The correct answer is A) Forfeiture of money and property left on the vessel, and wages due. The penalty for desertion, as outlined in the U.S. Code, is the forfeiture of any money or property the deserter left on the vessel, as well as any wages that were due to them. This is the standard penalty for desertion, as it serves to deprive the deserter of the benefits they would have received had they completed their duties on the vessel. The other options are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the legal consequences of desertion. Option B is incorrect as desertion does not automatically lead to the revocation of a Merchant Mariner Credential. Options C and D are also incorrect as they describe penalties for other maritime offenses, not specifically desertion.