First Class Pilot Endorsement

I am trying to get a first class pilot endorsement. I made all the necessary trips and submitted my application to the nmc, so I can start testing. They came back, and said they needed further proof of bridge watching duties. I submitted a letter of time saying I had 362days as an apprentice mate on a towing vessel. Looking at the requirement list on the nmc website it’s a total of 1080 days and 540 of those days need to be performing bridge watching duties under the supervision of a master / standing regular watches as master, wheelman, AB, apprentice pilot, or equivalent capacity. Does apprentice mate not count? Any clarity would be greatly appreciated.