Weather and Waves

Bruce...if I am understanding your question correctly...you are asking what kind of training or educational background do meteorologists have in marine forecasting (of waves and other water conditions)??  Though I cannot speak for everyone in the meteorological community...based on my own personal experiences I would say that most meteorologists have some kind of formal training in what we call marine weather.  As I am sure you know...the weather and oceans affect one another and interact in complex ways.  Winds drive the Earth's ocean currents...and oceans provide the fuel for tropical cyclones...so each helps influence the other. 

I can also say this...the numerical models of today and the future are becoming more and more complex with the incorporation of air-sea physics.  Improved weather models that handle the interactions of land-air-sea will provide better guidance in wave forecasts. 

To answer your last question...I would take the middle ground.  Water conditions are influenced greatly by the weather...but there is more to it than just the weather.   

You are very welcome.  I would add that of course the coastal Weather Forecast Offices provide extensive training for their forecasters on marine forecasts.