Maritime Schools vs geting my AB ticket on my own?

Your security clearance will be very valuable during your job search. I suspect that you probably have many skills and contacts that will be helpful during your job search. TWIC is mess right now. I suggest that you apply for your TWIC and MMC ASAP. While you are waiting you can spend two to four weeks in school to get the BST, AB and 100 ton master classes done. Where to go to school depends on where you live or want to spend time in school. There are plenty of schools with courses at that level.