You pretty much answered your own question, although you may not get a cutter. Might get a station somewhere. Good chance you would get some kind of a vessel though.
That's the problem with those darn sea going services, you run the risk of having to go to sea.
If you don't like that option......don't join. As you may know, the AST school has about a 50% attrition rate.
Dont worry about failing or were your gonna go if you do. Im on a 378 for the second time from a first school failure at school, but im not gonna let it get me down to where i dont make it the next time. Confidence is everything, dont doubt yourself