deferment of your employment service obligation. The State maritime academy must approve and make a recommendation to MARAD. MARAD may grant a deferment of the employment service obligation for a period not to exceed two consecutive years, only for graduates considered to have superior academic and conduct records while at school, for the purpose of entering a marine or maritimerelated graduate course of study at an accredited graduate school.
An application for a deferment must be made through the Superintendent/
President of your school, who will forward your application together with his/her recommendation and an evaluation of your academic and conduct records, to MARAD for appropriate action. All supporting documentation that describes the marine or maritime-related graduate program from an accredited school shall accompany your request. MARAD will notify you of the action taken on your request.
Note that you need to take a marine or maritime related graduate program.
I also hate to tell you, you are wrong about sea service time, from the CFR.
(vi) Serve in the foreign or domestic
commerce or both, and the national defense of the United States for at least
three (3) years following graduation
from a School—
Afloat employment year. For purposes of the service obligation, a satisfactory year of afloat employment
shall be the lesser of—
(i) 150 days; or
(ii) The number of days employed
afloat that is at least equal to the median number of days of seafaring employment under articles achieved by
deck or engine officers in the most recent calendar year for which statistics
are available.
46 CFR § 310.7
You need to actually read what you are signing. You are very misinformed and making poor assumptions.