The apprentice mate programs have virtually nothing to do with a TOAR, they have to do with STCW requirements. I’m not sure what comparison you’re trying to make here.
The academy guys can get toars done in school so this poll doesn’t apply to them…
I would have to question the veracity of this statement. I can’t say unequivocally that they don’t, but I have yet to see an academy grad that graduated with a completed TOAR. With the exception of SUNY’s 2 year program, most academies are focused on unlimited tonnage vessels, not towboats.