[JamesP81]

In the past youth of that age did take on responsibilities of great magnitude. I am reminded of the young teen officer in the movie staring Robert Crowe, "Master and Commander". The fictional young man in that movie was essentially being "homeschooled" by the captain, the captain's friend, and the other members of the crew.

And lo and behold, he was an effective officer. David Farragut's story is actually similar in many ways. He went to sea as a young boy without a formal education and became the first Admiral in the US Navy, IIRC.

[AnAmericanMother]

That was the system at the time - originated in the British Navy and transferred to the young American Navy.

Midshipmen were sent to sea typically at 12 but as young as 10 or 11. After two years at sea they could officially be appointed midshipmen. They learned their trade at sea, and when ready could sit the examination for lieutenant.

It was essentially an OJT or apprenticeship program. Seemed to work pretty well -- that's how Lord Nelson started out.