The requirements for work experience vary by state. Some states are very strict and one must work 4 years directly for a PE (with some states understudy must have same discipline as bossman). Other states are “professional engineering level” work with no stipulation to work under a PE…operator and project managment experience are sometimes specifically excluded.
[ABET] engineering school is hard. And if you truly desire to be a mechanical/electrical/marine naval arch, I suggest going to regular engineering school. It will have many more opportunities, better R&D programs, better design projects/clubs, and way more industry connections.
However, if one wants to work in operations on ships or power plants, isn’t really into take differential equations, the maritime academies provide the best pathway.
There were some ABET/FE/PE discussions in this thread starting around message 137: Cheating on the USCG Unlimited Masters Exam - #137 by powerabout