For purposes of this chapter, an individual shall be considered to have engaged in qualified service if, between , and , the individual—

((1)) was a member of the United States merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) serving as a crewmember of a vessel that was—

((A)) operated by the War Shipping Administration or the Office of Defense Transportation (or an agent of the Administration or Office);

((B)) operated in waters other than inland waters, the Great Lakes, and other lakes, bays, and harbors of the United States;

((C)) under contract or charter to, or property of, the Government of the United States; and

((D)) serving the Armed Forces; and

((2)) while so serving, was licensed or otherwise documented for service as a crewmember of such a vessel by an officer or employee of the United States authorized to license or document the individual for such service.