Self-improvement is the patriotic duty of every merchant seaman

Text on the object

Original (English) · read from the image, not independently checked

"Self-improvement is the Patriotic duty of every Merchant Seaman..."
With danger and hardship his constant companions, the American seaman's courage and devotion to duty is laying the foundation for victory and a better world tomorrow.
This Nation, recognizing the great debt it owes the American seaman, has already taken steps to repay that debt. It has established educational facilities and provided opportunities for advancement which the seaman never possessed before.
It is the duty of every seaman to take advantage of these opportunities for self-improvement. Today, it is not only his patriotic duty, but a personal obligation he owes his family and himself.
[signature: Edward Macauley]
Captain, USN, Retired
Deputy Administrator, War Shipping Administration
You Earn—While You Learn
Thorough machine-shop practice, electricity, etc., are taught Engineer Officer Candidates.
A. B. Enrollees learn steering, lights, etc.
The intricacies of navigation.
Uniforms and modern lodgings are provided Officer Candidates.
Excellent food carefully prepared is served.
Graduates are qualified to sit for examinations upon graduation.
[signature: G. Ruggiero]
TODAY is a day of Opportunity for the American merchant seaman. Never before have his chances for rapid promotion, increased wages, or self-improvement been as good as they are right now!
Every day when a new ship slides down the ways, it means another addition to the greatest merchant fleet ever built and operated by any nation in history. Every new ship means a day nearer to victory, provided . . . there are men and officers to man it.
Every seaman aboard ship has an equal opportunity to raise his grade. Training stations have been carefully planned and established to provide you with the necessary education to go up the ladder to success. Now you can become a Ship's Officer or Able-Bodied Seaman in a few months, whereas formerly it required years. Your Government has made all this possible to help you and your country.
Already, thousands of merchant seamen, men like yourself, have enrolled and successfully completed their courses of study in the United States Maritime Service Upgrading and Officer Candidate Schools. Today, these men are the officers of many of the new and modern vessels you see in every port.
Remember, you earn while you learn. Enrollees in the U. S. Maritime Service Officer Candidate and Upgrading Schools receive pay and subsistence allowances.
Enroll now. It is not only your patriotic duty but a duty you owe your country, yourself, and your family to improve yourself!
TO QUALIFY FOR UPGRADING
For Able Seaman: Graduates of a USMS Apprentice Seaman's School with 3 months' sea time or Ordinary Seamen with 6 months' deck service are qualified to enroll for A. B. upgrading courses.
For Ship's Officer: Seamen with 14 months' sea time in deck or engine departments are qualified to enroll as Officer Candidates for Officer's School.
Consult Your USMS Enrolling Office or Write
United States Maritime Service
TRAINING ORGANIZATION, WAR SHIPPING ADMINISTRATION, WASHINGTON 25, D. C.
[emblem: UNITED STATES MARITIME SERVICE]
U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1944 564047