Really, the question comes down to one thing: how well do you do with scholastics? If you do well in school, then going to an academy is hand-down your best bet. It gives you the most options.
If your mind isn’t best adapted to going to college then a two year maritime program is for you. Because dropping out after two years of a more difficult four-year academy is going to saddle you with debt.
The good thing is, at 30 you probably already have the answer to the question, unlike a lot of 18 year olds.