I want to work on a deep sea vess, but I'm totally clueless and don't know my chances

So let’s say I wanted to shoot for an institutional training, do I wait another year to apply for CSUM or go straight for Maine Maritime which is still accepting apps until March 1? Does the institution matter as much as in academic pursuits, or is it just a matter of whether or not you can get your certs? If I were to go to MM, what’s the difference between the Marine Transportation Operations and Vessel Operations & Technology majors (MTO results in 3rd made unlimited tonnage and VOT can result in 1600-ton near coastal mate) and which would be best?