[QUOTE=Capt D;21619]I see you stressed MATE. What about the Master 1600T test after 2-02?[/QUOTE]
NMC interprets the policy letter as meaning Mate, and as Jim Cavo pointed out, after 2/02 the tests for 1600, 3rd Mate & 2nd Mate are the exact same.
You have the Master 1600, so you will either need to go the backdoor route a la Doug Pine (apply for Inland Unlimited Master, test, then apply for 2nd Mate), or you will need to accrue the required time on vessels over 1599 tons.
The bigger issue will be assessments and OICNW courses and those are all predicated on when you began your sea time and if you got a 500 or 1600 ton Mate / STCW endorsement before 2/02.
Really, really unsatisfying answer for you, but Steve Foster has the most legitimate advice. Submit and see what they say. Steve fought the law, and Steve won, so it’s advice well worth listening to…