Excellent observation!
At the start of WWII we needed a large number of deck officers and marine engineers to man (gender neutral) thousands of merchant ships. Those mariners who were near retirement went back to sea; those mariners who were about to graduate from martime academies and other training facilities were fast tracked to the work force. The US Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point was established as was the Maine Maritime Academy and produced licensed mariners in 18 months or so.
“(gender neutral)”
Thanks for clarifying that, but really not necessary!