I think that I have found enough info to answer my own question. 1. I can get my 2nd by sailing as an OICNW while [I]holding[/I] a 3rd, not necessarily sailing as one. 2. I can get my 1600 Masters after I get my 2nd, with a limited test, only if the restriction on my 2nd is 1600 or more.
I think as it stands now I would be closer to the 1000 restriction than the 1600. Which by-the-way, seems to jog my memory that the STCW 95 had some verbage to the effect that the minimum tonnage a 3rd would be issued with would be 2000??? Anyone know off the top of their head if that is ITC or GRT? Any word on when they might pull the trigger on the 95 stuff or will they wait until the Manila amendments come out and combine the whole works?