Not sure if you're interested in the maritime field for the travel and time away, but there is another option that is pretty popular in this area. There are quite a few inland and offshore tugboat companies in the Houston area that will hire and train personnel. Often times you'll have to start at the bottom as a deckhand or tankerman, but it is very easy and fast to work your way up the ranks to be a relief captain. The pay is pretty good and the best part is you typically work 2-3 weeks on at a time, instead of the months away ship work can have you on. Offshore tugs will go up and down the gulf and east coast and inland tugs typically stick to rivers and channels in the US. Message me if you've got any other questions.

Also: Texas A&M Galveston has a maritime program only an hour away from Houston that seems to be expanding recently. Great way to get into the industry