So not counting the time it takes to gain enough experience to "
just steer and stay off the rocks and shoals" (which so far has taken me 50 years) a person entering this field should go to this school for about 150 days and pay several thousand dollars for the privlige of what. And that's not counting little things like stints at a merchant marine accadamy or military time. Oh well, at least they'll be able to read a wine label. I'm sure that will make up for not being able to read a sea or a chart like the yacht I watched coming down from Boston in 7' seas last summer who followed his courseline religiously while taking it on the quarter all the way to the CC canal (can anyone spell seasick guests)and while almost running into a lighthouse because he didn't notice the buoy a 1/4 mile to its east. I think the profession may be heading for a time when they have very well tested, multiply certified, computer skilled ....oh wait, they can make more money on land working 9-5 and have a family.
