USNI Proceedings on Civilian Mariner Qualifications

Its a bit more nuanced than that. There are only 4 deck/cargo/bridge/medical/supply/etc officers onboard most merchant vessels. These officers (including the Captain) have a much wider range of duties than their Navy counterparts. Also the document you provided indicates that someone with a a maritime degree and a seconds can drop down to the lowest level officer in the navy. FYI -generally- anyone with a degree (maritime or otherwise) can join the armed forces as an officer.

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