true, many people cross over. I recall a japanese engineer who’d spent 4-6 yrs? in Marine engineer school in Japan, married a US National and wanted to convert. He got the wrong info or the wrong rep at NMC (handled at region level in those days)
and did his sea days all over again!
He’s probably a Chief by now but I thought it a crime as he knew more than most any engineer I sailed with. electronics and math and general stuff. a great guy and a big asset to whatever ship he sails now.