Specialization vs Skill

[MarkShot]

What is the difference between these two crew attributes?

Thanks.

[miner1436]

Specialization I think is what they are trained in. Skill is what they do best.

[Powerthighs]

When a seaman gets promoted to petty officer, you choose a specialization. The two attributes of the sailor that relate to the specialty you selected immediately gain 20 points each.

I believe skill just relates to which attribute has the highest score.