Thank you gents for the advice and the empathetic statements. All my STCW courses were taken at MPT and I do not mind at all starting over at a 4 year academy. I will continue to work hard towards this goal and will update each of you when my journey is complete. Cheers and see you guys in the industry.
Look forward to your success, do keep us posted. Most of us old farts are done, and over it. But do wish the best for the young fellows trying to make a go of it. I had a mentor early on, may he RIP. Good luck sir.